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Aussie's experience with buying basses from USA?
- Thread starter ual
- Start date
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I was looking at importing a USA made G&L L-2500 into the UK. I was warned off it by another guy here who got really stung by customs. 30% import duty, but that is the UK. If they cannot decide on a "commodity code", or whatever it is called, straight away they get creative and go for one with a really high percentage to cover themselves. He said he would never again do it and strongly advised me against it, but as I say this is the UK and we get ripped off with most things here, YMMV.
If you go for it I wish you well and hope you get really nice bass.
If you go for it I wish you well and hope you get really nice bass.
Hey UAL ... saw your message and joined just to respond. I'm from Melbourne, living in Detroit, casually looking into issues from both sides of the pond regarding US-AU exports. The big outlets (eg Guitar Center) aren't interested in direct shipping but there are some companies which set up themselves as "middle men" to get things in so you can send to a US address. Most reputable international shippers won't reduce the stated duty - best way with Customs is declare everything accurately and you probably will be better off for it. I brought in several guitars on US visits when I still lived in Australia and Customs wasn't overly interested. I even declared a guitar a few hundred over the limit and the guy couldn't be bothered with the paperwork! My friend Anthony at guitarcolonel.com.au has some contacts with US companies and could maybe help with some ideas. I've thought a few times about setting up a casual business doing exactly what you're asking for but the mistrust about international ordering is probably the reason why it's not worth it. The Musicman gear here is definitely cheaper ... same for all of it really! Other thing to consider is postage - massive difference between US Postal and Fedex etc.
PS - quick search of Guitar Center second hand database (yes, mildly addictive if you live here and have five GCs within 30 miles with Michiganers desparate to raise cash) has the Stingray damage generally starting at US900 to US1100. Maybe that is just teasing but I feel better for sharing my pain ...
Depends what price your going to pay in America for it, like if it's a huge price save from Australian prices, well then yeah go for it.
I got myself a brand new stingray in a local music shop in New South Wales just on $2000 AUD with a case.
It was a 2005 LE one too, lovely instrument
After what I've heard from customs and all that stuff, I wouldn't bother if it's only going to save you a couple of hundred dollars in the pocket. It's worth just looking around Australia and comparing prices from seller to seller instead of doing what your doing.
But if you find yourself a bargain and do your math correct with all the shipments, charges and all that jazz, go for it that way if it's gonna save you heaps.
I got myself a brand new stingray in a local music shop in New South Wales just on $2000 AUD with a case.
It was a 2005 LE one too, lovely instrument
After what I've heard from customs and all that stuff, I wouldn't bother if it's only going to save you a couple of hundred dollars in the pocket. It's worth just looking around Australia and comparing prices from seller to seller instead of doing what your doing.
But if you find yourself a bargain and do your math correct with all the shipments, charges and all that jazz, go for it that way if it's gonna save you heaps.
Hi,
Brissy here. I bought a used Stingray5 from the US from eBay a couple of years ago. Cost me $850USD so no duty problems as under $1000.
Dealers would not export MusicMan due to manufacturer restrictions - they protect the dealers here so you and I have to forkout $3500AUD for a new bass locally.
If you can buy from a TB'er then fine or better still have a US contact buy the bass new in the finish you want then ship it to you as used.
Over $1000 attracts 5% duty as well as 10% GST on top of approx. $200-$250 USD shipping. USPS and Aus Post generally class a bass in case as too long so won't ship it.
My eBay SR5 was in lavender and I was very pleased with it.
Good luck!
PS I have a '77 SR4 -the Sabre is something different.
Brissy here. I bought a used Stingray5 from the US from eBay a couple of years ago. Cost me $850USD so no duty problems as under $1000.
Dealers would not export MusicMan due to manufacturer restrictions - they protect the dealers here so you and I have to forkout $3500AUD for a new bass locally.
If you can buy from a TB'er then fine or better still have a US contact buy the bass new in the finish you want then ship it to you as used.
Over $1000 attracts 5% duty as well as 10% GST on top of approx. $200-$250 USD shipping. USPS and Aus Post generally class a bass in case as too long so won't ship it.
My eBay SR5 was in lavender and I was very pleased with it.
Good luck!
PS I have a '77 SR4 -the Sabre is something different.
Phantasm
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
I sold an American Fender Jazz to AU a few years ago. The bass arrived in about 10 days and the buyer was very nervous until it got there. It was under $1000 and he never mentioned any kind of VAT. I shipped via USPS International Mail, and I want to say it was about $100. I shipped it in a HSC and it got there just fine.
