Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Thu Oct 01, 2015 3:59 pm
What is the benitfit of having a shipping account if you buy a steel in the USA? Thanks
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 5:45 am
There is no major financial advantage John, all duties will still be applied, the only benefit is that they may actually send it if we set up the shipping, many won't ship outside the US. If we arrange it they only have to hand it over on their doorstep, it is then ........ fully 'our' responsibility!
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:45 am
What Bob said. In many cases, you can end up paying in pounds what the guitar cost in dollars or even more!! If the exchange rate is not favourable for the pound, this can add up to a fair old sum.
Some shipping companies - I won't name them - have a very poor reputation for their handling skills, and for their reluctance to accept responsibility for damage to the instrument. Just read the horror stories on the US steel forum. In the good old days of 2 dollars to the pound, it made sense to fly over in person, pick up the guitar and bring it back.
Some shipping companies - I won't name them - have a very poor reputation for their handling skills, and for their reluctance to accept responsibility for damage to the instrument. Just read the horror stories on the US steel forum. In the good old days of 2 dollars to the pound, it made sense to fly over in person, pick up the guitar and bring it back.
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 9:34 am
Thanks Bob and Ken. Yes it's a worrying situation having a steel shipped because nobody will take care of it like you would. I was hoping to find a good 12 string Uni here but nothing has surfaced so far. I would love to get a Zum to round off my playing days
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 10:03 am
John - try WBS or Ronnie Bennett. You deal direct with the builder, and there are no import duties to contend with. WBS in particular are well worth checking out as Wolfgang Bednarz makes a fine guitar. Comparable to the best USA-built instruments (even Zum), and an S12 7 + 4 is a competative 3.495,00 Euros complete with flight-case.
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 11:01 am
Ken, yes I have looked at WBS, not the best website for information. Do they have the twelve string in stock or do I have to order and have it made...
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 11:53 am
I think WBS are all made to order John. There is a U12 option in their price list. 
Re: Buying from the US - Shipping Account?
Sat Oct 03, 2015 11:58 am
Thank you Ken, I have emailed Wolfgang for some information on the 12 string, they look really nice guitar. Prices are very good as well.