Terry Trem - Posted - 09/27/2016:  11:51:27

I have found Stu Mac great for little bits and bobs (under $NZ400.00) but I want to bring in a Banjo which is not available here in NZ, does anybody have tips on getting around our grab steal and take?

banjo_nz - Posted - 09/27/2016:  12:34:35

There are 3 ways to do this (maybe more)
1. Visit the US and bring it back yourself.
2. Have someone visit NZ from the US and bring it in for you.

NB - These are both illegal and could result in a big fine if caught.

3. Man up and pay the taxes, inspection fees etc. You will still have the instrument for a lot lower total price than if you purchased it through a local music store. I've done this a couple of times and have no complaints. You have to ask the seller to make sure the $value declared is what you actually paid and NOT the recommended retail price or some other higher valuation. You are charged GST etc on that declared value.

Hope that helps

Bob Smakula - Posted - 09/27/2016:  13:34:08

Sometimes it makes sense to take the neck off the rim and ship the neck and rim separately. But if you are getting a hard case with the banjo there will be nothing saved with the extra shipping.

Winged Words - Posted - 09/27/2016:  18:54:20

Yes, tax avoidance very popular in the UK too.

banjonz - Posted - 09/28/2016:  20:13:35

I have imported a number of instruments from the US over the years as well as parts. StewMac are good as well as Elderly Instruments.Elderly do an economy international post for US$10 but it is not tracked and can take up to a month to arrive. If you are prepared to wait, it is worth it. Importing an instrument is another matter. Splitting the instrument into two parts is an option and you would need to check the shipping costs to see if the combined amount is better than a single amount for the complete instrument. It may not be. i am uncertain as to what Bryan says about the illegality of personally bringing one back etc.

I imported my Gibson Mastertone from a store in the US and they shipped it USPS. When I imported 12 banjos to resell in the early 2000's,  I investigated various shipping options. I think I chose USPS again. If I had used UPS they would have charged me an EXTRA NZ$600 just for the pleasure. As Bryan said, bite the bullet.

Terry Trem - Posted - 10/03/2016:  10:37:09

Thanks guys, I'm a bit impatient when it comes to something I like, so I've just done it, my Nechville is on its way