Importing from Thomann to Canada

[fregly]

I don't know what trade agreements Canada has with the EU and don't want to get clobbered with import duties and fees. The prices are good from Thomann, unless I get a bad surprise at my door. If they ship UPS, that courier has gouging brokerage fees.

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by fregly

I don't know what trade agreements Canada has with the EU and don't want to get clobbered with import duties and fees. The prices are good from Thomann, unless I get a bad surprise at my door. If they ship UPS, that courier has gouging brokerage fees.

The only brand new guitar I have ever bought was from Thomann,
obviously, we WERE in the EU, as we shall remain for another couple of years 'til all the paperwork is signed or whatever.

Anyhoo.... It was incredibly poorly packaged IMO, just a flimsy cardboard box with some bubble wrap around the guitar.

The guitar (Recording King) did not have a case as standard , so I ordered a gig bag from them too.
They stuck the case in next to the guitar , rather than putting the guitar inside it ! I know .... go figger ....

There was an ominously large rip right through the front of the box.
The guitar was completely undamaged, but I'm pretty sure that was divine intervention or dumb luck.
Maybe they take more trouble over higher end stuff... I don't know.

Lately I have been checking out some prices to try and find the cure for a recent GAS outbreak.
I'm afraid that for us in Britain the Euro prices have suddenly become prohibitive

Sorry Fregly, none of this is any help to you is it ? I'll go and make a cuppa now and shut up...

[Wee Davy]

My Hummingbird Pro came to the UK from Thomann.
I found the whole experience seamless. Great communication with them since they have dedicated English speakers to answer the phone.
Guitar came perfectly packed and in good order.
A very competitive price and an extended guarantee.
I would recommend them without hesitation.

[fregly]

Disconcerting Long Jon, you were spared damage so....

I was thinking of getting a Furch, the price with exchange works out a lot cheaper in Euro dollars, almost to the point where the website must have miscalculated. Just doing a search it looks like acoustic guitars would get a 6% import charge to Canada, if that is correct.

[merlin666]

I find Thomann prices much higher than comparable ones in Canada, possibly because they have to pay higher import taxes on goods from Asia or U. S. than we do so if you ship something back to North America you pay twice for crossing a border.

So if it's something that is totally unavailable on this side of the pond and you really need it probably best to combine it with a vacation and pick up in person.

[jrdavis]

Fregly,

Have you contacted Bluedog Guitars in Vancouver? They are amazing to deal with and carry Furch/Stonebridge.

Here's the link http://bluedogguitars.com/

[fregly]

Thanks jr, yes they have great stuff. Man though, Lowdens have gotten expensive. Ouch