Buying from US

I notice that the Web site of www.bhphotovideo.com/ in New York quotes for shipping of Meade scopes to Ireland. The prices of the scopes are, as you all know, very reasonable even when the shipping charges are taken into account. However, and its a big however, what is the position regarding Import duty and customs if a new scope is shipped from the states?

If anyone has had experience of this I would be interested in hearing about it. For example, how is duty calculated?

I have already had a refurbished scope sent from the Meade factory outlet through a friend living in New York. The scope cost $146 and the shipping $180. Thats $326 which is less that €300. The same scope or similar costs over €1100 here. I was charged €27 on delivery.

My best guess is that import duty is something of a hit and miss affair. However a hit could be rather expensive.

Any information and comments welcome.

Clear skies,

Liam

Have a read of this:
www.gls-ireland.com/en/home/index.html
GLD handle US mail imports into Ireland.

Hi Liam,

This thread has a discussion on importing from the US, and duty etc.;

www.irishastronomy.org/boards/viewtopic....ostorder=asc&start=0

For example;

Nexstar 11GPS
Base price (US) €2,625.00
Scope checking charge €150.00
Shipping (UPS COD) €400.00
Insurance €100.00
SubTotal €3,275.00
Customs duty (4.2%) €137.55
VAT (21%) €716.64
Clearance charge €20.00
Total €4,149.19

(Prices etc. from Nov 2003)

John.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll just stick with Andy at North Down Telescopes. He seems like the safest bet and the best value for Euro to be found. Now if only I could sell my C8!!!! Anyone interested?

Liam