Hi , someone knows why the prices in USA are extremely cheaper in comparison to Europe , being Elektron from Sweden ??
Our advertised prices in the USA do not include tax.
Often an additional 6 to 8%, depending on state.
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You need to account around 20% VAT that is included in listed prices in the EU, generally sales tax is not listed for US prices.
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Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is it more complicated/expensive to order items from US distributors (who often don’t charge tax) for people living in Europe? On the surface, it looks like a better deal (to order from US distro)
Pretty sure you’re legally obliged to pay import duty + fees + VAT for items over a certain cost (not including alcohol & tobacco etc which have their own duties) for imports from outside of the EU. Often sellers will understate the value on customs declarations but you could end up liable for extra fees/fines.
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the prices for Elektron gear in Australia are exorbitant when compared to the equivalent US price - i have to wonder why, is it the dealers or is it just how things are?
in the states it depends on distributor and what state one lives in. I got my digitakt for 649 no tax and free shipping from sweetwater. Im in Los Angeles and sales tax is like 9-10% and if one is getting something shipped that can get up to 50$ for an item the size of the digitakt depending on speed of delivery. looks like in comparison even with tax and shipping in the states the eu & au are paying more.
must be the dealers. I find it extremely irritating that the big ones and not quite so small ones (don’t want to name any) stores still sell the MKI versions at the old list prices. Come on, an OT for AUD 1999???
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I used to buy vinyls from US until the day UPS came at my door asking for 45€ of tax before letting go my 100€ worth LPs.
They had added a fee for filling the papers for the Customs (10%) and then there was the VAT for the package LP + transport + extra fee.
Never bought in US again.
Now I had done it quite a few times without the Customs bothering me, so you can try and play.
But IMHO it’s not worth it.
Add that electric equipment comes with the wrong plug, and in case the package is damaged you have to send it back… My albums were very often came with corners folded a little, and inside paper protection damaged.
Let’s not forget the guarantee…
IMO you’d better stop lurking at US prices 
Here’s the thing though LD… maybe it wasn’t the UPS requesting 45 quid, but rather an entrepreneurial actor?
Well, thing is he delivered the LPs and a beautiful little paper with a few administrative stamps on it and the details for the incredible fee.
I had the guy waiting a bit, phoned to UPS and all, and they told me what the guy had said : either I pay and I get the long awaited discs, or I don’t and they leave with them.
I was furious to get hijacked like this.
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ouch.
next time, if there is a next time, ask to have a close look at the administration stamps on the packaging.
then go inside to retrieve a magnifying glass, and don’t open the door for three days.
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Well there are US synth sellers (on ebay but also reverb) who specify that they offer customs etc service and give an estimate of the fees. And that usually pushes the prices pretty close to the street prices here in Australia. At which point I think I rather keep some of the money I’m spending in the local economy, get faster delivery, someone in the same time zone to talk to if the need arises and none of the other hassles of grey imports…
That’s exactly where I stand now 
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Nothing worse than getting stung with customs. A mate of mine had imported some CD from America into the UK. By the time it arrived (was a preorder), the FX rate had worsened meaning the order had triggered the pitiful ÂŁ15 import limit (or whatever it is) for CDs! He was asked to pay 20% in VAT/duties and a filing fee. His CD more than doubled in price. The appeal was rejected too.
Oh yeah, Customs…
When I see how average people are “protecting” us, I am glad there are no such things as superheroes !!
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