Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US

Subject: RE: Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 04:47 AM

Thanks for the info I've had a quote of $355 usd which rather set me back,obviously people dont do things for nowt,but I wasnt expecting that sort of price.
As far as I can tell shipping and customs and VAT will be more than the purchase price
Its been an interesting exercise, spending an hour, last night on the customs and excise website and still not finding out what customs duty was going to be was a bit of an omen!
Thanks to the people who responded

Subject: RE: Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US
From: burntstump
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 04:47 AM

I recently had a guitar shipped over, the postal rate was 70 dollars for a declared value of 1000 dollars, I had to pick the guitar up and had to pay the vat on the 1000 dollars. Shipping took 3 days, could have done it cheaper with up to 10 days shipping.
Make sure the case is left unlocked but securely sealed with loads of thick tape, the reason for the case being unlocked is if customs want to check the contents they will force it open.

Last bit of advise do not try to be smart and under declare the value by too much, customs have a manual of all guitars, even vintage ones in order to check up on what you say it is worth.
If they catch you under declaring the value they have the power to confescate the guitar which then becomes the property of the crown, you then have to try and buy it back.You also get a fine.

Subject: RE: Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 04:38 AM

Subject: RE: Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US
From: Alba
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:07 PM

We cross posted Open Mike..lol that's the link I gave Andy:>)
Great Minds think alike.....
Blessings
Jude

Subject: RE: Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US
From: open mike
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:05 PM

you can find out how much it would cost to mail it on teh U.S. Postal service site i think it is www.usps.com so if yo uknow how much it might weigh you can find the price calculator there..

Subject: RE: Tech: Shipping Charges - guitar from US
From: Alba
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:04 PM

Andy you can check here: Parcel rates ect
If you still need help let me know and I can ask my local PO
best Wishes
Jude

Subject: Tech: Shipping Charges
From: GUEST,Andy ex of Shed currently renovating the at
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 05:35 PM

I'm considering buying a guitar from the States.Does anyone have any idea what shipping charges to the are likely to be.The guitar will be in a hard shell case in a guitar shipping box