Cheaper guitars for the UK... Pretty Please.

[Bigpops]

Why do Ibanez guitars cost between 37% and 42% more in the UK than in the US? (VAT is 17.5% so that's no excuse)

There is no logical reason that I can see. If the guitars were made there, I could understand the additional cost of sending them overseas.
I can (and probably will) import a new Jem7V or Jem7DBK from America, and still save £320 ($500 USD) after paying shipping, VAT, and import duty. I could even fly there and pick it up for less than it would cost to take a trip to my local music store and purchase one second hand (I saw a 777VBK for £1050 ($1650 USD) only last week)
Somethings not right somewhere.

Sort it out. PLEASE!

[Rich]

The distributors set the price point where they want is all I can figure, list price in every country is different and doesn't reflect exchange rates. Furthermore UK is tough on discounts. This comes from FCN? letting a price war brew in the UK where it got to the point nobody made any money, as a result they lost the distributorship. Evidently they have things as they want them now.

[cerealk]

and Headstock do the distribution now...

[Bigpops]

Headstock won't be getting any of my money then. If they won't charge a fair price, i'll be importing. I import DVD's when they're cheaper overseas, and this is no different. The world is a global marketplace these days. No one should have to pay over the odds for something that their overseas neighbours get for a LOT less.

[foureyezonme]

Yes, indeedy. I had a hard time stomaching £1899 for a VWH. I spent £399 on a funky RG550 instead. Now I'm saving for an S-9860 (is that the model number?)...

It's just like most things over here in the UK - hifi equipment, shoes, clothing, computers, etc. Because we have a distributor, we get bent over something chronic.

My next Ibanez will be coming from Rich (if he can get it).

[caprile]

i'm lucky that here in chile i pay the same prices that you find in *************** or ********. maybe import rates are higher in the uk.
(btw chile is about to sign a free trade agreement with japan....i hope that does something for me!!!!!)

[Bigpops]

I've toyed with the idea of getting a cheaper Ibanez, but it's a Jem i really want. If I bought an RG550(EX) I'd still want a Jem. Last year I bought a PRS (my other dream guitar) hoping that it would lessen my Jem craving, and I could get away with only one expensive guitar. It didn't work, and i'm itching for a BSB.

[jono]

I believe when sufficient guitars are privately imported to cut into domestic sales Headstock will be forced to lower their prices. Whether importers/distributers like it or not the world is now a global market place and more and more potential customers are realising this.

[Bigpops]

Originally Posted by jono

I believe when sufficient guitars are privately imported to cut into domestic sales Headstock will be forced to lower their prices. Whether importers/distributers like it or not the world is now a global market place and more and more potential customers are realising this.

My thoughts exactly. It WILL happen. Anyone with internet access, and an interest in Ibanez guitars will see the potential to save a small fortune.

[jemsite]

The VENDOR LIST has a few dealers/resellers who will ship worldwide

[Globbits]

Originally Posted by foureyezonme

I spent £399 on a funky RG550 instead.

Where in the name of Value added tax did you get a 550 for £400??
(Sorry for bumping this up, but santa may bring a 550, and he needs to know where to buy it cheaply..! )

[Chipiem]

Try purchasing an Ibanez of any sort of quality here in Northern Ireland and you can be sure to get completly ripppppppped off!!

RG550....one of the special edition ones...(is it EX??) nearly £800 out of a reputed dealer.

I can get a Jem 7DBK shipped in from the USA, import taxes the lot for more or less the same price. i`m afraid there is no comparison!

Expect another £100 quid at least on the UK price, here in NI!

If there wasnt a swear filter on this site i`d f*£$ing well swear!

[Artist]

All of this is why my next guitar (just waiting for the 03s to be in) will be from rich.

[RG-Head]

i too think the prices in u.k should be lowered, i wanted a Ibanez sr705, it costs like over £400 here, i imported it from U.S, cost me £375 EVEN with import tax and VAT, now i am getting a guitar from the states again because the prices are rubbish in u.k

[Tezifon]

the prices in spain and france are too an abuse, a lot of ppl is buying now in germany with better prices, the shipping inside the eu is easy