it was supposed to be a happy NGD :(

[PaoloGilberto]

thanks for the good thoughts
actually I had a tracking number for both guitars shipped with USPS
and damage can occur even with fedex , ups etc, but maybe it's easier with them to get your money back !?
well over 300 $ shipping for a 630 $ guitar ...hmmm
vat + customs = 27.2 %

but let's not start again the discussion about prices in Europe....it was enough and useless I think with that guy from Australia )

 

[DrKev]

but let's not start again the discussion about prices in Europe...

Yes, i do appreciate that!

When I worked for the big music store here in Paris, we only used UPS for shipping instruments, never one of the cheaper options (due to too many lost and damaged guitars). They were very easy for us to deal with on any damage claims, but of course it was a business account, we had staff hired to do exactly that job on behalf of the customer.

But I have heard that for individuals FedEx and UPS are much easier to get your money back from. But they will only pay out of you've followed their packing instructions, which are sensible and do help to reduce the chances of damage. When I got my Silhouette Special, it was well worth it for me, even including the import duty and taxes. Still worked out cheaper than I could have bought the same guitar for here and I got the guitar I wanted, with a confirmed delivery date, fully insured AND with peace of mind. Clearly on a cheaper instrument the calculation might not work out as well.

 

[coldsummer]

I've bought countless guitars from the States, and all over Europe for that matter, and only ever had one problem with damage. I always use UPS or Fedex nowadays simply because it is quicker and easier to track and for this alone the extra price is justified. My main issue with USPS is the big black hole when the guitar seems to disappear from the face of the earth and then reappear weeks later. It's too worrying for me so I prefer to pay an extra $200 or so and know that it will be in my hands within a few days.

I hope everything works out for you Paolo, I'm sure it will.