Bought anything from USA?

Subject: Bought anything from USA?
From: Banjo,London
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:34 PM

Hi. I'm new!

Has anyone on this board ever bought any instrument parts from companies based in the USA? How did you find the prices, customer service, shipping times, etc? I'm a London-based instrument maker. I'm investigating getting, specifically, an electric mandolin pick-up from the States and I'd be interested in hearing about other peoples experiences in this area.

Thanks in advance!

Banjo

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: breezy
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:47 PM

I bought a stock of picks.
No pRoblem but I hadNt taken into account the customs/postal charges thaT ADDED 17 %

i PHONED DIRECT and spoke to the supplier and got a good deal as I was bulk buying in a small way.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Cluin
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:52 PM

I've bought a few things from Stew-Mac and the Martin people. Always gotten good service and prices. Used my credit card every time. Shipping is usually pretty quick too, within a week; but then, I'm in Canada.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 03:26 PM

I've bought craft supplies from the States before now and have found that I have had to pay 17.5% as well. The only time I've avoided this is when the other side kindly marked it as a gift!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Banjo,London
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 04:04 PM

Nice tip Zany Mouse! I'll try that if I order some Mother of Pearl from across the water.
Cheers.

Banjo

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: jimmyt
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 04:21 PM

i've a friend here that is a luthier. Let me know if you would like a real recommendation on whom to purchase from etc    jimmyt (ps I am here in the states)

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: mooman
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 04:47 PM

As a part-time instrument repairer, I've bought a stack of pickups and other bits and pieces from Shoreline Music in San Diego, California. A couple of times I was charged duty and a couple of times not. Their prices were so good that, even with the duty, the cost was far less than in Europe (and in one or two cases, e.g. PUTW pickups, I don't think the products were yet available this side). Speed and service (to Belgium) were excellent on all occasions.

Shoreline Music

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 05:43 PM

I've used Elderly music, and found them very good.
John

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 08:32 PM

Have a look at http://highlystrung.co.uk == They seem to sell a lot of American gear to the States and have a reasonable stock ready for UK sale at sensible prices. And Yes I have an interest. The guy who runs it is a mate,

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 06:33 AM

I've recently bought a banjo pick-up from Stewmac, paid by credit card and received it within a week. But do be aware that you will receive an invoice from the shipping company for the VAT and Duty.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Stour Delta
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 09:43 AM

I've bought bits and pieces for guitars from "Elderly" and not had to pay customs duty on them.
But on a Lee Oscar harmonica i was charged duty and had to collect it from the GPO.
Also a CD from the States i didn't have to pay duty on.

There doesn't seem to be any consistency applied, it's as if duty is charged at random?

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: GUEST,Santa
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 09:51 AM

Duties are not charged on anything that costs less than £18, including postage. So a CD would get through without any problem. I have received books, but then they are zero-rated on VAT and probably don't have duties anyway.

Anything more than that, you are expected to pay Duties, and VAT where appropriate. Plus the Post Office will charge you £4 for having to deliver the bill to you and collect etc.

To some extent it is a random charge: the Customs and Excise do not check every parcel coming into the country. At times of drug or terrorist hype then the percentage checked goes up.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Stour Delta
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 10:07 AM

Ah, that would explain it. Thanks for that Santa.

Even with the duty it's still worth buying guitar parts direct from the States i believe.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 01:27 PM

I believe that if you send it to a friend in the US, and they "re-pack" it, then fill out the green customs farm with a lowish value, and describe it as a gift, it might help.
John

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: GUEST,North of Watford Gap
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 03:19 PM

......bought plenty from the States from John Pierce, also loose strings - cameras etc etc.... some times have had to pay import duty tax and handling charges etc ... sometime not.... but over the years I have been in profit or at least had something I couldn't get here in the UK...

It's always worth checking out dealers in Europe first (e.g. Thomann) as there's no tax and they often have such items at a better price than dealers in the UK.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Banjo,London
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 05:01 PM

Thanks everyone so far. I'd like do do a resume:

If you buy something under £18 inc postage, theres no extras.

Books have no vat and probably no extras.

Anything else and you may get hit for duties, VAT, and even an extra £4 fee for the privelage!

It would seem anyone here on "The Island " wanting to order from the USA, could do with a "Buddy" in the States who buys for you and sends it over marked as a low value gift.

Not wanting to incur the wrath of HM Customs, I am not suggesting anyone does this.

What's anyone else think?

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: GUEST,North of Watford Gap
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 05:19 PM

just a couple of points -

If the package is opened and deemed to be

a) worth more than £18 inc postage

b) Not a gift (I was caught out when the dealer in the states marked it as a gift but included my VISA receipt)


the goods will be confiscated, you will have to pay for the vat, import duty, handling charge on their estimated true value. Plus a possible fine and or prison.

so make sure the "Buddy" gets it right...

as I said I've done ok buying from the states - expect the worse and hope for a happy surprise - Good Luck

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: Banjo,London
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 05:40 PM

Thanks North of Watford Gap,

Sad to here you nearly got sent down, for the sake of a shoddy dealer!

Maybe you could plead a 20 pick a day habit and get some music therapy in rehab!

Seriously though , point taken.

Subject: RE: Bought anything from USA?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 06:28 PM

I buy stuff in the USA all the time and never have a problem.

Ron
New Jersey