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#1
08-31-2021, 02:00 PM
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Shipping To Europe
I'm thinking about selling a $4000 guitar to someone in Europe. It seems like USPS is much cheaper than the other options however I can only insure the guitar for $650 for around $14. He's willing to except what ever happens to the guitar if something should happen. He will wire me the money before I ship. He wants me to have the declared value set to $650. Also, it's probably nothing, but I asked him to call me to discuss the sale and my CallerID said Fraudulent Call. Does anyone see any problems with this transaction? Thanks
Last edited by d40dave; 08-31-2021 at 02:15 PM. 
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#2
08-31-2021, 02:18 PM
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If it is a bank transfer you are probably safe. I would be weary to use something with buyer protection, as you would likely lost out if something happened. Finally, be aware that you would be technically breaking the law by underdeclaring the value. This could put you in an uncomfortable position if the guitar was confiscated and the buyer tried to blame you.
Is the buyer a member here? If they are, you can check up on their old posts and get an idea of who they are.
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#3
08-31-2021, 02:37 PM
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You do realise that the value you give on the Customs Declaration is the value that will be used on arrival in the purchaser’s country to calculate import duties and taxes? On the basis that you’d be understating the value of the guitar by 80+%, in the event that this under-valuation is discovered, I believe it’s possible that the guitar could be confiscated and you and the buyer could jointly be accused of conspiracy to defraud that country’s tax authority.
Just a thought… The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.
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John Brook ‘Lamorna’ OM (European Spruce/EIR) (2019) Lowden F-23 (Red Cedar/Claro Walnut) (2017) Martin D-18 (2012) Martin HD-28V (2010) Fender Standard Strat (2017-MIM) Last edited by JayBee1404; 08-31-2021 at 02:57 PM.
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#5
08-31-2021, 04:45 PM
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If the under declaration is picked up on the tax authority in the receiving country will just come to their own assessment and refuse to release to the buyer unless they pay that assessment.
If you've had your money wired to you and its in your bank account, you're fine and there is zero prospect of you being pursued by the receiving country's authorities. It's essentially a moral issue for you as to whether you want to help the buyer to attempt (probably successfully) to avoid whatever tax should be payable at true value.
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McNally Custom Dread Adi/Hog, McNally Custom OM Cedar/Walnut 000-28 Lowden S32J Guild F-512e (Spruce/Rosewood)
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#6
08-31-2021, 11:28 PM
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Another package sent on May, was returned to the sender last week… it is horrible.
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#7
09-01-2021, 12:12 AM
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deleted account
Last edited by Guest 02022022; 02-02-2022 at 01:06 PM.
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#8
09-01-2021, 06:34 AM
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Emerald X20 Emerald X20-12 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Martin D18 Ambertone Martin 000-15sm
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#9
09-01-2021, 10:15 AM
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*shrug* I've sent and received items trans-atlantic on the basis that its at the receiver's risk. Never any difficulty.
The caller ID thing is by no means real evidence of fraudulent activity. What fraudster is going to pay the money direct to your account by ETF? It's the buyer who is taking all the risk here. Again, this comes down to whether one is OK with under declaring value to assist a buyer avoid paying tax (assuming money is sitting in the OP's bank account before the guitar is shipped).
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McNally Custom Dread Adi/Hog, McNally Custom OM Cedar/Walnut 000-28 Lowden S32J Guild F-512e (Spruce/Rosewood) Last edited by Coler; 09-01-2021 at 03:59 PM.
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#10
09-01-2021, 12:17 PM
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#11
09-01-2021, 12:32 PM
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The buyer is clearly perpetrating a fraud and inviting you to be an accessory, are you ok with this?
I'm in my seventies now and life has taught me that most people are prepared to break any law that doesn't suit them if the price is right and they think they can get away with it. It's a sad reflection on humanity, but it has been my experience generally.
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#12
09-01-2021, 03:15 PM
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Also do NOT opt for the cheapest carrier. USPS has no authority outside the USA, they will hand it over to some other carrier. Fedex or UPS or another international shipper are more expensive but more reliable.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom!
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#13
09-01-2021, 03:22 PM
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You should definitely go through with this transaction. Clearly nothing funny about this deal and certainly nothing could ever go wrong. 
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