Well, looking at the dollar against the swiss franc, it seemed to me like a very good idea to compare some prices on a couple of things I fancy with those across the pond. What a shock! Now I'm really considering placing an order.

eg.
looking at a particular Rane mixer here, cost, 3232 CHF
Same mixer on an online site in US, 2599 USD, or around 2000CHF, over 1000CHF cheaper!

A Dj controller, price here, 1200CHF
US cost, 985USD, or 748CHF, nearly 500CHF cheaper

Pretty tempting, but am I seeing the full picture? How much do online retailers in the US charge to ship a package (around 8kg)? I understand US prices don't have the sales tax added onto the price, is that correct? I'd have to work out how much Swiss customs would charge me too I guess.

That is correct.

CHF 35, + 8% VAT (plus shipping).

However, are they dual voltage/frequency? Some audio equipment designed for 60 Hz line frequency may not have the correct power supply filtering (though this is mainly only critical in tube equipment).

Tom

it is well worth the 'investment'. I have ordered packages from the US, sometimes I haven't paid any import tax at all, it all depends on the value of the product being shipped. Either way, there is much advantage to take of ordering from the US, after you pay for shipping and have paid the tax here, it will work out still cheaper.

Pretty sure they're either dual voltage or external supply, but I'll be double checking.

I ordered audio gear from the UK last year - the first problem was to find someone who would deliver to CH. Then the next problem is to ensure that they didn't charge their local VAT. Parcel Force and DPD were quite good.

Tax was 7.6% (now 8%), plus Fr.36 admin (above Fr.500 value), and a bit more tax on top based on the weight.

The online retailer, IF they ship to CH, will often be happy to provide an estimate of the shipping charges before you order. Please be forewarned that some places will not accept a foreign credit card.

Sales tax is local and there is no U.S. VAT. Therefore you should not have to pay any sort of U.S. sales tax. IF they put it in their invoice, complain and have it removed.

Swiss customs? There's plenty of discussions already available.

Otherwise, Thomann is a good, cost effective, and reliable supplier!

We have bought stuff both personally, and professionally, from them on many occasions.

Use the .de store.

Tom

as far as I remember, the us does not return or allow you to skip the sales tax.
or was it only CA?

I have ordered motorcycle parts many times from CA, never paid sales tax.

(the US does not have sales tax, individual states do)

Tom

There is no tax, 99% online retailers don't charge tax even if you buy from one state to another. I have done a lot of online buying back in FL and never paid any tax at all. Most will ship to CH. Check tigerdirect.com for computers, overstock.com for other things. Amazon.com will not ship outside of US, but some retailers will that are part of the Amazon group.

Amazon.com ships lots of things outside the U.S., just not all things and I know nothing about their audio/electrical gear shipping policy. We've ordered books and DVDs from them many times.

Order soon -- there may be a US VAT tax soon the way things are going!
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