International Purchasing

Cropline · Feb 21, 2015

Found some photo gear on Ebay that comes from Japan. Does anyone have experience w/international purchasing whom can give a heads up on Import duties, taxes or other charges/concerns? Thank You for all qualified replies!

AgX · Feb 21, 2015

see this recent thread:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

tkamiya · Feb 21, 2015

I bought a lens from a seller in Japan. There was nothing to it. I purchased it (buy now) and paid via Paypal. He shipped it. It came in 3 days or so. It went through custom without any issues and I didn't have to get involved in any way. One day it showed up on my door step. I bought like this twice from different vendors and both time were identical.

It appears seller is a business, not an individual selling one or two. I don't know if that will make any difference.

DannL. · Feb 21, 2015

I've ordered many times, including recently. I have never been charged a Import Duty, though my purchases were all less than $500 each. My best shopping experiences photography-wise have all been out of Japan. The vendors I have dealt with have all described their equipment exactingly, leaving no doubt as to the condition. My advise is to always ask questions when in doubt. If the sale expires before they reply, they will generally relist the item within a day. Shipping time to my location has always been less that a week, averaging 4-5 days transit. I hope your experiences are equally satisfying.

Trail Images · Feb 21, 2015

I've ordered many times, including recently. I have never been charged a Import Duty, though my purchases were all less than $500 each. My best shopping experiences photography-wise have all been out of Japan. The vendors I have dealt with have all described their equipment exactingly, leaving no doubt as to the condition. My advise is to always ask questions when in doubt. If the sale expires before they reply, they will generally relist the item within a day. Shipping time to my location has always been less that a week, averaging 4-5 days transit. I hope your experiences are equally satisfying.

+1

Sirius Glass · Feb 21, 2015

Did you consider using www.KEH.com and shipping across state lines from as far away as Georgia? No not Georgia in Asia. No customs or duty payment and a great return policy.

Sirius Glass · Feb 21, 2015

Did you consider using www.KEH.com and shipping across state lines from as far away as Georgia? No, not Georgia in Asia. No customs or duty payment and a great return policy.

Trail Images · Feb 21, 2015

Did you consider using www.KEH.com and shipping across state lines from as far away as Georgia? No, not Georgia in Asia. No customs or duty payment and a great return policy.

A very good point. As far as I know as long as you're not in California or Georgia there is no tax collected by KEH either. The last item I bought from KEH I was surprised at the tax charge. Apparently CA & GA pay the extra. Naturally it was a rare unit I had bought and the price was high, so was the tax burden as a result too........UGH!

Cropline · Feb 21, 2015

Appreciate all the responses. Feel quite comfortable w/the answers.
KEH gets first consideration. Seems lately their items in MF have had lesser selection. I'm sure they will have more inventory soon. Pondering purchases in Bronica 645 and 6x7.

Sirius Glass · Feb 21, 2015

The HEK's quality will be better than they state and their cameras are returnable.

International Purchasing

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