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

There may not be an import duty on goods from developing countrys into the
USA. I think China still has the " Most favorable Nation " trading status
from the USA so most of the stuff are duty free. I have in the past buying
music CDs from overseas and bring them home ( California ) and do not have
to pay duty on it, neither is paintings ( not printed ones ) or tea (
Personal experience ). I do not have to pay sale tax because I did not
purchase them in CA. Once I have purchased stuff about $20 more than the
allowed amount ( I think it was $400 at that time ), the Custom inspector
just crossed out my figure and put in $400. and let me go. Also, shipping
from China to USA is much cheaper as it is closer, only has the Pacific to
cross. The price you saw in USA HiFi publications are excluding sales tax.
The tax rate are different depends on which State and which County of that
state you are buying in. California typically paid 7-8.5% and Oregon has no
sale tax. There are still no sales tax buying from out of State ( mail order
or Internet order ) for the time being.
Steve Y

"Phil Brady" wrote in message
...


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