Customs question. Slightly Different

Kenny_D

I'm thinking of ordering a guitar from shorelinemusic.com

They are an american company but the guitar I want is made in Ireland. I was told I could pick up the guitar myself the factory up north

Someone told me though that I'd still have to pay customs/taxes even though it never leaves the country. Just because it is bought from America. It works out 1300 cheaper for the particular guitar from the American site

€3800 here and €2500 from Shoreline


Anyone know whether this is true? Souns bull to me but I deffinitely cant afford customs/taxes on top of the 2500. Otherwise I'll have to get a lower model


Thanks

Doctor J

As in import tax? Hmmm, tough one to call but since import duty is usually paid when the instrument itself comes through customs with the courier I struggle to see where you'll get nabbed. If you don't get stung when the instrument enters the country then you're good to go. It's not Shoreline Music's issue, you pay them the normal retail price, they ok that you've paid and you collect. Whether you are taxed or not is not their problem, you'd be taxed by Customs and Exise in Ireland, not the vendor or the supplier. Although technically you purchased it in the states, technically the instrument hasn't been exported yet. I suppose, being a responsible citizen of course you'll declare it but the thing is, I've heard the customs office between Newry and Dundalk is kind of hard to find, so you may not be able to show it off to them

Kenny_D

I know it seems stupid but its just what I was told:

Be aware. If I buy goods from USA, I’ve to pay customs and tax. No matter if the items come from Germany, Russia, Angola, Honkong ore Ireland.

I have to get a German friend to buy it for me as Shoreline can no longer sell McIlroys to irish customers due to European dealers complaining about lost business. <== That really annoys me. Its no wonder they are losing business when they charge 1300 more for the same guitar when it doesnt even have to go through customs for an irish shop to get hold of it unlike the american shop

It's made in the country so I fail to see how it can get a customs charge when it never goes through customs

Ancient1

Boo-hoo.

Idiots.

Maybe they will introduce risk equalization to guitar shops now too.

Kenny_D

Thanks Ancient but that doesnt help. Who are the idiots?

Doctor J

But surely if you are jsut picking the guitar up for your german friend, it will only be liable for tax when you bring it into Germany... :v:

Ancient1

Sorry man, i wasn't having a go at you, i was refering to this:

GStormcrow wrote:

Shoreline can no longer sell McIlroys to irish customers due to European dealers complaining about lost business. <== That really annoys me.

It bugs me too when they (dealers) screw you with the price but then moan about lost business.

Kenny_D

Ah right cheers. Yeah its not right really.

I can tell that was sarcasm J :v:

I'll be collecting on his behalf

And I'll behalfin it for myself :v: :v: :v:

Doctor J

Boom Boom

I don't see how you can be charged import duty until something is imported, so I wouldn't worry about it. If it's your German friend who is saying that, ask him to check out German law, because I can't see how you'd be taxed for this tbh.

HusseinSarhan

Just tell the factory, they are small enough to sell to you direct, they may well do that and you could get it straight no hassle. Tell them what the situation is.

You are very lucky!

It is really mad, they should be cheaper here than anywhre else! Annoying is right.

Kenny_D

I contacted the factory before. They wont sell direct however I sent off another email explaining my unfortunate situation so maybe I can get something worked out. It's horrible, I've been wanting one of these for a while. I just had the money together to pay for it and something came up so I couldnt get the acoustic. And now that I am able to get it they cant sell it Irish customers anymore. I'm gutted

HusseinSarhan

GStormcrow wrote:

I contacted the factory before. They wont sell direct however I sent off another email explaining my unfortunate situation so maybe I can get something worked out. It's horrible, I've been wanting one of these for a while. I just had the money together to pay for it and something came up so I couldnt get the acoustic. And now that I am able to get it they cant sell it Irish customers anymore. I'm gutted

That sucks immensely. Really does. Ask someone to make an acception or else ask Perfect Pitch if they can do a hefty reduction or something. It's really disgraceful. Maybe you would be better off looking at a different maker such as Brook guitars in England. Amazing acoutics and they have the English sound that McIrlroy do too. I think you could probably get the man himself George Lowden to make you a guitar as a custom job. He still does as far as I know. Not too sure on that now.

Brook are seriously worht a look. They never come up used really; same as McIlroy. I think there may be a couple in the country and if you phone the factory they may be able to put you throught to any buyers in Ireland that you could meet up with or at least chat to about the guitars.

brookguitars.co.uk I think. Good luck.

Oh.. you could get a really deadly used Goodall for that price too. Maybe you'd have to wait for one to come up just right but you'd get it.

