The 'Importing Stuff from Overseas' Thread

[Molly]

It seems more and more of you have experience of importing gear from overseas. Wondered if it was worth having a dedicated thread on the subject where you can share experiences, recommendations and contacts?

I wouldn't mind giving it a go but am wary of sending thousands of dollars overseas.

[TmcB]

Youshop do a great job if you're within their limits. They charge $5 for repacking if they deem necessary but it just yesterday saved me $45 shipping.

Painless way of getting things off the gear page but you sometimes have to play along with people asking you how you're finding Portland

[null_pointer]

It seems more and more of you have experience of importing gear from overseas. Wondered if it was worth having a dedicated thread on the subject where you can share experiences, recommendations and contacts?

I wouldn't mind giving it a go but am wary of sending thousands of dollars overseas.

Re: sending money, always opt for PayPal as your payment and don't use PayPal gift then you're covered (you can open a dispute if needed). Sometimes the price will reflect non-PPG by adding the 2.4% but I always reckon that's a small price to pay for some insurance on the deal

[Conway]

If buying off eBay and using their global shipping program, be aware it takes fricking ages for the stuff to get here and the tracking is practically non-existent. But you pre-pay NZ customs/GST, so it gets through the system a lot faster at this end. Last guitar I bought like this it was 3 1/2 to 4 weeks in the USA before landing in NZ, then at my door the next day.

You also commit to paying the GST upfront via eBay, so there's no chance of it possibly slipping through the net here. Although that seems to be happening less frequently these days, as the customs bastards ping every-bloody-thing.

[Conway]

By comparison, Thomann (Germany) seems to take about a week and stuff from Japan can be here in 4 days.

[Molly]

By comparison, Thomann (Germany) seems to take about a week and stuff from Japan can be here in 4 days.

Did wonder about Japan as it 'appens. Haven't seen anything I'd call a bargain though. From time to time something will come up on TM, like the Firebird VII the other day, and when I look at comparable Japanese prices they're always higher. The Santana is another good example.

Is it the case that you get a great selection to choose from but shouldn't expect a bargain?

[slash-ed]

Is it the case that you get a great selection to choose from but shouldn't expect a bargain?

That's exactly right. I really only look to Japan when I want something pretty special that you wouldn't find here.

[MattAnt]

By comparison, Thomann (Germany) seems to take about a week and stuff from Japan can be here in 4 days.

How much is Thomann shipping on say a guitar? $50 comes up as a line item but also says its just a placeholder...

[MattAnt]

Also anyone keen to bring in something from overseas see the thread I just started. Would be keen to "hunt and import" for anyone looking for a great deal!

http://www.nzguitars.com/forum/viewtopi ... 16#p678416

[jeremyb]

By comparison, Thomann (Germany) seems to take about a week and stuff from Japan can be here in 4 days.

How much is Thomann shipping on say a guitar? $50 comes up as a line item but also says its just a placeholder...

50 euro flat rate

[MattAnt]

Oh it doesn't go up/adjust? Good to know...

If I ever bring in a Duesenberg it would be through them.

[snitchez]

flat rate.. until you have a hard case..... then it shoots up.

[Conway]

By comparison, Thomann (Germany) seems to take about a week and stuff from Japan can be here in 4 days.

How much is Thomann shipping on say a guitar? $50 comes up as a line item but also says its just a placeholder...

50 euro flat rate

Yes, euros. Also note that when you put things in your cart and select shipping to NZ, it deducts the VAT from the price, so things always end up cheaper than the prices you're browsing.

[Conway]

Oh it doesn't go up/adjust? Good to know...

If I ever bring in a Duesenberg it would be through them.

LOL, just been looking on Thomann at a Duesy Outlaw the same as Marks...

[MattAnt]

flat rate.. until you have a hard case..... then it shoots up.

bummer. who would order a $3000 guitar without a hard case!?

You can browse the site in international mode without VAT and in the currency of your choice fyi