Buying A Dual Recto From the U.S. HELP???

[zebedymusic]

Hey guys, im looking at buying a dual recto from the states as it is so much cheaper than getting one from the UK (rip off). Just wondering wether anyone can tell me how much it costs to clear it through customs or is there any way of me finding out?

Much appreciated

Craig

 

[94Tremoverb]

It may have changed now the VAT has gone up, but I think it's 22.5% of the declared value, usually plus a handling charge of around £13. And you think Mesa UK prices are a rip-off?!

Also, do not be tempted to get the seller to declare an undervaluation on the amp - or at least not by a lot - to reduce the cost of the duty. It's illegal to do so and if Customs catch you they can seize the amp and you have no comeback whatever, it's just gone. Also, you will only be insured for shipping loss for the declared value.

To be honest you're much better to buy a used one in the UK - it will be about the same price as a new one from the US when you take all that into account, you won't need a step-down transformer (they're about £50 too) and since you won't have a warranty on an imported amp anyway, there's no difference there. Be patient and you will find one - now is a very good time to be looking too, as people look for ways to pay off the Christmas bill...

 

[zebedymusic]

Since i posted this i actually rang customs to find out how much it would be, and including buying the transformer, clearing customs etc it would work out to be around £100 more to buy a used one from america rather than a used from the UK, so bit of no brainer now really

Im just desperate to get my hands on that tone

 

[erectifier]

Yeeah haha you should see the prictags on them here in aus... i looked at the ones on u.s. ebay too but came to the conclusion it would end up being about the same. Shipping something that big to australia is bad news