Importing 2nd Hand Gear from outside EU

thebookofbob

There's probably people here that's imported 2nd hand gear from the US..

Could you let me know if you had to pay VAT/ Customs charges on stuff like Ebay purchases from the US..

there's a couple of tasty synths I wouldn't mind getting my hands on but I don't want to end up being stung huge amounts shipping it here.

Regards

Rob

PaulBrewer

thebookofbob wrote: »

There's probably people here that's imported 2nd hand gear from the US..

Could you let me know if you had to pay VAT/ Customs charges on stuff like Ebay purchases from the US..

there's a couple of tasty synths I wouldn't mind getting my hands on but I don't want to end up being stung huge amounts shipping it here.

Regards

Rob

I've bought quite a few guitars in the last few years from Ebay.

Shipping has nearly doubled in cost. It used be in the $80 to $100 range and I recently had a quote for $220 (3 to 5 day)

You need to allow for the 21.5% vat in the transaction - it used be you might get caught maybe half the time but I've been charged on the last 4 I got.

Duty is 4.5% as I recall.

A 1 metre long , 10 kg 'Gift' isn't going to get past Customs these days.

Also , and stating the obvious, 110 volts 60hz is the US power compared to
our 220v 50hz.

thebookofbob

Thanks paul, That's kind of what I thought. I imported some electronic stuff a few years back & I got ripped but wondered whether it's still the case ... I saw a Korg Triton Rack I was after but by the time I've put Vat, shipping etc.. & bought a 110 transformer it's not worth it .. pity. Will have to keep my eye out on Adverts/EU Ebay, or wait till I'm over there in March & pay the excess baggage :-)

artvandulet

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jtsuited

PaulBrewer wrote: »

hence the trend of anonymity.

great idea btw re <snip>.

seannash

artvandulet wrote: »

<snip>

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ZV Yoda

The best way to look at non EU imports is to assume you will have to pay VAT & taxes (as is legally required). Chances are (in most cases) you're still getting a good deal. If (for some reason) you're not charged those taxes, then it's an even sweeter deal.

Also, some people suggest under declaring value... think twice, because:
1. It's illegal
2. If you have your shipment insured, any insurance payout is unlikely to exceed your declared value (so valuing your 1k piece of kit at 100 might save a bit on tax, but if it goes missing/gets damaged, it won't seem like such a clever idea.

Given current exchange rates, it's hard to knock the UK for shopping. Places like Dolphin charge stg£17 for shipping - that's less than €20 these days

PaulBrewer

ZV Yoda wrote: »

The best way to look at non EU imports is to assume you will have to pay VAT & taxes (as is legally required). Chances are (in most cases) you're still getting a good deal. If (for some reason) you're not charged those taxes, then it's an even sweeter deal.

Also, some people suggest under declaring value... think twice, because:
1. It's illegal
2. If you have your shipment insured, any insurance payout is unlikely to exceed your declared value (so valuing your 1k piece of kit at 100 might save a bit on tax, but if it goes missing/gets damaged, it won't seem like such a clever idea.

That's my view - and I've still had bargains.

Given current exchange rates, it's hard to knock the UK for shopping. Places like Dolphin charge stg£17 for shipping - that's less than €20 these days

Or you could come to Raheny and collect it for free ....;) Most stuff we buy in Sterling so the value is to be had locally too.

Creamy Sonic

Generally get stung with ups, fed ex, dhl, etc. Never when shipped via usps. Also ship it to a mates aunties house and have them collect it next time they visit. Fex ex even tried to collect vat on a box of children's clothes and toys my ma sent over one Christmas.

PaulBrewer

Just received a Peterson 490 Strobe Tuner from the US shipped by USPS and was charged Vat + Duty.