spongebob Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I've just managed to snare my dream bass on E-bay, from the USA. I've worked out the cost of purchase, shipping, etc, with the conversion before buying. However - when it comes to the customs charges and VAT - do I have to pay on a used instrument? I've already budgeted for a big lump on top! Are there any tips here? What can I get the seller to mark it as to help reduce the cost? Any ideas here welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 As Grareth said. Also, there's a lot of threads on here about this. Have a search about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PURPOLARIS Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 (edited) Yes mate, I bought the Bass in my pic from the US for $1000 mint second hand, pound was 2 to1 at the time so a bargain, same guitar here was £1400. Had to pay between £50-£70 custom duty, can't quite remember as I've had a few guitars from the US. I've bought guitar parts and never had to pay any duty on them but deffo paid for guitars every time. Edited May 17, 2009 by PURPOLARIS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 VAT has been reduced, but if you work out the price paid for the bass PLUS the cost of shipping in dollars, convert that to GBP and multiple by 20% you should be within £20 or so of your doorstep price. [rant]The fact that I have to pay duty on shipping - a service sourced and provided outside of the UK - still irks me! Surely we should just pay the duty on the cost of shipping from import hub to door. [/rant] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_g Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 i imported a secondhand godin bg4 once and had to pay dont think it was a great amount though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I've imported 3 basses in last few years all at $2:£1 so haven't done it for a while. If it's a bolt on and comes without a hard case get the guy to remove the neck - this reduces the volumetric weight for shipping hugely and you'll save a bundle. Adding 20 - 22% to the price + shipping usually comes in at what it'll cost by the time you get it home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boabskiboab Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I have recently imported a bass from japan. The bass cost £500 VAT £75 Import Tax £15 Parcelfarce handling £20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PURPOLARIS Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 [quote name='spongebob' date='May 17 2009, 05:26 PM' post='490682'] I've just managed to snare my dream bass on E-bay, from the USA. I've worked out the cost of purchase, shipping, etc, with the conversion before buying. However - when it comes to the customs charges and VAT - do I have to pay on a used instrument? I've already budgeted for a big lump on top! Are there any tips here? What can I get the seller to mark it as to help reduce the cost? Any ideas here welcome! [/quo By the way, what Bass did you get ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spongebob Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Rickenbacker 4004cii. I'm a Ric-addict, and I've been after one of these for a while! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 So the seller will saw the neck off for you....? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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