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

Have you identified anyone in the US who would service the units in the event you would need it? Does the seller offer a return policy? How would you pay? Does the method of payment allow a refund if you wanted to send the units back? Ebay can be a great place for purchasing at bargain prices or a nightmare. Much depends on your understanding of the deal and the seller. FWIW dealers often have higher prices because they have these arrangements with the manufacturer and distributor in place. It eliminates much of the risk of loss.... for you...the buyer.

@2psyop There are many buyers of recognize the minimal value of all the "sleep-well-at-night" issues you bring up.  The OP obviously is one of them and willing to sleep fine without a warranty.  

I can't remember the last time I made a warranty claim but I do remember frustration over the years when warranty claims were difficult or denied.  I don't even like warranties on vehicles.  I'd light money on fire before I bought an extended warranty.

@2psyop I have bought a few things from outside the US.  As a consumer, you will be liable for very little duties.  I think I paid $30 on a $4500 amp once.  The key is the code that the shipper uses from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.  Gooogle it and see how complicated it is.  Ask the seller what tariff code they use, look it up, and you'll see your import duty responsibility. That said, it may not quite match but mine was such a small number I just paid it and went on.

Jerry

Jerry

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.