Question for our dealer friends here.....worth it?

[JB1]

OK, here it is...

I'm in the UK, the exchange rate is good & I want a Bongo 4 (I'm thinking HS, but am open to suggestions).

Is there an easy way to take advantage of this situation & not get stung by customs?

I'm figuring $1200 for a Bongo = £642, then shipping, but I'd love to avoid some tax.....

Just to set the scene, I bought some earphones last year for about $100 (£60 back then). I ended up paying 20% tax....

Ideas/offers welcome.

 

[dlloyd]

OK, here it is...

I'm in the UK, the exchange rate is good & I want a Bongo 4 (I'm thinking HS, but am open to suggestions).

Is there an easy way to take advantage of this situation & not get stung by customs?

I'm figuring $1200 for a Bongo = £642, then shipping, but I'd love to avoid some tax.....

Just to set the scene, I bought some earphones last year for about $100 (£60 back then). I ended up paying 20% tax....

Ideas/offers welcome.

Avoiding tax is the best way to avoid insurance. Don't do it.

1.2 x 642 is way less than you'd pay going to a dealer here.

 

[bovinehost]

US Dealers are not supposed to sell to overseas buyers, so there's that.

Now you could have a friend here in the USA hook you up, but I wouldn't know anything about how that would work.

And eBay exists, of course.

But do NOT ship a bass undervalued. It is a BIG mistake. I hate taxes just like everyone else, but I had a one-of-a-kind Lakland (built for Willie Weeks) disappear on its way to Europe, and guess what?

I listened to the buyer and undervalued it so he'd save on tax. I still got paid, mind you, but he never got the bass and it was a good one, lost to thievery.

Just a heads up.

 

[oldbluebassman]

Agree with Bov. Don't under-insure. Don't ask the seller to undervalue on the shipping documentation. Pay the taxes. It's still a great deal.

HOWEVER I heard today that some well known MM dealers will no longer export to Europe and the like as it is contrary to their dealer agreement Maybe they've been wrapped over the knuckles for doing it.

All I would say is that EBMM should look at their sales arrangements in the UK which puts another mouth to feed aka. "Strings and Things" in the margin chain.

Interestingly a well known German bass manufacurer has closed it UK distributor and has opened it's own office to distribute product.


If you want to pay US prices then get on a plane, go to the USA and buy one and hand-carry it back.

 

[todd4ta]

There are lots of shops in the US that will sell and ship used basses internationally. So, if you can find a used Bongo at US shop, that would be a possible way around it.

If you let us know what you're looking for, we can keep our eyes open for you. I know for a fact that the GC here will ship overseas (I don't know if there is some rule about shipping used EB basses).

Todd

 

[bassmonkeee]

There are lots of shops in the US that will sell and ship used basses internationally. So, if you can find a used Bongo at US shop, that would be a possible way around it.

If you let us know what you're looking for, we can keep our eyes open for you. I know for a fact that the GC here will ship overseas (I don't know if there is some rule about shipping used EB basses).

Todd

Used basses shouldn't be an issue. I can't imagine that there is anything in the dealer contract covering used merchandise. But, as my significant other likes to remind me-- "You never get tired of being wrong, do you?"

 

[JB1]

Dave, I did think of going stateside and bringing one back, I think the saving would pay for the flight so the missus & I could have a weekend away.

What's the deal tax-wise, so I know what I'm in for if I want a used Bongo shipped over?

Any offers?
Thanks fellas

 

[JB1]

Oops, colours

I like Medallion Gold, Rolls Burgundy & Desert Gold.

Like I said, I'm thinking a 4HS, Rosewood FB, but (as Joan Armatrading said), I'm open to persuasion....

 

[lggranada]

So, even within the US, it's better not to undervalue on the shipping documentation or within US there's no problem?

My (not so brilliant idea ) is going to the USA and while i'm there, I order a bass undervaluing the shipment. When passing customs at the airport (in my country taxes are: 19%VAT +4,3% on declared value), I would only pay taxes on the bogus invoice... right?

 

[bassmonkeee]

Call it a hunch, but I'm thinking Ernie Ball, and their legal folk, might not like you guys discussing defrauding your respective governments on their interweb forum thingie.