Importing from USA, Customs & VAT, Sweetwater etc

Mark1977

Hi all,
In the next few months I'm looking to purchase about E15k worth of audio gear from the USA (desk, monitors, pres, mics etc), through a combination of Ebay, Sweetwater and some other online retailers.

Could anybody give me their experiences of importing audio equipment from the USA? How were delivery costs/times?
Which company did you use? What was the story with VAT and Customs? How big/small was the order? Did you discuss custom issues with the retailer?
I have a VAT number so I can claim the VAT back, but what I'm not sure of is at what stage this happens, whether I present the number at the time of purchase and pay the ex-VAT rate, or whether I need to claim it back at a later date with my tax returns. Anybody have any experience with this?
In regard to eBay, are the prices incl. VAT? I can't seem to find info on this anywhere. I'd like to know if I can claim back VAT on eBay purchases.
Is there any way a business can claim back the cost of customs as well as the VAT?

I have no problem paying customs if necessary, but if I do I really need to know what the amount will be. I don't want (and can't afford) to have a scare when the bill comes with the delivery. I've read before that it can be quite random, but surely there's some way of estimating the cost accurately?
A lot of questions I know, so thanks for any help and advice!

PS: Before anybody jumps down my throat about not supporting local retailers; this is a startup, I'll be more than happy to buy local once I've got settled. There is absolutely no way I can afford what I want through local retailers, I need the biggest bang for my buck. If I can't get this equipment from outside Ireland, I won't be bothering at all, which means I won't be spending money locally down the line. Hopefully most people can understand that, and see that in the long run it will benefit local shops.:pac:

PaulBrewer

Mark -

The figures to allow for are -

21% Vat

Up to 4% ( I think) Duty, this can be a variable.

You are legally liable for these on an import.

Shipping from the US used be ok but has increased substantially in the last couple of years.


Have you approached local dealers looking for a package ? Euro 15k is a substantial chunk of money.

Remember too that a lot of manufacturers insist that repairs go back through the first dealer - so stuff may have to be returned to US and back to you at your expense !

Savman

Mark1977 wrote: »

There is absolutely no way I can afford what I want through local retailers

I'd beg to differ. Local = EU.

Not forgetting most of the stuff will need stepdown transformers to work on our wall sockets, the hassle of Customs etc. makes it a potential minefield.

You say you're spending €15k, I'm sure by the time you add in all the extra cost and hassle etc you could find a European supplier, even if it was a little extra. Remember anything bought in US will probably have to be sent back there for warranty repairs, and (speaking from experience here) this is an unbelievable pain the arse. If it even only happens once, it'll turn you off importing for life, especially with the level of gear you're suggesting.

Why don't you give us an insight as to what your seeking, give a better idea if this is really worth your while.

PaulBrewer

I didn't think of the power thing Sav, very good point.

Bluebirdstudios

Hi Mark,

Firstly the decision on where you buy is offcourse up to you, that's how open markets work !! But having spend a considerable amount of money in the last 18 months and looking at every option I'm surprised that importing from the US came out your no 1 choice..
-The freight alone will eat into any real margins you get
- added to that the duty which unfortunately is not at 4% it can be up to 28% the value of the product .
**** note that the value of a product is calculated at Irish retail values.
I myself on importing a product from the US ended up paying up to 24% duty when I queried it the gave me the above reason.
IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO GET QUOTE ON IMPORT DUTY SO THE AMOUNT CAN VARY GREATLY WITH NO FOREWARNING. - (hard to budget for)
If you get 50% discount on a product fron US this can be ignored on Irish duty.
The warranty is a consideration - but some manufacturers will have world wide warranty which entitles you to go to local agent -- You should really check this out underwise life can become hard in a year or so !!
Also bear in mind the companies like Rupert Neve only service their product back at the US base so it won't have much implication on those products for you if you import - they have to go back to the US anyway!

I'm not trying to put you off importing but if you want to PM me ,I can give you specific details of transactions I've recently done which may give you a better overall view of the process.
- Declan
Tip -- walk into Big Bear , X music , Studio solutions or Audio Wharehouse with 15K and see what they can do for you -- You might be pleasantly surprised. If your not happy with original quote go back and let them know -- they need your business your the man with the money -- most retailers will do as much as possible rather than watch 15k walk out the door!
- Declan

Rockshamrover

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Mark -

The figures to allow for are -

21% Vat

Up to 4% ( I think) Duty, this can be a variable.

You are legally liable for these on an import.

Shipping from the US used be ok but has increased substantially in the last couple of years.


Have you approached local dealers looking for a package ? Euro 15k is a substantial chunk of money.

Remember too that a lot of manufacturers insist that repairs go back through the first dealer - so stuff may have to be returned to US and back to you at your expense !

You also pay vat on the cost of shipping. I learned that recently on a small purchase.