2. speakers
  3. 989620708

Buying from outside the United States?

Hi. I couldn't find a similar post, so I started one. I've recently seen ads by foreign hi-fi dealers that offer great prices on foreign gear. Has anyone ever ordered an item from overseas? Do you have to deal w/customs or duties associated with the transaction. What pitfalls must you be wary of? I don't want to start the debate over loyalty to local shops, so lets assume the item in question can not be found locally. Thanks.
alannalle
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
First and foremost, if its electronics, make sure they are US voltage. I have bought from Canada only with no problems. Have them ship it by Mail if possible. UPS or Fedex shipping almost always has some kind of surcharge from what I have been told.
texan
48 posts
 
Have bought some amps from the UAE and had no problems with duty only because they were mfd. in Canada (NAFTA). Only had to pay $20 to the freight forwarder, otherwise it would not have been a good deal. Also, check with the mfg. as far as voltage change. Best, Charlie
dacostab
84 posts
 
Another topic ..... why is it that so many sellers in the US will ship to the US only ??? (I'm in Canada).
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I don't mind Canada. I will only use the US Mail. I did ship some interconnects to Korea twice (same person). Do not think I would ship anything large outside of US/Canada.
More to discover