Buying from the USA

[Ruby Darnell]

I bought a lap steel from Elderly a couple of years ago and had to pay import duty (didnt realise at the time of buying the guitar) and that put me off since although I've seen a guitar at the moment that I'd like to buy but it's in the same shop and the thought of the import tax is certainly putting me off. Is it possible to go out there and just bring one back? Do you still have to pay the tax then? Basil your tax would have covered the cost of a nice trip to America.

[Ken Byng]

You won't have to pay much at all John.

Basil, the 'gift' thing has never worked for me so at the suggestion of one seller in the USA he sent me a brand new item (volume pedal) with ITEM RETURNED FOLLOWING REPAIR on the proforma. It went straight though customs without a hitch. Since then I have bought several dozen items including a Telonics volume pedal, knee lever kits and a s/h steel guitar seat and the same thing - straight though. My friends in the States are only too happy to help in this way.

The boys who go to the Dallas show each year and bring back brand new steel guitars without paying any duty at customs just keep their show ID badges in case they get stopped and can show that they are bringing back their guitars after playing on the show. Seems to work for them.

There are ways and means of avoiding the excessive fees and duty - if you've got the bottle.

[Malcolm]

John, get some of the guys going to Dallas to bring it back for you.

[john roche]

Thanks for all replies on the post, just to let you know it's on it's way. I'll let you know how it went as soon as i get it.

[Bent Romnes]

Has anyone checked if it is the same importing stuff from Canada? You know..Canada being a British subject and all. If there are special rates, this could mean a lot of savings on an already reasonable BenRom steel. Anybody know anything about this?

[James Crowbear]

Canada being a British subject and all

is'nt Canada part of the Commonwealth, same as Pakistan, India & Australia ?
which does'nt mean i believe, that they are British subjects
Not in the EEC either which means Custom duties are applied to countries not part thereof

[Basil Henriques]

ANYTHING from outside of the EU (Formerly EEC) territory is subject to VAT and the relevant duties. The British Commonwealth of Nations no longer exists and neither do the dual nationality criteria that USED to apply. Very few nationals from outside the EU can now claim British citizenship. Formerly Great Britain now not so great but at least we retained our own currency and stayed clear of the € (euro)

[Jason Lynch]

amen to that, BH!

[Bent Romnes]

Yes, Crowbear, you're right about subject vs. commonwealth...I just couldn't find the right word . Basil, thanks for the info. I suspected it would be the way you describe it. However, A BenRom steel would be more reasonable considering the fact that it is very reasonable to start with.
Getting down off my soapbox now

[john roche]

Well have a tracking number for my item but when I track it I get the same
info , the item is still in the same place for the last 4 days. it's a joke.... anyone have the sam problem?