 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kj2008
Date: 2016-03-02 18:36
Checking the prices for the subject, I found they were substantially cheaper (in the tune of $1K) in U.K. and EU countries (i.e. Netherlands) than in U.S. And, I am told the manufacturer does not allow the dealers to sell the new equipment with any discount (below so called Minimum Selling Price) here in the States.
I wonder why there are such big difference on price and policy for the same products from the same company.
Any good and/or bad experiences of purchasing the clarinet from oversea to save this much of $? One thing I can think of is that I have to deal with custom and duty tax.
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2016-03-02 18:46
One WONDERFUL thing about purchasing in the USA is that you can have several shipped to you on a trial basis and you can choose the one you want. By ordering overseas, you get stuck with the one they send, whether it plays well or not. I purchased a used clarinet from England and had to pay a $65 import fee (as you mentioned) which I was not expecting. I bought mine through Lisa's Clarinets and it was a hassle-free experience. Highly recommend.
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Author: jthole
Date: 2016-03-03 17:15
I guess the high VAT tax levels in Europe having something to do with these price differences? You are looking at the VAT excluded prices. I guess that Buffet accepts a lower margin in Europe than in regions with lower sales tax.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2016-03-03 18:20
I have met some folks that would plan to visit buffet in France while on vacation. If they were going, or wanted to visit Europe anyway, they used that opportunity to pick up a clarinet at cheaper prices.
I don't know why the price difference, but yup, it's there.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-03-03 20:58
Some years ago (1995 ish) I ran into a gentleman from UK while I was shopping at a local Orlando music store. This guy had hauled his family with him (away from Disney! bet they were happy...) so he could shop for a new guitar. He told me it was much cheaper to take one home than to buy the same instrument in the UK. I wonder if that is still true, and/or if it mattered the country of origin of the guitar. Guy also told me that visiting FL Disney World was much cheaper (and more pleasant because of attitudes of locals to UK visitors, LOL) than visiting Disneyland Paris. I also wonder if that is still true.
And I wonder if you could pay for a trip somewhere with savings on an instrument. I understand that works, or almost works, for some automobiles.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2016-03-03 21:00)
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Author: TAS
Date: 2016-03-06 06:27
Those damned French.
Sticking it to the Americans again
TAS
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-03-06 11:33
Hahaha. it may not be the french, it may be the importers. Once an importer gains the sole right to sell in your country, he also gains the right to set the price. We have this issue with Moeck recorders which are SO overpriced, because of the importer setting a ridiculous price on them. If an importer knows they are importing a highly desired item, they are more likely to up the margins!
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Author: jthole
Date: 2016-03-06 13:36
> One thing I can think of is that I have to deal with custom and duty tax.
Many shops (like Matthews or Amsterdam Winds in the Netherlands) can help you with that; they have a lot of experience in selling to non-EU customers.
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Author: kj2008
Date: 2016-03-07 06:24
Yes, I found the big price difference between U.S and Europe through Matthews.
And, yes, a deal killer without warranty. This reminds me about cameras being sold in N.Y. dealers with grey market items even though they are brand new but no warranty.
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