Importing a bass from the EU

[Hellzero]

23 minutes ago, prowla said:

Great - so you’re only paying shipping plus the 1% VAT differential over what it would cost you in Germany. 

Exactly what I said way earlier...

[franzbassist]

This has been a useful thread. I appreciate all the comments.

 

For those that care about such things, this is what I'm getting.
 

Edited yesterday at 09:29 by franzbassist

[Obrienp]

That’s a very pretty thing!

[Russ]

You could probably fly to wherever it is in Europe on Easyjet, Ryanair, etc (even the Eurostar) and pick up the bass in person, and bring it back with you, probably with no questions asked, for less than the cost of the VAT, import duty, etc. 

 

Customs are going to be keeping an eye out for shifty people with suitcases and unusual travel histories, not some bloke with a gig bag. 

[Dad3353]

1 minute ago, Russ said:

... not some bloke with a gig bag. 

 

Hmm... Until they do, in which case, confiscation plus fine. One has to just weigh up the risks against benefits, really, but there is a risk. 

[Russ]

3 minutes ago, Dad3353 said:

 

Hmm... Until they do, in which case, confiscation plus fine. One has to just weigh up the risks against benefits, really, but there is a risk. 

There is a risk, but it's minimal. If that happens, you either say it was there being repaired, or you feign ignorance and pay the fee. 

[Dad3353]

5 minutes ago, Russ said:

There is a risk, but it's minimal. If that happens, you either say it was there being repaired, or you feign ignorance and pay the fee. 

 

... or make a run for it. Point over their shoulders, and shout 'Oh look..! There's Lord Lucan..!' and leg it. You never know, you might get lucky. 

Edited yesterday at 17:05 by Dad3353

[tauzero]

35 minutes ago, Russ said:

You could probably fly to wherever it is in Europe on Easyjet, Ryanair, etc (even the Eurostar) and pick up the bass in person, and bring it back with you, probably with no questions asked, for less than the cost of the VAT, import duty, etc. 

 

Customs are going to be keeping an eye out for shifty people with suitcases and unusual travel histories, not some bloke with a gig bag. 

 

The VAT would still have to be paid, at the German rate, when buying it.

[prowla]

53 minutes ago, Russ said:

You could probably fly to wherever it is in Europe on Easyjet, Ryanair, etc (even the Eurostar) and pick up the bass in person, and bring it back with you, probably with no questions asked, for less than the cost of the VAT, import duty, etc. 

 

Customs are going to be keeping an eye out for shifty people with suitcases and unusual travel histories, not some bloke with a gig bag. 

As per previous comments, the cost difference between buying retail in EU and importing is marginal, so going in person wouldn't be a saving.