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Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 8:17 am
by plasticman_88
Hi everyone,
My band won a little competition and, all of a sudden, we have money to spend! So, I'm in the market for a 4003, preferably a little worn-in already. I've noticed that there are a LOT more Ricks on American eBay than there are on Australia's (they're also a lot cheaper). The only real issue I have with buying one of these is that I've got no idea what sort of postage and duties it would incur getting it into Brisbane.
Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth it? Maybe a cheeky quote, too?
Thanks,
Adrian
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:52 pm
by gellkeller
Adrian,
A bass will cost you up to $400US to have delivered to Australia which would include Insurance for the total value. Once it gets to Australia, you will have to pay 10% GST. There are no Import taxes on bass guitars. There could be some additional Customs charges like quarantine checks etc.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 9:40 am
by plasticman_88
Cheers for the advice, Brett, but I'm not sure it's going to be worth it.
I actually tried a 4003 out today at Tym Guitars in Brisbane. It sounded genuinely incredible, but the neck was pretty heinously bowed which gave it ridiculously high action. Is that the sort of thing that adjusting the truss-rods can fix, or is it just not worth it?
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 8:27 am
by plasticman_88
Ok, latest update. Tym's was only selling the bass on consignment, so it'd cost me extra to have it fixed. So, I guess it's not worth buying a Rick with a bowed neck.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 7:12 pm
by gellkeller
I'd be a bit hesitant as there can be a number of reasons why the neck is bowed. It's difficult to find a luthier that has a lot of experience with Rickenbackers and would have had prior experience resolving a similar issue. The problem may be as simple as adjusting the truss rods but there is also the possibility it is more than that.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 10:04 pm
by plasticman_88
Thanks Brett. I'm a bit worried that it could be a broken trussrod, so I've given up on that bass. Now, to Ebay!
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 8:39 am
by gregga41
I know this is a little bit late, but...
WELCOME to the forum Adrian!
Another Aussie here is always a cause for celebration.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 10:28 am
by plasticman_88
Thanks for the welcome, Greg. Now, if I could only find a JG 4003 and be a legitimate member.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 10:37 am
by weemac
Hey Adrian!
PM sent....
Eden.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:32 am
by gregga41
weemac wrote:Hey Adrian!
PM sent....
Eden.
Hopefully you'll have your Rick real soon!
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:52 pm
by weemac
Mayhaps........
emac.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:19 pm
by ozover50
Ooops!! Very late to the party here!
Welcome from another Downunderite, Adrian. Hope you find your Rick bass real soon!
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 2:13 am
by weemac
Aaaaaaand Sorted!
Eden.
Re: Import duties/postage costs for ordering a 4003 from the US
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 3:50 am
by tamere
Brett, thank you for the info I am importing a Gretsch to Australia and I am stressed out right now.