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Buying from Hong Kong
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I’ve found a beauty of a lens on ebay, but it’s from a punter in Hong Kong. I’m guessing it will close for around $1000USD but as it’s HK, we’ve all heard the stories I’m sure. Has anyone any experience of purchasing from HK via ebay. There’s always electrical goods on there from HK but I never really considered buying from HK. Tempted!!
Yes have purchased stuff from Hong Kong on EBay (normally use trendypod for camera stuff and various others for accessories and my current mobile phone). Only lens i bought from there was the Tokina 12-24 which costs 600 euro in the shops here (Dublin) but i got it from Hong Kong inc delivery etc brand new for 380 euro :-) was a bargain
Had a look at the link. Have not bought from that particular seller but their feedback looks good. They accept paypal so i would use this and no other payment method would i use!
Up to you at the end of the day but it looks ok
You might get stung for VAT on entry into Ireland so get the seller to mark the value as a gift worth 100 dollars this way you will only have to pay 17 dollars VAT, think the rate up the north is 17%
Ebay is great i buy loads of stuff from there
Martin
I purchased my first lens from Hong Kong last week and it arrived at work yesterday. It was quite expensive but they had good feedback and communication was excellent.
Most of them will mark the value low and as a gift or repaired item to keep the duty & VAT as low as possible.
I’ve bought several items from HK and I’ve had no problems. The fact that they prompt you to request this as a gift and “…they want to help you” will certainly help with VAT & Duty. You’ll find this is common from HK – ship from the US and you’ll get hammered 100% of the time.
I’ve seen them befroe but they didn’t have what I was looking for at the time. I wouldn’t have a problem with this crowd as they provide Paypal protection. This is invaluable for importing high cost items. I’ve had to call on it twice in 76 transactions.
I’m seriously jealous of you with this one. I’ve a Sony A100 and this would look sooo nice on it. Maybe I’ll spray my Tokina 80-200 f2.8 white. :wink:
Alan.
I’ve bought twice from HK now…just ordered my Speedlight. Only bought from the one place..URGalaxy..because it came recommended. Had no probs first time.
What I tend to do..is check out any negative comments on their feedback and see how they deal with them/. Usually is a good pointer.
Enjoy the lens… :D
Expresbro wrote:
I’ve bought twice from HK now…just ordered my Speedlight. Only bought from the one place..URGalaxy..because it came recommended. Had no probs first time.
Another vote here for URGalaxy. Have purchased from DigitalRev and Keaphoto(100% feedback) too with no problems.
I have bought 2 items from Urgalaxy no problems and quick delivery so another
vote for Urgalaxy.Mick
URGalaxy have a good rep. I’ve bought from HK Supplies (another reputable dealer) and found them friendly and fast… I had my package in a couple of days.
I have as well… purchased a Sigma 12-24 and had it within 5 days…. was hit for duty about 7 months after i got it…! Weird…! But it was marked as a low value so duty was only 20 euro or so..! As far as I remember I bought from HK Supplies…! No probs at all…!
Richie
Digital Rev are great – use their ebay store as the main site will not deliver to Ireland but the ebay store will.
Bear in mind that a lot of people get packages sent to their work place if they are not home during the day. Getting things from outside EU sent to a business address is a surefire way of getting it checked by the delivery company and hence being stung for VAT and import duty. If you get it marked as a gift, send to your home address and if its a light item you might get away with a low declared value. If its heavier than a compact camera and get it sent to your work place expect to get a bill!
byrne5012 wrote:
Digital Rev are great – use their ebay store as the main site will not deliver to Ireland but the ebay store will.
I would also strongly recommend Digital Rev (via ebay). Excellent prices, and the VAT and Duty is never quite as bad as you think.
Bought loads of stuff from them – always a good service, good price and fast delivery.I’ve bought most of my equipment from ebay from shops in HK.. i saved quite a bit purchasig my D80 + Lens package :)…. although everytime i’ve been hit with VAT even when the package was marked as a gift, i feel it’s still worth it as your saving so much even after the VAT.
hi there!
just a question, how much is the VAT for Ireland? 20% on the total? and the duties?
and what about chanches to avoid that? slim?take care!
Imports of photographic equipment into Ireland are subject to an import duty of (I think) 6% (with the exception of digital cameras, which AFAIK are 0%).
You then pay VAT at 21% on the amount after duty has been applied (yes, that’s right, you pay a tax on a tax!)
Evading tax is illegal, but there are legitimate ways of avoiding or minimizing your exposure.
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