Future Import Question

[Dakine]

Well guys, it's March already (darn where does the time go).
I still have a shedload to do (and some major expenses, with no money to pay yet and headaches to come), but of all things I am beginning to worry about my Axis.
What am I on about?
Well, I adore my Axis SS so much and worry about damage etc. (long term that is) and about new ones (got mine used).
What I am really interested in is the possibilities of buying a new EB Axis in States (from UK where I am moving back to) and shipping it over.
This kinda goes along with the "UK Dealer" thread.
EB seem to be a rare bird in the UK, and then choice is another problem.
I live in Texas (have for 6 years) so have not gotten into shipping/importing. But whats the skinny on this. It's not the cost in UK (although that is outrageous like many things imported) but the availability/choice.
If I buy a new EB from the States and import it will I just pay VAT and Import Duty (think VAT is still about 17% and import duty about 8%) on the guitar?
Anyone done this of late? Is it easy and painless enough?
Thanks,
Nick

 

[beej]

The big problem is that dealers won't (aren't supposed to, anyway) ship out of their country. So if you buy from a reputable dealer you'd have to get someone else to do the shipping for you. Alternately, if you can find someone to carry it over with them on a trip you'd save yourself a lot of $$$.

If you do either of these I'm guessing you won't have anyone to return it to should you have warranty repairs.

 

[Beth]

Hi Dakine,

The best thing for you to do would be (in order of my own personal preference):

-order the instrument from an authorized dealer in the UK or
-buy the instrument when you're in the States and hand-carry it over with you when you move -- this will allow you to avoid some duties and taxes and also will not get you into a situation where you will be jeopardizing an American Music Man dealer's contract with us. They are strictly prohibited from selling instruments to customers overseas.

-Beth

 

[Dakine]

Thanks Guys,
yeah, was informed of the Dealer Contract earlier.
I am in Texas now (have been for 6 years) but due to family illness will be moving back to UK this summer.
I have two EB Axis SS and just HATE the idea (lord forbid) somthing happening and needing to replace one, or even wanting to buy a third.
Problem is this (having lived in both countries I believe am pretty well qualified to speak here).
1. It seem's Ernie Ball is not the most represented guitar brand in the UK, crying shame!
2. Therefore the range of choice in the UK is very poor.
3. When a guitar costs the same in US Dollars as in UK pounds with an exchange rate of 1.73 (roughly) there is a problem (imo). I mean $1,300 guitar is then 1,300 pounds very roughly, or actually $2,249. I have done some research on VAT and Import Duty and NO WAY is that the cost differential.This is same for ALL USA guitars sold in UK it seem's, from Gibson to Jackson etc.

I am NOT getting at Ernie Ball as ADORE the guitars but, once again, as an Island the UK it seem's it getting sh*fted Big Time!

There are many things involved and I do not wish to get into politics or business here. Was just wondering about getting EB's when in UK from USA which has much more plentiful stock/selection. The cost was/is NOT the major issue here, but it is rather perplexing the difference in price though.

 

[Chris K]

I have the same "problem" as you myself, Dakine. I live in Norway and very few ebmm guitars find their way over here, and the prices are outrageous. Add 70-100 % on the US price. The thing is that shopping online from the US is popular in Norway, but many products are restricted from international sales, and many shops don't do international shipping. To solve these problems there are companies that offer you an US adress, and shipping to Norway for a little more than the postal service charges. This means that almost anything can be bought, because the dealer is technically doing a domestic sale.
My case is that I want a Morse model, but being a student, with a part time job money doesn't exactly grow on trees. I can afford one in Norway, but I don't want to spend more money than necessary to get one.
What is Ernie Balls opinion on this way of buying guitars from the US? The dealer is not technically doing an international sale. It's also not too different from having someone else buy it, and then send it to me. To make one last example, it would be cheaper for me to buy an airline ticket to NY, buy an Y2D, and go back even if I pay the VAT (which is 25 %).

 

[SteveB]

I am NOT getting at Ernie Ball as ADORE the guitars but, once again, as an Island the UK it seem's it getting sh*fted Big Time!

We're finally getting even for that 'Stamp Tax' imposed on us in the late 18th century.

I think with sales overseas, there's a distributor involved. That's one more party (who needs to make some $ on the deal) to the transaction than here in the USA.
Then you've got the shipping, which I'm sure is significantly more expensive than shipping within the USA. And then you've got your government's take, which really tips the scales.

Maybe start writing your local goverment rep and see about getting some VAT relief for guitars!

 

[Jonny Dubai]

I know exactly how you feel. UK prices are way higher than they should be and IMO may affect sales in the uK. Low sales = higher price??......but I am no buisness man. Would a lower UK price attract more sales in the UK? More sales = more choice?

Not wanting to start an argument here, just throwing it out there.

Jonny

 

[Dakine]

OK,
well it's my opinion and only an opinion but this is one thing.
My folks have been in the automotive industry since before I was born so know abit about that side (which are consumer goods just the same).

The UK is an Island and as such has alot of "Imported Goods" even if they come across a 5 mile stretch of water (English Channel).
Businesses (unscrupulous and greedy) take advantage of the whole "import" tag. We had to import this so it costs more! Bullcrap.

