Question Bringing gear back to UK from US

[mammoth]

Hey Guys!

I should be taking a trip to NYC in December and just wanted to know if anyone had purchased basses in the US to bring back to the UK.

I'm guessing i'll have to pay VAT and import duty etc but just wondered if anyone had any possible pitfalls or helpful tips.

Meanwhile, I still have to decide upon what to get... Bongo 4 Fretless, Bongo 5... Sterling/Stringray lovin too maybe!?

thanks in advance chaps and chapettes!

much love

Col

 

[Bass Control]

You're not really supposed to because of Music Man's policy. Whomever you buy it from could lose their privilege to sell MM instruments because they would be undermining the company's international distribution network by selling to an international client, whether you physically visit the store or not. The only exceptions are used gear and KNOS ("Kinda New Old Stock", or older than two years). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[mammoth]

Ouch! So as long as its pre 2006?

I didn't realise that guys, makes sense though, such a pain that gear is muchy muchy expensivo over here. What about international ebay sellers?? i always see newish stock.

thanks BC

Col

 

[MingusBASS]

You're not really supposed to because of Music Man's policy. Whomever you buy it from could lose their privilege to sell MM instruments because they would be undermining the company's international distribution network by selling to an international client, whether you physically visit the store or not. The only exceptions are used gear and KNOS ("Kinda New Old Stock", or older than two years). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe you are wrong. As long as the customer buys the instrument here in the States it is not against the EBMM dealer agreement.

 

[mynan]

You're not really supposed to because of Music Man's policy. Whomever you buy it from could lose their privilege to sell MM instruments because they would be undermining the company's international distribution network by selling to an international client, whether you physically visit the store or not. The only exceptions are used gear and KNOS ("Kinda New Old Stock", or older than two years). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

That's incorrect... If the person is in the store, it doesn't matter where they are from.

 

[roballanson]

I think the last two posters are right. you can buy a bass in the states and bring it back to the UK - the dealer is not going to throw you out of the shop because you are British...(well hopefully not).

 

[mammoth]

thanks for the advices guys!

 

[Musicman Nut]

You're not really supposed to because of Music Man's policy. Whomever you buy it from could lose their privilege to sell MM instruments because they would be undermining the company's international distribution network by selling to an international client, whether you physically visit the store or not. The only exceptions are used gear and KNOS ("Kinda New Old Stock", or older than two years). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I don't think your correct on this one.DJ

 

[Craiguitar]

You can buy it. I've bought stuff from Manny's and Guitar Center in NYC and brought it back to th UK. OK, nothing as big as a guitar. If its an expensive item like that then expect to pay 30% Import duty & tax when you get back to the UK.

In the end, you won't be saving much really.

 

[TheStiffness]

You can buy it. I've bought stuff from Manny's and Guitar Center in NYC and brought it back to th UK. OK, nothing as big as a guitar. If its an expensive item like that then expect to pay 30% Import duty & tax when you get back to the UK.

In the end, you won't be saving much really.

Correct, sir.

And the warranty won't be much good.

 

[oli@bass]

Meanwhile, I still have to decide upon what to get... Bongo 4 Fretless, Bongo 5... Sterling/Stringray lovin too maybe!?

One of each. In every of the new colours. At least...

 

[TNT]

The biggest issue here has nothing to do with MM or an out of area customer - it's the complete and blatant rip-off of the customer by the so called "import duty and tax"!!!

I don't want to get too political here, only to the extent it affects buying MM gear.

Buying a MM guitar in another country, and then bringing it home just adds to the overall excitement of this acquisition. However, I guess the country of origin doesn't have common sense and decency to realize this simple element.

As always, the government has a way of spoiling and ruining it. However, do whatever it takes to get a MM instrument, there worth it though!

I love MM guitars!!!!!!

 

[Aussie Mark]

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[INMT]

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[scottbass71]

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[mammoth]

look like i hit a nerve! i think what it boils down to is that the missus wants to go shopping in NY..... and so do I!!!!

im hoping to see plenty of bongo action stateside, im pretty limited in the try before you buy field here, even in London.

thanks again people

Col

 

[MingusBASS]

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[RocketRalf]

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[bovinehost]

Okay, this has gone on probably too long.

Let me remind you guys, as a responsible moderator, that suggestions on how to break the laws are probably not the best idea you ever had. (Also, knowing you lot, probably not the worst, either, but that's another subject.)

Were I one of those who suggested methods, I might go back and edit my post.

I hope you get what I'm saying.

Jack

 

[bovinehost]

I've been advised that you can't edit your own posts once a thread has been closed, so I hope I'll be forgiven for removing some of the suggestions.