[bozzd]

... for a few days and was wondering whether the prices of their saxes would be considerably cheaper out there. Would, particularly, like to get hold of a Bauhaus M2. Anyone know?

 

[jazzbluescat]

Maybe cheaper, but you'll probably pay up the wazoo coming through Customs.

 

[TenorManDan]

my son is on a trip there with a kid we host here in the US. the kid said things have gone up in price considerably since he was home a year ago. I am not ssure (coupled with customs) you will get any deals...

btw, it is hot & muggy there...

 

[Pete Thomas]

... for a few days and was wondering whether the prices of their saxes would be considerably cheaper out there. Would, particularly, like to get hold of a Bauhaus M2. Anyone know?

I'm not sure they have a retail outlet there, but it would be worth contacting the UK importer/distributor. Speak to Martin at http://www.woodwindandbrass.co.uk/ (there's a phone no. on the website) and I'm sure he will be able to let you know of where to get one there if it is possible.

 

[bozzd]

Thanks guys. I considered the import duty (£390 max in UK) and have a little plan which, if you don't mind, I won't divulge at this moment incase the prying eyes of Customs and Excise reach this far.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Thanks guys. I considered the import duty (£390 max in UK) and have a little plan which, if you don't mind, I won't divulge at this moment incase the prying eyes of Customs and Excise reach this far.

Import duty can't possibly be anything like £390. It is something like 2.5% payable on the cost over a certain threshold. Plus 20% VAT. The only way round this is smuggling, which incurs a fine, confiscation of the goods and possible jail.

Alternatively registration for VAT can save you the VAT.

 

[CONN-hunter]

go to visit the factories and be open for different brands, not just Bauhaus. with VAT or not you will be able to find some good deals for sure. But you need patience. Look for quality.

 

[Pete Thomas]

go to visit the factories and be open for different brands, not just Bauhaus. with VAT or not you will be able to find some good deals for sure. But you need patience. Look for quality.

Yes, if you can actually get into the factories and find they will sell to you direct, which I think will be unlikely in many cases, then there could be some bargains. However I think the days of Taiwanese factories selling single items direct to the public are long gone, partly for contractual reasons I believe. ie the distributors and retailers would soon get very uppity if this went on.

One thing to beware of is the startling similarity between many Taiwanese saxophones can mislead you into thinking they are the same. This is not the case.

Also if you bought from a factory, it would not be branded with a name people know and trust such as Bauhaus, so even if you think it is as good as a Bauhaus, it would have a minimal resale value.

 

[saxmusicguy]

Alternatively registration for VAT can save you the VAT.

Register as a dealer? How exactly would this work to save you the VAT?

 

[Pete Thomas]

Register as a dealer? How exactly would this work to save you the VAT?

No you don't need to register as a dealer, you can register as a saxophone player. That way you pay VAT, but can then reclaim it. The down side is you have to charge VAT on any services provided (gigs etc.) or when you sell an instrument etc.

 

[saxmusicguy]

No you don't need to register as a dealer, you can register as a saxophone player. That way you pay VAT, but can then reclaim it. The down side is you have to charge VAT on any services provided (gigs etc.) or when you sell an instrument etc.

I see. So all the pros are required to register, I presume.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I see. So all the pros are required to register, I presume.

You are only required to register if your taxable turnover for a year exceeds a certain threshold (currently £73,000), however you can also register voluntarily.

 

[Grumps]

I have a feeling someone is going to mail themselves a gift...

 

[bozzd]

Import duty can't possibly be anything like £390. It is something like 2.5% payable on the cost over a certain threshold. Plus 20% VAT. The only way round this is smuggling, which incurs a fine, confiscation of the goods and possible jail.

Alternatively registration for VAT can save you the VAT.

Ah. That's what I meant by £390 - the threshold. It is the maximum allowable for purchases brought into the UK from non-EC countries.

 

[Mattutopia]

I have a friend who lives in Taiwan and I was asking him about buying saxophones there. I don't think there are many music shops in Taiwan, not a single one in his city anyway, I guess most of the instruments are probably made for export? He contacted P Mauriat in Taiwan and they refered him to Sax.co.uk!!!!!!!

 

[bozzd]

Wow. Doesn't look like I am going to have much success in the few spare hours I get over there. I might have to take up playing Chinese cymbals instead.

 

[jazzbluescat]

Chinese checkers.