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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Fly from EU to US -> buy EPIC -> fly back?

Actually not legal at all in most states that have sales tax.. Its called use tax.. you have to report it on your income taxes and pay the sales tax there... however you do not need to pay tax if the equipment will be used in a film production, rented or resold
 
John Marchant said:
...with a dodgy import and a questionable warranty.
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I shoot all over the world. So do many professionals.

Any manufacturer who regards a warranty as 'questionable' if a claim arises based simply on the location where the item happened to be purchased is Not Fit For Purpose.

If I'm based in New Zealand, I bought a D4 in the USA, and the thing blows up in Iceland, I damn well expect Nikon to give me the professional service I have a right to expect.

Nikon USA had a terrible reputation in that regard; I seem to recall hearing cases where they refused paid, non-warranty repairs on Nikon pro gear that had been bought outside the USA. I refused to deal with them or buy anything they supplied for that very reason. If you warranty, it's a worldwide warranty. If you don't, fine, price your products accordingly and we'll budget a service/repair accrual. But don't give me this 'you bought it somewhere else' BS!

Mike
 
I think the amount of money you will save would be erased by airfare, accommodation in a non sales tax state and the anxiety of traveling back to Europe with the chance it could be confiscated. Martin Weiss, can you change your avatar back to the little yellow robot thing after the holidays? Thanks.
 
Josh Snyder said:
Thanks for the replies guys. A lot of things to think about for sure. I will wait for the Dragons to ship before making any decisions on one way or another, but it's good to know the options beforehand :) I don't have my own company so I woudn't get the VAT back if buying in Europe.
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You don't need to have a company to be registered for vat. You can do it as an individual. There is no minimum turnover/income required. Speak to an accountant or do it yourself. Easy. Bottom line is, is it worth spending big money on something that may get taken away from you every time that you travel in and out of the uk, (if that is where you come from) Taxes and duties are a pain, of course, but there is a reason they exist. Look at what is happening in Greece, where there is a very fluid attitude to taxes.
 
When we bought our Epic-M I didn't know I could buy it in Europe. When did they start the European office?
We had to send it back for service as soon as we got it, and it was a pain to deal with all the papers to be sure we didn't get charged VAT a second time.. Red was very helpfull though and it turned out well I the end.
If I can take my Epic to London or Germany I could fly down myself next time
 
Id assume Customs might be reading this thread right now ! Even if they are not Id stay legal. I know of instances where years after the event Customs have chased up unpaid import duty.

I guess if you work in the US a fair bit you could purchase in the USA and leave the camera there.
 
Joachim Hoge said:
When we bought our Epic-M I didn't know I could buy it in Europe. When did they start the European office?
We had to send it back for service as soon as we got it, and it was a pain to deal with all the papers to be sure we didn't get charged VAT a second time.. Red was very helpfull though and it turned out well I the end.
If I can take my Epic to London or Germany I could fly down myself next time
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Most service goes to the US even if bought in Europe.
 
Have the camera shipped to you in let's say NYC. Then there is no CA sales tax and it saves you 6 hours of flight time. Of course you'd be in trouble if anyone asks to see your Carnet, but for one camera no matter how bad-ass there is a good chance you'd be fine. Necessary disclaimer - this does not represent legal or tax advice....
 
Danno Anderson said:
The sales taxes are never collected in the first place in those states mentioned, so there is no refund. Walk in the door, plunk your money down, and walk out the door. Lots of people go across the border, just to buy things and then drive back, nothing to it. Very legal too.
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Wrong. If you live in a state with Sales Tax and you buy something in a neighboring state it's an even larger hassle since you're legally required to fill out a "use tax" form for the amount avoided from paying Sales Tax.
 
Michael Winokur said:
Have the camera shipped to you in let's say NYC. Then there is no CA sales tax and it saves you 6 hours of flight time. Of course you'd be in trouble if anyone asks to see your Carnet, but for one camera no matter how bad-ass there is a good chance you'd be fine. Necessary disclaimer - this does not represent legal or tax advice....
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This is what I was planning to do. Buy online and make them ship the stuff to NYC.
 
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