Stephen Judge wrote:
Now that I'm starting to upgarde to some hi-end (just) gear I am feeling the
pain with UK prices.

Why do items that are manufactured in say China, or NZ, cost so much more
here than in, say, the US.
They have to be exported to both countries (e.g. from NZ to the US and the
UK), both have tax to pay and import duty etc. Sure there are relatively
small differences in taxes and freight but nowhere near the 60% price
differentials encountered. For example the Plinius M16 pre-amp costs £3,400
here but the equivalent of £1,600 in NZ !

I'm wondering whether it is possible / worthwhile to try and import direct
from foreign manufacturers or dealers and pay Customs and Excise their dues.

Anyone done anything similar ?

Particulalry interested in stuff from NZ as they have the same voltahe as
us. Not worried about dealer warranties (I'll take the risk).

Stephen


I imported some precision shaft encoders from USA about 8 years ago
because I
could not find a UK source. Cost $150 but by the time I had paid import
duty,
VAT, consignment fees, post office costs etc it turned out to be £150.

Phil