Importing instruments purchased abroad

[Lyle]

Could someone describe the procedures and costs for importing an instrument purchased abroad? How are customs fees calculated, where/when are they paid and to whom, and what do you need to be aware of in negotiating a purchase from an international seller?
Thanks,
LYLE

[Travis Finch]

Heya Lyle,

You might want to go here: www.thesacousticmsicco.co.uk

This is a mando shop over in Brighton, England. Trevor, the mando guy, should be able to answer some questions for you. You can usually find him checking the boards here too: www.mandolin.org.uk

I know they do a fair amount of trade back and forth with the US.

Where were you thinking of importing an instrument from?

Hope you get the answers you need,
Travis

[Lyle]

Travis,
This is very helpful. I am not currently looking at any particular instrument, I have just thought about getting a new bowl back from Europe since it is so difficulty to find one in the states.
Thanks,
Lyle

[billkilpatrick]

nothing could be easier - or potentially expensive!

purchasing a bowlback on ebay in europe - say - would be easy enough, especially if you use paypal. the "rub" starts with postal charges to the u.s. and who-knows-what you'll pay in import duties.

also ... "cheap" instruments are cheap for a reason: what you save in buying a bargain instrument may be lost in paying a luthier (or whomever) to make the beast playable.

it's odd ... here in italy, it's pretty easy to find a better than average bowlback at a decent price but very difficult to find a decent "a" or "f" style mandolin for anywhere near the price it would be sold for in the states. i imagine the opposite would hold for you(se).

[Travis Finch]

Hmmm...I actually have a '22 Calace I'm thinking of putting up for sale on the boards here. It's serving as a back up instrument at the moment but I'm thinking of finding a good home for it so I can get a different backup whose neck feels a little closer to my primary mandolin ('66 Pecoraro).

Any interest in a used bowlback? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Unfortunately, it will be a bit more pricey than the 70's model that's listed right now...

[Bob A]

If you're importing an instrument into the US, if it's an "antique" (which means 100 yrs old or more) there should be no customs duty. Be sure the sender makes the antique declaration.

Shipping is frightfully expensive. Depending on country of origin, it can also be subject to theft en route. The Italian dealers I've dealt with are fanatics about shipping in big wooden crates with every edge sealed and signed.

Other countries can be more lax. Bought a 1922 Calace from Australia, paid no duty, had no problem in shipping, and the packing was unusual, to say the least.

Still, I'd think you could find nearly anything you want in the US if you're patient and thorough.

[trevor]

I charge £70 to ship a mandolin to the USA, covered by my own insurance. I have never heard of a customer paying any customs on arrival but I always advise to check with local authorities if not sure. We do not under-declare values because then our insurance would be invalid.
Sorry, we don't do any bowlbacks.

[boatman]

It sure seems to me that the best way to buy an instrument in Europe is to get on the big silver bird and slip on over there, hand carrying your purchase home. Airline tickets are pretty reasonable, there is a good chance a seller will offer to host you when you're over yonder and you get to put your eyes on your potential purchase. I imagine an "wanted" ad placed in the Cafe classifieds would yield a number of leads. Regards

[Lyle]

Thanks to everyone who shared their counsel on this question. #
Lyle