Buffalobrosguitars.com

check out http://www.dreamguitars.com/ too. Amazing stuff.


http://www.dreamguitars.com/preowned/acoustic/Goodall_Parlor_RP-142213.htm

Kenny_D

George Lowden does indeed do custom jobs. He takes on about 15 a year and they start at about £3500 sterling. Lol so wont be getting one of those. Also I've playden normal lowdens before and these McIlroys blow them out of the water especially for the great prices on them (well.. from Shoreline anyway). No shop would make a reduction I dont think. I have had my name down for a McIlroy in Perfect Pitch since October/November and rang them yesterday but they said they dont know whent they are getting more in

I'll have a look at those brook guitars but having never played one my mind is still on the McIlroy. I played a 9 series Taylor and a few Martins after play a McIlroy and they were just plain bad compared to the wonderful sound of the McIlroy. I was amazed at the fact that a very expensive taylor sounded so weak compare to a €2300 McIlroy, more than half its price

I've checked out Dream Guitars a few times. There stock doesnt really change that often though from what I can see

Kenny_D

Thats a nice Goodall but I've never played one so I wouldnt buy it. Also I dont really want a Rosewood guitar. Too rich a sound. I want a nice airy, bright, balanced tone. I'll wait and see what response I get from Dermot McIlroy. Hopefully will have some advice on what I should do

HusseinSarhan

GStormcrow wrote:

I've checked out Dream Guitars a few times. There stock doesnt really change that often though from what I can see

Have you seenthe prices on some of those guitars. That's why they wouldn't be churning them out. Their prices are very fair though. Don't think that all rosewood guitars are not going to sound airy enough for you as well. I think bracing has a bigger effect.

Look Martin, Taylor et al are absolutely no patch on hand made builders, that goes without saying.

If you are in london, visit the acoustic guitar centre. Then you can try out some really nice brands. Froggybottom, McIlroy, Goodall, Brook, Olson, Tippin or whatever.

Kenny_D

Lol I wont be in London any time soon. It comes down to playing the guitar first before I buy it. More so with an acoustic because they vary so widely. Obviously a hand built guitar will sound nicer but you usually pay more for a good hand built acoustic. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised with the McIlroys.

Yeah there are some stunning guitars on dream guitars for $10000+ . Nice to look at but thats about all for me. lol

HusseinSarhan

GStormcrow wrote:

Lol I wont be in London any time soon. It comes down to playing the guitar first before I buy it. More so with an acoustic because they vary so widely. Obviously a hand built guitar will sound nicer but you usually pay more for a good hand built acoustic. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised with the McIlroys.

Yeah there are some stunning guitars on dream guitars for $10000+ . Nice to look at but thats about all for me. lol

Buy used but in Excellent condition always I say. you could end up getting yourself something better for the money.

You could probably take a day trip to london for dirt cheap too. Definately worht considering if you are taking about spendignt the best part of €3000 here!

Kenny_D

€2500 would be my limit. If I was to factor in return flights to london I'm not sure what I'd get. And I'm not guaranteed to find something I'm happy to spend that kinda money on while over there

HusseinSarhan

ahem... bring a packed lunch and it would be the same as a trip into town! :v:

Seriously €107 for the flight, one day return with aerlingus at the ebnd of the month. Leave early and get a late flight back. A bit hectic but there you go, it's not that much money at all.

On Rynair direct to Stansted from Dublin (and you can pick the other airports too in London area) it is 43.50 EUR all charges inclusive.

Sat, 28 Jan 06

Flight 206

08:10 Depart Dublin (DUB)
09:20 Arrive London Stansted (STN)

Sat, 28 Jan 06

Flight 229

22:20 Depart London Stansted (STN)
23:30 Arrive Dublin (DUB)

Now come on, you can't do much better than that. the €6.50 would cover the tube day ticket(direct to the acoustic guitar centre actually!) and you coul check out al the amazing gear shops in London. If you plan the day you'll definately find something. Seiously, go pack your lunch.

Really, if this is going to be a lifetime investment I don't seewhy you should skimp on the opportunity of seeing what is out there. You may prefer what you see.

Kenny_D

Cheers. I'll look into it. In 3 weeks I'll be finished my college exams and have 2 weeks off so it might be a nice way to pass some time. Does this acoustic guitar center have a website with up to date stock?

HusseinSarhan

I presumed you'd be a college student by your budget you see! That's why I chose the end of january.. after exams and all that. I reckon you should google for it and get the website as I'm not sure. The London Classical guitar centre would also be worth a visit, some guitars worth tens and tens of thousands in there.

Anyway, just get a list of 5 or 6 really high end shops and plan your day around that.