Audio - imports

[Froggy]

Should importing from the US be avoided? I want to know because it seems that I can get a setup from the US which I couldn't imagine affording in the UK any time soon.

Also, how important is warranty? E.g. if i buy an amp at half the price without warranty, won't it still be cheaper to repair if anything goes wrong?

The questions may soun stupid but I really don't know as I'm new to car audio.

[Woofer]

Most of my gear has come from America, saved hundreds of pounds and am well chuffed so....

[Janike]

Just watch out with customs charging VAT on postage as well as cost price - Coz I've been done with that one just today!

[Dragster - Fan]

I saved a few bob overseas too
But be careful, customs might rape you

[WD40]

lol yer, you receive the item and whilst it arrives you are asked to pay a shitty customs charge. I have found UPS overcharge IMO, Fedex are the best shipping company to go with.

[bella]

I have imported lots of bits from the US for my car and the only snag is that you have to pay Customs the VAT, however if it is of a moderate to low value ask the sender to mark the item as a gift and this sometimes helps you avoid the VAT.

[Guest]

My Bf got a good deal on all his stuff from a large retailer in Newcastle

[Car HiFi Loonytune]

Buying Car HiFi equipment from the states might seem very interesting, cuz of it being so cheap compared to the prices in Europe.

BUT,…..
BE WARNED!!!!!!!!!!

• Flying Car HiFi equipment from the USA into Europe might get severely damaged/broken by thorough/cruel inspection of customs.

• Seeing that you buy from out of the country were it bought (the USA) you have NO guarantee either! Not even if you find a dealer of the same brand in the UK, why not? Well,…all products have a registered number specific for each country, when you buy an American product, you won’t be able to find a dealer who want to help you with whatever problem you have with that product!

• Customs might charge you VAT.

• American HeadUnits on the CANNOT be USED in Europe!!!
Why not? The radio frequencies of American HeadUnits are different from European frequencies! For example a European frequency = 102.5/103/103.5/104 in steps of a half right,…..American radio frequencies are exactly in the middle of European frequencies, which means that you will never be able to receive a normal radio station/traffic news/ ect/ ect/ ect!


If you think its worth the RISK of the new product getting ripped apart by customs, or if your not bothered by the fact that having NO rights whatsoever with the guarantee, or not being able to receive normal traffic news over the radio,….then go for it!


Just my 2cents!