US buyer purchasing from German online store

[AntiguaGuy]

I have been shopping for a new Guild Starfire I Bass in Cherry Red. The Guild website indicates that the current suggested retail price is $835; the listed price at most US online stores (Sweetwater, Chicago Music Exchange, etc.) is $649 with free shipping. This instrument is currently on backorder at those US online stores.

I noticed today that this model is "in stock" on the Thomann website, with a list price of $498. When I put it in my cart and go to checkout, the Thomann website says "All items in your shopping basket are in stock and can be shipped immediately....Delivery on Wednesday, 7. September" Thomann indicates that the shipping charge to my US address via UPS Express would be $64.82, for a total cost of $562.82.

Has anyone recently bought a bass at Thomann for shipment to the US? Are there additional taxes, import duties, or other fees that are not reflected in the $562.82 bottom line? It's hard for me to believe that I would save almost $90 by buying it online from a store in Germany rather than a store in the US.

Thanks.

 

[elgranluis]

The quoted price does not include import taxes , fees , or duties.

You should be ready to pay for those , but often your item will clear customs without you getting billed.

 

[g-dude]

You may end up having to pay duties on the bass.

You can look up the amount, and it takes a little digging, but it’s probably around 5%.

 

[B-Mac]

I have been shopping for a new Guild Starfire I Bass in Cherry Red. The Guild website indicates that the current suggested retail price is $835; the listed price at most US online stores (Sweetwater, Chicago Music Exchange, etc.) is $649 with free shipping. This instrument is currently on backorder at those US online stores.

I noticed today that this model is "in stock" on the Thomann website, with a list price of $498. When I put it in my cart and go to checkout, the Thomann website says "All items in your shopping basket are in stock and can be shipped immediately....Delivery on Wednesday, 7. September" Thomann indicates that the shipping charge to my US address via UPS Express would be $64.82, for a total cost of $562.82.

Has anyone recently bought a bass at Thomann for shipment to the US? Are there additional taxes, import duties, or other fees that are not reflected in the $562.82 bottom line? It's hard for me to believe that I would save almost $90 by buying it online from a store in Germany rather than a store in the US.

Thanks.

I’ve never ordered from Germany, but have ordered basses from Canada and U.K.

Not once did I pay taxes, fees or import duties. However, my credit cards always charged my card a currency exchange fee.

 

[g-dude]

I’ve never ordered from Germany, but have ordered basses from Canada and U.K.

Not once did I pay taxes, fees or import duties. However, my credit cards always charged my a currency exchange fee.

It can be hit or miss.

I got nailed for the higher duties that apply to Spanish-made acoustic guitars. Still saved a ton compared to buying one here in the US - got a quality solid wood Spanish instrument from a small manufacturer for less than what some mass produced Asian imports go for here.

 

[Spidey2112]

There may be a $$$ cap, before all the extra fees kick in... say, under $1K (arbitrary), just cost plus shipping.

 

[And I]

I've bought a bass from Thomann and played the advertised price with nothing extra for customs, etc.

 

[Sid Fang]

I used to buy from Thomann pretty regularly when I lived in France. They are big, reasonable, and German, which is to say they do things by-the-book. Purchases shipped from the EU to the US are not subject to VAT (19%), but they are subject to a US import duty of 6%. I have not bought anything from Thomann since moving to the US, but I have bought several basses from European luthiers, and each time, I got the TVA taken off the price by the luthier, but had the customs duty billed by FedEx based on the declared content and value. I would be very surprised if Thomann handled it any differently.

 

[Sid Fang]

I've bought a bass from Thomann and played the advertised price with nothing extra for customs, etc.

If you paid the advertised price for European customers, they saved you paperwork but came out ahead financially, as per my previous post. The VAT that could have come off is greater than the customs duty that should have been added. Who did they use for shipping, BTW?

 

[And I]

I don't remember who shipped it. It was a couple years ago

 

[pjb15]

I bought a Sire from Thomann, great experience with very fast delivery and was still cheaper than all N American distributors after all fees and taxes. I would def purchase again from them.

 

[JDA04OSU]

Ordered a Sire from them a couple years ago. Took about 6 weeks to get through customs and get delivered, if I recall correctly. I don’t think there were any added fees. If so, they were insignificant. I always point anyone looking for a Sire to Thomann. They consistently destroy US prices.

 

[Shepsdad]

I’ve bought numerous guitars and basses from Thomann (I’m in Indiana USA), and have never been hit with any charges above what Thomann quoted at checkout. I believe, like stated above, there is a $$ amount threshold. I’ve never ordered anything above $600

 

[KenD]

Keep in mind that the Euro has just recently dropped about 20% in value relative to the USD so that may have something to do with Thomann's pricing.

 

[Shepsdad]

If you paid the advertised price for European customers, they saved you paperwork but came out ahead financially, as per my previous post. The VAT that could have come off is greater than the customs duty that should have been added. Who did they use for shipping, BTW?

Last time I ordered from them, which was early july, their invoice said UPS express saver was shipping method.

 

[Killing Floor]

Thomann is a great reseller. And exchange rates can sometimes work for you and sometimes against. But they are legit and you shouldn’t have any concerns working with them.

 

[Lesfunk]

I don’t think you’ll get banged for duties for a purchase under $800
I bought a $500 sire bass from Andertons fairly recently and even after shipping my total was $504.00
I just bought a Warwick gig bag from Thomman and when they ship you will get it fast. Like 2-3 days fast

 

[B-Mac]

Keep in mind that the Euro has just recently dropped about 20% in value relative to the USD so that may have something to do with Thomann's pricing.

Awe man, now the G.A.S. is even worse...

 

[Lee Armstrong]

I've bought a bass from Thomann and played the advertised price with nothing extra for customs, etc.

Same, ordered a Guitarbass this past June from Thomann and just paid for the instrument and shipping.

 

[jd56hawk]

I have been shopping for a new Guild Starfire I Bass in Cherry Red. The Guild website indicates that the current suggested retail price is $835; the listed price at most US online stores (Sweetwater, Chicago Music Exchange, etc.) is $649 with free shipping. This instrument is currently on backorder at those US online stores.

I noticed today that this model is "in stock" on the Thomann website, with a list price of $498. When I put it in my cart and go to checkout, the Thomann website says "All items in your shopping basket are in stock and can be shipped immediately....Delivery on Wednesday, 7. September" Thomann indicates that the shipping charge to my US address via UPS Express would be $64.82, for a total cost of $562.82.

Has anyone recently bought a bass at Thomann for shipment to the US? Are there additional taxes, import duties, or other fees that are not reflected in the $562.82 bottom line? It's hard for me to believe that I would save almost $90 by buying it online from a store in Germany rather than a store in the US.

Thanks.

And you haven't checked Reverb?
A dozen or more available.