Need help - European delivery and prices

[GaborKiss]

Dear Forumers,

I would like to start this summer the H-alpha photography, I collected a budget about 3000-4000 dollars, and as in a previous topic I mentioned I would go for a a Lunt60/60 Pressure Tuned. I tried to find different dealers and solutions, but unfortunately it seems hopeless to find a now a used one anywhere (I know only Astromart as the biggest used market), and European dealersnew prices are much higher (Lunt60/60 is around 3800$ in US and over 7000$ here in Europe).

As I know also European solar astronomers read this forum, maybe You have an experience how to find a good solution to get a scope from the US or find a good price in Europe, any ideas or help would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Gabor

[Merlin66]

Where are you located?

[GaborKiss]

Dear Merlin66, in Central-Europe, Hungary.

[Bill E.]

Ouch. Thats a lot $$$$$ It would be cheaper to take a vacation to the US and purchase here

[GaborKiss]

Dear Cai-Uso (I hope write the name good),

Yes I checked APM prices, Lunt prices. US price for Lunt 60/50DS for example with the accessories which I want is 3315 dollars US, APM price in dollars is 5480. Very big difference, I don't know if I speak with him what could be his offer, maybe I'll give a try. But thank you very much for Your help!

Gabor

[marktownley]

Sadly all Lunt equipment costs an absolute fortune here in Europe

[MapleRidge]

Hi Gabor...

What do the European countries charge in the way of import duties/taxes on new or used good bought from the US or Canada? Maybe other forum members have experience they can share.

I connected a fellow from Poland (I belive) a few years ago to get a LS50 etalon from a dealers stock and had it shipped from Toronto. I know he received it, but I did not hear what extra charges were applied.

I looked at online currency converters, and $3,300 US converts to about 2,500 Euros...somebody's making a fortune in the system. And I thought the Canadian gov't was bad when they collect $13% in combined federal/provincial tax on anythign I bring in...new or used.

Gabor, I hope that someone can come up with a way to help you reduce the cost!!!

Brian

[Merlin66]

Here in Belgium we pay 21% tax on the full cost of any import (including the costs of shipping!)

[astroshot]

Book a flight and enjoy a break in the US, where you can save a fortune on your astro gear.

[GaborKiss]

In Hungary if I want to order e.g. From Optcorp (they send here by Ups) a Lunt 60 DS first I pay the scope, which is over 3000$, insured shipping minimum 600$, then VAT is 5-7% plus tax 20%!!! so minimum 50-60% more...if You ask a European dealer add another 30% margin this is why my choosen Lunt is 3800$ in the US but 7000$ here

Yes I hope I can have some solution. I know someone Who Will come to Hungary to visit us from the US but in the beginning of July and Im affraid if I order a new scope it wont be ready untill that time.. Also I have to ask him if he Would help..

Gabor

[swisswalter]

Hi Gabor

I made it this way. Have let bought an US friend the goods. Have them shipped to switzerland. Exept 8% VAT and the shipping, there was as little as 20$ toll

[GaborKiss]

Dear Walter,

How you could avoid taxes? They sent without bill like a present?

Gabor

[swisswalter]

Hi Gabor

no, not sent as a gift. Switzerland knows by importing optical instruments only a weight tax of some dollars per kilo. Of course 8% VAT on the sales price.