Questions on importing Edward's from Japan

[napalmdeath]

So, what's the process, as far as duties/import tax? Does USPS call you? Do they have their hand out when they make delivery? What's payment methods accepted?

I'm 99.9% ready to buy an LP Custom from a legit source for $965, $115 shipping. Best deal I've found on a dream guitar white LP Custom. I want it, but not if it's a hassle. I've negotiated a plan B on a new LP Classic from Sam Ash, in Trans Red, (which is about another $600, plus tax. I REALLY want the Edward's, but need something ASAP, (sold my lone Schecter Solo II Custom). Problem is, I don't want the Edwards lost in the shuffle if, A) I'm not home for delivery, and B) Not home to pay duties on said delivery. My local post office is miles away, and I can only get there on a Saturday.

 

[cardinal]

I've never paid duties as long as it's through EMS/USPS. Sorry but I can't recal if they needed a signature.

 

[napalmdeath]

They ship EMS.

 

[Racerxrated]

So, what's the process, as far as duties/import tax? Does USPS call you? Do they have their hand out when they make delivery? What's payment methods accepted?

I'm 99.9% ready to buy an LP Custom from a legit source for $965, $115 shipping. Best deal I've found on a dream guitar white LP Custom. I want it, but not if it's a hassle. I've negotiated a plan B on a new LP Classic from Sam Ash, in Trans Red, (which is about another $600, plus tax. I REALLY want the Edward's, but need something ASAP, (sold my lone Schecter Solo II Custom). Problem is, I don't want the Edwards lost in the shuffle if, A) I'm not home for delivery, and B) Not home to pay duties on said delivery. My local post office is miles away, and I can only get there on a Saturday.

Never had a problem. I've ordered 1 Edwards and 2 Grecos, plus a vintage Boss GE 10 all within the last 18 months and every one came within 3-6 business days of buying. These items arrived in Chicago and went through customs without a hitch. Once out of customs each of them arrived the very next day. Fast shipping for sure. I don't know about your area and where it would arrive, maybe each customs office can vary on how they do things? But I never had to pay anything extra or had to wait at all for these items.

 

[Deanmachine]

On the guitars I have ordered it is usually EMS tracked to DHL sig required I never had to pay a duty and it was within 3 days really quick figuring it's coming from Japan .

 

[ibzprestige]

What are some of the reputable shops to buy one from?

 

[Racerxrated]

What are some of the reputable shops to buy one from?

When I've gone directly to a shop online, I've contacted them and most won't ship due to 'Cites' paperwork. But on ebay, these sellers know how to fill the paperwork out correctly so there are no delays. Just pick one that has decent enough feedback and roll with it..you will notice though, some of these guitars are listed with multiple sellers..what these guys do is go to a shop and take a pic of a guitar and post it on ebay or reverb. They don't actually own the guitar. The problem is that the same guitar might be sold twice..whomever gets to it first has it. So, the seller that is later on picking it up has to msg you that it is out of stock. That's what leads to these guys getting bad feedback. It happened to me with a Boss GE 10, I bought it but no response from the seller....finally he said it shipped and I literally got it the next day lol. Turns out the one he advertised sold, so he found one that was in better condition and that's the one I got. So it worked out.
Just find the guitar you want and check the seller's feedback, and see if it is worth the effort. It has been for me.

 

[Joe-TX]

I bought directly from Ikebe and I had the guitar in about 5 days. I never paid any import tax or duties but I did have someone home to sign for it.

My Edwards now sports a Charvel neck and a D-Tuna.

 

[PAULYC2]

I bought a Killer Prime model on eBay from Japan (Akita Takisaki model) and I had it in less than a week, no customs, no duties, etc. YMMV