Buying Gear From Abroad

[Starlight]

Hi folks.

Has anyone ever purchased disco gear from abroad? I guess it can be risky but the savings might worth while. I also know that power supply voltages and whatnot are different to the UK, maybe you could use power convertors?

Is it worth taking the risk?

Mendoza.

[spin mobile disco]

Depends where you buy from I guess. Thomann is normally a pretty safe bet if buying from abroad.

[Penfold42]

Thomann is normally a pretty safe bet if buying from abroad.

Just remember the plug change....:)

[Dragonfly]

just remember to change the right end of the plug :D :D :D

[Jiggles]

Oh boy :D:D Plugs + Dragonfly = A laugh!

[Starlight]

I did a search on eBay and found a power seller in the States so I guess that seller is genuine. However, what I have doubts about is the warranty, what if it breaks down, no UK dealer will fix it, not that I'm aware of anyway.

Mendoza

[Danno13]

You might also get stung for duty.. it'll seem like a good price until the letter arrives 2 weeks later asking for 17.5% !

Of course, if you can find a UK based importer then the duty becomes their problem...

[Starlight]

Just remember the plug change....:)

Yeah I can get a convertor.

[Jiggles]

Currently its the worst time to buy anything from Thomann! The pound is weak against the euro!

[Penfold42]

However, what I have doubts about is the warranty, what if it breaks down, no UK dealer will fix it, not that I'm aware of anyway.

What are you going to fork out shipping charges again....all the way to the good US of A..........:D

Yeah I can get a convertor.
You could do.....but why not put a proper plug on and get it PAT tested......:)....there you go you made me say a naughty word now.....:D

[Starlight]

You might also get stung for duty.. it'll seem like a good price until the letter arrives 2 weeks later asking for 17.5% !

Of course, if you can find a UK based importer then the duty becomes their problem...

Yeah very true. I do know of an importer but they require you to buy in quantity unfortunately.

[BeerFunk]

Currently its the worst time to buy anything from Thomann! The Euro is weak against the pound!
Isn't it the other way around? I thought the pound was struggling (apparently a lot to do with the events in Pakistan a while ago, although I don't know the connection)

[Jiggles]

DOH! it is the other way around :o :o :o :o :bang: :bang: :zip:

[Starlight]

What are you going to fork out shipping charges again....all the way to the good US of A..........:D

You could do.....but why not put a proper plug on and get it PAT tested......:)....there you go you made me say a naughty word now.....:D


Yeah postal charges will no doubt be sky high too.

Surly sticking a regular plug on it wont make it work because of the voltage?

[Penfold42]

Thomann is normally a pretty safe bet if buying from abroad.


Just remember the plug change....:)


Yeah I can get a convertor.


Surly sticking a regular plug on it wont make it work because of the voltage?

I thought we were still on about Thomann........:o :)

[Shaun]

I did a search on eBay and found a power seller in the States so I guess that seller is genuine. However, what I have doubts about is the warranty, what if it breaks down, no UK dealer will fix it, not that I'm aware of anyway.

Mendoza

If you're buying any electricals, you might want to look into the volt differences between US products and UK/Europe products. I'm pretty sure US electrical products are 110 volts, as opposed to the 240 used in Europe and the UK.

[Starlight]

If you're buying any electricals, you might want to look into the volt differences between US products and UK/Europe products. I'm pretty sure US electrical products are 110 volts, as opposed to the 240 used in Europe and the UK.


I mentioned that in a previous thread that I can get a power convertor.

[Shaun]

I mentioned that in a previous thread that I can get a power convertor.

Not a problem, I didn't see the other thread. Glad to hear that you've got all bases covered. :)

[rob1963]

I wouldn't want to buy from abroad for most of the reasons already given.

1) They are likely to be a different voltage. My brother could convert them for me, but it's still a hassle.

2) They may well need a replacement Uk type mains plug.

3) The postage will probably be astronomical.

4) They can take a while to arrive, whereas stuff ordered from the UK often arrives the next day.

5) You can get stung for duty.

6) If there are problems, it will cost a lot to return them & you will have to wait longer for a replacement.

For me, these 6 negatives cancel out any cost savings, which is why I would only order from the UK.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I wouldn't want to buy from abroad for most of the reasons already given.

1) They are likely to be a different voltage. My brother could convert them for me, but it's still a hassle.

2) They may well need a replacement Uk type mains plug.

3) The postage will probably be astronomical.

4) They can take a while to arrive, whereas stuff ordered from the UK often arrives the next day.

5) You can get stung for duty.

6) If there are problems, it will cost a lot to return them & you will have to wait longer for a replacement.

For me, these 6 negatives cancel out any cost savings, which is why I would only order from the UK.

I take it you are talking about buying from outside the EU Rob?

[rob1963]

Indeed...I was thinking of the USA & Hong Kong in particular.

I think they count as being outside the EU.

:rolleyes: :p

[Starlight]

I see your points there, Rob.

The next best thing would be to purchase off an importer but then they're likely to tell you that you have to buy in bulk :(

Mendoza.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It's just that you didn't specify and some of your reasons would have been null and void if you were talking about the EU.

[rob1963]

It's just that you didn't specify and some of your reasons would have been null and void if you were talking about the EU.

Indeed.

Rightly or wrongly I thought people would know I was talking about non-EEC countries, but I'm sorry for not making this clear.

I recently ordered a couple of electronic items from ebay for my brother...which were located in Hong Kong.

I tried to talk him into buying from closer to home, but he didn't listen.

The items arrived after just under a month!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Indeed.

Rightly or wrongly I thought people would know I was talking about non-EEC countries, but I'm sorry for not making this clear.

I recently ordered a couple of electronic items from ebay for my brother...which were located in Hong Kong.

I tried to talk him into buying from closer to home, but he didn't listen.

The items arrived after just under a month!

That quick! :rolleyes:

I've ordered a couple of music DVDs from Hong Kong (without realising - not concentrating...) and they arrived within a week, so it doesn't always mean the items will be ages.

I've also ordered stuff fom Thomann in Germany and had it delivered within 3 days.

[Starlight]

An eBay seller has stated that it can take upto 10 days delivery but am now on the case for looking for an importer, bargains to be had :D :D :D.

Mendoza.

[rob1963]

That quick! :rolleyes:

I've ordered a couple of music DVDs from Hong Kong (without realising - not concentrating...) and they arrived within a week, so it doesn't always mean the items will be ages.

True, but you sometimes need stuff urgently...as in next day (I know I have), and the only way you can get that is by ordering from the UK.