Importing 2nd Hand Gear from outside EU

thebookofbob · 17-12-2008 10:13AM #1

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 · 17-12-2008 10:28AM

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 · 17-12-2008 10:34AM

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 · 17-12-2008 11:42AM

<snip>

jtsuited · 17-12-2008 11:56AM

PaulBrewer wrote: »

hence the trend of anonymity.

great idea btw re <snip>.

seannash · 17-12-2008 01:31PM

artvandulet wrote: »

<snip>

<snip>

ZV Yoda · 17-12-2008 05:32PM

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 · 17-12-2008 06:27PM

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 · 17-12-2008 11:18PM

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 · 18-12-2008 12:01PM

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

Importing 2nd Hand Gear from outside EU

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