I’d like to share my last experience with you, customs in germany.
I bought an oktacontrol from ukraine, price was €190 - a true bargain. Heavy €37 for shipping, but still a cool deal. Then, as ukraine is not in the EU, additional €11 customs applied. And adding to that, I had to pay what we call Umsatzsteuer, kind of VAT, again €43.
As you see, first eye bargain turned out pretty expensive… but as this is quite a rare item, I’m still happy.
But for others in the EU and especially in Germany my following tip:
Pay in two parts. And maybe let the seller write kind of receipe for the smaller amount so you only pay VAT and customs to that.