Advice regarding buying a Scarlet-X

[Ethan Knight]

Hi Red Users!!

I'm looking for some advice regarding the best options for buying a Scarlet-X (either new or used).
I've been canvassing the market place for a used Scarlet-X for quite some time now but with no luck so far, partly because I'm not based in the U.S.
I wanted to get an idea of how to go about buying a new one (in the most economical way). With this in mind, I'd appreciate some help with the following:

1. Is it possible to walk into the Red store (OffHollywood) in NY and purchase a Scarlet "off the shelf", or do the desired items need to be reserved?

2. If it is, I'm assuming it will incur NY sales tax. Is this somehow refundable upon exiting the U.S?

3. It's also a possibility to purchase directly from Red.com store. However, not having a U.S issued credit card, are there any other payment options?

To sum up, keeping in mind I'm a non U.S based shooter, I'm looking for the best way to go about purchasing a Scarlet-X in the most economical way, also noting that I have a trip planned to NY around mid-late March.

Cheers and many thanks for any advice your can offer

Ethan

 

[Carmel Bonnici]

Hi,

Re question 2

I am from Europe and I will be in NY soon. I asked B&H about tax and we have to pay.
What I found strange is that they insisted that there is no way of getting the tax back on exit from the US!

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Ethan -

1) To my knowledge, OffHollywood is not a "RED Store" so the answer would be, decidedly, "NO" - no camera, no accessories there.
2) Sales tax is collected at the point of sale. If you were to have your items shipped from B&H to a European destination, I am pretty sure there would be no tax (just like when I get things shipped here to California). But, when you buy in NY, you'll pay and, I believe, there is no option to get that tax returned to you.
3) When purchasing from RED, you can arrange to have money wired into your account there. When the money is there, they'll ship your items.

Carmel - See #2 above.

 

[Daniel Pearson]

You don't need a US credit card to buy from red.com, any credit card is fine.

 

[Brian Merlen]

Red EU is the legal route for EU customers, and safer then dealing with second hand people. The illegal route is trying to sneak it past VAT. If one were inclined to do that I am not sure how to sneak it past the TSA guys without having it on your manifest of what you came in with. Used saves you taxes, and whatever the cost of wear and tear. US prices are always cheaper cuz of VAT. Buying here used is your cheapest bet, but avoiding VAT is sketchy and precarious. Buying there used is your next best bet, and new being the most expensive.

If I were you I'd stick to the legal route and pay the VAT. But then again I am a nerd and pay for my NLE gear unlike most people I know lol...

 

[Uli Plank]

And doing the right thing! How do you travel for future work with something not properly declared in the first place?

 

[Simon Knight]

I'm UK based.

I've just ordered a Scarlet with side SSD, side handle, Pro5.0 monitor, 4 red volts, 2 chargers, outrigger handle, 2x128GB cards, redstation 2.5 and 1.8 and 2 xlr mic cables. $17k comes in at £14k.... BUT i've just registered for VAT and this has now meant this little package has just cost me just over £12k.. All this fantastic kit for so little and bought legitimately without fear of Government intervention next time I leave the UK.

So yes, go down the Red Europe route.. Keep it legal and safe... And don't forget a US Scarlet (by serial number) appearing in the UK for repair under warranty or otherwise has no guarantee of being serviced by RED. They could refuse.....?!

SK

 

[Carmel Bonnici]

I was trying to get equipment from B&H and get the tax back when exiting the US. By this I never intended to avoid paying tax! I am from the EU and by paying vat in the US I am still not Legal. I have to pay tax in Europe.
In most other countries tax is refunded at airports. This is done, in order not to pay tax twice.(in the US and in Europe).
B&H will not charge tax when they ship to Europe, but they do charge expensive shipping. On the other hand it is nice to be able to handle the equipment before you make your order!

Ethan Knight. Re buying a Red, I also advice you using Red Europe. (assuming you are from Europe)
I had already contacted them to get a Scarlet. I think that the prices they gave me where fair, considering all import taxes where included. Red is made in the US and this will make the price for the locals cheaper.

Re ordering my Scarlet I am having second thoughts, with the Scarlet not being upgradeable to Dragon, I am a bit confused and I am waiting for more News!

 

[Sam Goldwater]

Like Simon I'm UK based. I found a body only Scarlet for sale in the UK on Reduser from a forum regular at a hefty discount. I looked for a while for side handle and canon mounts second hand but ended up buying them new from Red Europe. I got a second hand Hyperdeck2 also from Reduser and, combined with some left overs from my until very recent DSLR days (V locks, TVLogic 5.6, handheld rig) I've got the basis a functioning Scarlet package.

No Red SSDs, no touchscreen, no RAW, but compared to DSLR, log prores HQ on the Hyperdeck with massive savings on media (around £250 for a whole day's shoot on standard SSDs) is a world away from the 7D. For me, so far, around £5,200.