Importing an instrument from Germany

[sc_curtis]

Hi all,

I'm considering purchasing a tuba from a music store in Germany, but I don't know enough about importing to know how expensive it is, or even how to go about paying import taxes, fees, tariffs, or whatever is involved. I have spent hours googling and trying to figure this out, but to be honest, its overwhelming trying to sift through all of the information. I was hoping someone here has been through this process, and can explain it to me.

Thanks,
Steve

[tbonesullivan]

Do they regularly export brass instruments? Do you know what courier they are going to use? Is it a new tuba, and was it made in Germany?

Generally, the exporter is going to have the more important job, which is packing and properly filling out the customs forms. There shouldn't be any type of restrictions or permits required for shipping something like a Tuba.

[Matt Ransom]

I recently purchased a tuba from a music store in Spain. The shipping was via UPS Global (that was the chosen carrier of the store). UPS called me when the tuba arrived in the US, took care of all the customs paperwork and I payed my customs fee online directly to UPS. I was able to track every movement of the shipment from Spain to North Carolina. Could not have been any easier and took 7 days.

One word of caution when making credit card purchases outside the country. Most standard credit cards charge foreign transaction fees from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. This can add a surprise charge later when you get your CC statement and is in addition to any currency conversion charges. Make sure you purchase with a credit card that does not charge for foreign transactions.

[Donn]

If there's a chance that the music store could explain what they'll do, that's probably a lot better. I've actually bought three tubas from Germany, and it was different each time, because the sellers had different ideas about how to go about it. This store will have its own idea, and that's what counts - or, if they don't, you know you're in for an interesting time.

Transport was DHL twice. I believe the first time, some years ago, DHL / Deutsche Post may have been somewhat different, but in any case that seems to be a fairly easy way for Germans to ship overseas. Today, it means that it gets dropped off at a US Postal Service loading dock somewhere, and they take over for the rest of the trip. The carton was somewhat battered, but that's life in surface shipping. Tracking is provided but not much tracking, really only at the beginning and the end. One tuba came via air freight, which is a very good idea if the tuba has much value, but of course much more expensive and you have to go pick it up at the airport.

A couple of times the funds went via wire transfer. Your bank should be able to do this, for a fee.

[groth]

Hi all,

I'm considering purchasing a tuba from a music store in Germany, but I don't know enough about importing to know how expensive it is, or even how to go about paying import taxes, fees, tariffs, or whatever is involved. I have spent hours googling and trying to figure this out, but to be honest, its overwhelming trying to sift through all of the information. I was hoping someone here has been through this process, and can explain it to me.

Thanks,
Steve

I've bought 3 horns from Europe (1 Ukraine and 2 from Germany). Their VAT tax doesn't apply to the U.S. when you purchase, only if they buy from you. Shipping has usually been very cheap considering (like $150 USD) via DHL Parcel/USPS once it touches ground in New York. All you have to do is figure out the exchange rate and see if it's worth spending MORE of your American dollars for something that says LESS Euro on it. Usually it's still a good deal. Beware of what US Customs will do to your package though, had a horn really smashed up from them being careless in customs searching the contents.

[tbonesullivan]

Customs can be BRUTAL. Or they can do nothing at all. Hopefully they decide it's just a tuba and will leave it alone.

[Scubatuba]

What are you trying to get?

[jerseyeuph]

Has anyone had a horn shipped from Thomann Music to the U.S.? Any issues? I'm contemplating a purchase. Shipping is only $33. The buyer deals with customs fees.

[bort]

Has anyone had a horn shipped from Thomann Music to the U.S.? Any issues? I'm contemplating a purchase. Shipping is only $33. The buyer deals with customs fees.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=84028&p=634030&hili ... ng#p634030" target="_blank

[jerseyeuph]

Has anyone had a horn shipped from Thomann Music to the U.S.? Any issues? I'm contemplating a purchase. Shipping is only $33. The buyer deals with customs fees.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=84028&p=634030&hili ... ng#p634030" target="_blank" target="_blank

Very helpful. Thanks!

[sc_curtis]

Thanks to all for responses. After much deliberation, I ultimately decided to buy a horn from someone domestically, but I have learned a lot, and might still consider an international purchase in the future.

FWIW, I was looking at this instrument specifically:
https://www.fmb-direkt.de/en/b-stock/98 ... ba-yfb-621" target="_blank


Steve

[vespa50sp]

I'm a bit shocked at the low shipping costs listed for horns from Germany, I'm not sure about other places. I got a oval baritone shipped to my home via the DHL/US mail for $80, the mailman walked it right up to my door. Tubashop.de lists shipping costs for a full sized tuba at about $200.

[hubert]

I have just shipped a 5/4 tuba to the USA through DHL Germany. At arrival in USA USPS takes over further shipment and delivery to the home of the receiver. It goes all with track and trace. I have paid Euro 105 for the shipment. The parcel weighed 25 kg (including a gigbag of some 6 kg) and size was within DHL-limits of 120 x 60 x 60 cm. Delivery time is 10 - 12 working days. Import taxes are to be paid by the receiver at delivery and are around 3%, as far as I know.
The shipping fee of Tubashop must include some extra for insurance and or packing.
Hubert

[umlaut_kraut]

The shipping fee of Tubashop must include some extra for insurance and or packing.
Hubert

That, besides, I don't think tubashop ships on a very regular basis. Most of Uwe's sales are probably done by local pick-up.

I'm with a company that ships by UPS daily, and we're getting a significant discount on the fees, somewhere around 50%.

What we charge our customers is a different and somwehat political issue.