Few years ago UK people got fed up and started ordering and buying cars in Europe (we are part of the EEC, for those who don't know, European Market) so this is 100% legal. Well one manufacturer refused to order/sell the car (they make both right and left hand drive cars so was NO problem). That manufacturer got sued and LOST Big Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now car prices are way lower than years gone by.

Yes it will take public outcry (which is a damn shame) and probably will not happen for a "specialist" comodity like guitars, but the fact remains, as an Island the UK is Taken Advantage of.

I have checked import duties, tax and shipping and insurance. This is less than you may think.

The WHOLE problem is greed as "it's imported"!

Well, maybe if prices were lower more product (whatever it may be) would be sold huh?

Marshall and Vox are from UK, to name but two and they are still cheaper in USA. That is supply and demand, another problem. Why make things so cheap when we sell fewer units?

The argument revolves BUT an excessive profit by anyone is terrible and NOT fair, IMO.

 

[Dakine]

Just BTW, VAT is 17.5% so

Lets make it easy

USA 1,300 x 17.5% = $227 total $1,527 + Shipping (lets be generous) $150 = $1,677 + Import Tax (about 8%) = $135 Total= $1,812. This figure is from New Dealer Price Guitar in US but does NOT factor a UK dealer profit.

Now,
UK New Price = 1,300 gbp

Exchange rate of approx. 1.73

So 1,300 gbp = $2,249

This is by no means very accurate. For instance shipping is Tax Deductable in part for an importer/business.

Point is there is ALOT of greed/profit and advantage taken of UK citizens in this equation.

Again, NOT getting at EB is this is COMMON for pretty much ALL "imports". It basically just blows to be in UK and want a NON UK product!

 

[beej]

Guys, this has been covered to death on the forum. Search the threads.

MM has another distributer in the UK as they can't be everywhere. Having another middleman adds to the cost- everyone has to get a slice of the cheese.

Unfortunately, that's just the way it is.

 

[Dakine]

Beej
not trying to "flog a dead horse" just responding.
My original post was a query as I am in a different postion than many (having lived/living in two countries).
My fiance, soon to be wife, will always have family here in Texas so me getting a guitar from the USofA will not be an issue. Just lamenting the problems some countries experience due to imported goods is all.

What is the classic qoute? hmm, oh yeah "I think we are getting to many of our imports from abroad" ROFLMAO Thanks Mr Pesident.

 

[beej]

Sorry, didn't mean that to sound rude

Funny quote indeed.

 

[JokerZero]

Question - is the same true for our friends in Ireland?

The Irish government as I recall are rather nice to musicians compared to the b8s8rds setting tax in the UK.

I had a quick google and couldn't find any dealers in Dublin - anyone out there know what the EB prices are in Ireland?

Any excuse to get a pint of Guinness fresh from St James's Gate will have me on the plane sharpish

also anyone know if I we will se the full range at the London Guitar show this May?

Trev

 

[Dakine]

Guess you mean Southern Ireland?
Tax is NOT really the issue at 17.5%.
Availability and "markup" are the killers IMO.

BTW, saw a dealer online from Canada openly advertising "World Wide Sales/Shipping" ?

And of course, if making a living with instruments in UK they are tax deductable.

 

[Spudmurphy]

1) Buy a good second hand one in the US.
2) Take off all the hardware and send hardware package to a relative in UK - marked "gift" Value £30.
3)Unbolt neck from body and pack body in suitcase - well wrapped of course.
4) Put neck in cardboard tube in hand luggage.
5)Get a "receipt" for "Second hand" guitar kit - value $100.
6) Enter UK through nothing to declare as value of goods is relatively small (I believe there is a limit)and reassemble.
Dishonest/Illegal?

 

[Trev]

1) Buy a good second hand one in the US.
2) Take off all the hardware and send hardware package to a relative in UK - marked "gift" Value £30.
3)Unbolt neck from body and pack body in suitcase - well wrapped of course.
4) Put neck in cardboard tube in hand luggage.
5)Get a "receipt" for "Second hand" guitar kit - value $100.
6) Enter UK through nothing to declare as value of goods is relatively small (I believe there is a limit)and reassemble.
Dishonest/Illegal?

That's the way to do it! LMAO!

 

[Spudmurphy]

#2, or,

Put the guitar/guitars in a condom, and swallow said condom.
Arrive in the UK eat Jellied eels and "sick up" the condom, or pass the condom and contents making sure contents do not go around the bend.

 

[Dakine]

Love #1 Spud, am SURE would work, ala Mr.Morse.

As for #2, would suggest getting a drummer to do it for ya LOL

 

[JokerZero]

LOL, nice 1 Spud - I might just do that next time I'm in the states. Time for that trip to Orlando (again), trouble is the family(read - wife) only want to hit the Carribbean.

 

[Colin]

Put the guitar/guitars in a condom, and swallow said condom.
Arrive in the UK eat Jellied eels and "sick up" the condom, or pass the condom and contents making sure contents do not go around the bend.

sounds like you've done this before?