What to expect if I import an amp and preamp from a Japan seller via US eBay


I can’t afford the cost of the amp and preamp I’d like to buy.  I’ve discovered I can pay just less than half what I’d pay at a dealer in the US.  But I haven’ t done this before.  I’m aware that I won’t have a guarantee and that I’ll need a step down transformer.    I willing to take the risk of no guarantee.  But I don’t know what to expect when my box hits CUSTOMS.  What can I expect?  What are my responsibilities?  How much is it likely to cost me?, I’ll be paying $7000 for the amp and the preamp..

128x128echolane

No offense, man.....but I'm not liking how this is sounding.

That being said, I would expect that if you get stuck at customs, you can probably plan on 10% of the declared value (that's about what it is for watches). I'd plan on it, actually, especially if they declare the actual value.

 

 

If you can find out the commodity code, you can figure exactly the import duties.

If you are talking about Accuphase there are dealers who convert 100v Japan units but I would be weary of that. 

From my experience you should expect to pay up to 10% depending on the state you live in. I shipped a dac to Italy for updates/service and when it crossed the border on the way home it was reported. A few months later I received a bill from the state requesting 10% of the value I declared when shipping it.

Fortunately I had written all of this (returned for service) on the international waybill when setting up the shipment. The tax collector could have easily seen this but they prefer to make details YOUR problem. The waybill was used as a means of avoiding the tax when they came to collect. 
 

If it were me I would purchase with an American Express card to ensure there is automatic buyer protection and then contact DHL (or whoever you prefer) and arrange for the shipment yourself. At least that way you have control over the information given (declared value and replacement insurance). The carrier representing you should also be required to verify the item exists (is actually in the box) in the case the seller was planning on sending you a case of cinder blocks.