buying an amp online

[Vince~]

Hey, I am intending to buy an amp from the states which cost about $3000 from a private seller (not a dealer) and this is my first purchase online. I hope some of you could tell me the procedures involved during the purchase. I have heard that upon the arrival of the amp, you are suppose to pay custom fees in order to clear the item and I would like to know how will they charge me on that. Finally, what are the best ways to overcome this matter so that I do not have to pay much more that the original price of the amp itself. Thanks

[lynchfan6]

Just curious ,,,,what kind of amp are you getting? (Soldano? )

[bucket_bot]

Very hard to advise you.....I suggest you go to the authorities in your own country and find out what percentage of the purchase price you may have to pay in import duty.
Also whether you will have to pay purchase tax on top of that as is the case here in the UK. Also some carriers will charge you a handling fee on top of all that as well!!!

The total extras can amount to as much as 20-25% of the purchase price here in the UK depending on what the item is.

Obviously that could add a lot onto the price you paid.Maybe some research on the web might help you?

One thing that may help....if he is willing to do it .......is to ask the seller if he will declare a lower value on the Customs declaration that he will have to fill out when he ships the amp?

[Vince~]

alright here was his reply:

"i took the amp all boxed to UPS today to get the shipping quote to you. it's going to be $510 to ship. thats included insurance and customs fee's. it will take 3 to 4 days too."

he said everything is included including the custom fees. does that mean that i do not have to pay anymore fees when it arrives to my country or the U.K for example?

[bucket_bot]

In the UK the sender cannot pay the taxes in advance as far as I know.
But you are not in the UK so maybe it's possible.

As I said you will need to research the procedures for your OWN country.

However $500 for shipping seems pretty expensive to me!!! Especially if you end up having to pay more when you take delivery.
I would tread with caution if I was you.
Personally I would not pay that amount for shipping. on a $3000 item.