To the Europeans,
buying a bass from in the US, what problem can you expect customs wise, can taxes be avoided?
buying a bass from in the US, what problem can you expect customs wise, can taxes be avoided?
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buying basses from US
- Thread starter Baskesman
- Start date
It might be better if you said which country you're in, as each country has its own customs department.
By and large you can expect to get taxed on a bass, though they do seem to drop the ball sometimes. You can ask the seller to under declare the value of the bass, but it means you won't be insured for the full value should it arrive damaged. Bear in mind that customs officials aren't stupid and have access to ebay like everyone else. You're risking having the bass impounded if you're caught trying to avoid duties - it's called smuggling.
By and large you can expect to get taxed on a bass, though they do seem to drop the ball sometimes. You can ask the seller to under declare the value of the bass, but it means you won't be insured for the full value should it arrive damaged. Bear in mind that customs officials aren't stupid and have access to ebay like everyone else. You're risking having the bass impounded if you're caught trying to avoid duties - it's called smuggling.
Thanks Musky, I'm from Belgium. valuable information.
I managed to do the 'no commercial value' with ordering vinyl is the states but those parcels are less 'eye catching' to the mr customs man I guess. I will try to find out the % tax on the value and reconsider.
I managed to do the 'no commercial value' with ordering vinyl is the states but those parcels are less 'eye catching' to the mr customs man I guess. I will try to find out the % tax on the value and reconsider.
Hello
I bought a bass from America to Ireland.
It's extremely variable, I paid nothing, customs didn't give a toss, but my strategy was simple: I played the bass 2 weeks before I left so it looked used, I covered the case in stickers so it appeared I brought it with me... No one cared...
BUT
Hide the receipt in a safe place, IF they stop you then listen to what they say, if they do find out you're lying, you're screwed, so rather pay something small, then outrageously huge, because you lied.
+1
You are also risking geting A CRIMINAL RECORD - not smart!!
So if you are caught avoiding taxes, then you will be prosecuted, get a record and may not be able to get a decent job...ever!
Is that worth saving a few dollars on the price? Buy used and search around - get smart - not caught!
I bought my fodera imperial from Austin bass traders, and the only thing I had to pay was the handling and the vat (tva in france as I live in France.)
Like myself, wait to see the euro/dollar being at the best rate for you when you pay your bass, and then you can talk with the seller to get the declared value lowered, that way, you'll pay less tax fees.
Like myself, wait to see the euro/dollar being at the best rate for you when you pay your bass, and then you can talk with the seller to get the declared value lowered, that way, you'll pay less tax fees.
Sometimes you get lucky and avoid the customs. It happened to me with a guitar I ordered from japan. But most of the time you have to pay the damn taxes.
*edited for politically correctness*
*edited for politically correctness*
Uh, one tip:
NEVER ask the seller to give you a fake invoice with a lower price... It can be traced back and not only you but the seller get into ****. Also, it's pretty bad etiquette.
NEVER ask the seller to give you a fake invoice with a lower price... It can be traced back and not only you but the seller get into ****. Also, it's pretty bad etiquette.
the part about lowering the price, it doesn't mean that I did that with my order, just something that some sellers may propose to you.
My opinion, if you order an instrument like a fodera or any high value instrument, you have the money to pay the full value of taxes.
Clever.
Let's plot a crime and post it on the internet. That's the best way to not get caught.
Yeah - what's the best way to steal from my government ...?
Yeah - what's the best way to steal from my government ...?
Hahaha yeah I like that!
This reminds me of this "fraud" us punks did back in the eighties:
We used to communicate with likeminded all over the world with letters (letters as in written pages, sent in a stamped envelope via the post office), and at the end of the letter we used to write:
"The stamps have been soaped, please cut them out and send the back in your answer mail..."
When getting the return mail, we wiped off the post-stamps and reused the stamps....
I wouldn't trust a seller who'd send bad documents..
USA folks don't know much about customs forms (overall)
there are size requirements for shipping.
Expect shipping to be expensive.
USA folks don't know much about customs forms (overall)
there are size requirements for shipping.
Expect shipping to be expensive.
If we're talking about USA to UK - then customs do open stuff at random and check - they will then charge fees not only for Tax and Customs duty, but also for actually holding the items while they check - like rent!! 
