I've traded across the Atlantic several times-twice on Audiogon and a few times elsewhere I never encountered any problems but the potential is there.
Also it is important that importers know there is fees to pay,here in the UK you pay import duty and VAT-it is not cheap-there are also voltage and warranty issues-Audiogon need to make sure potential buyers are aware of the pitfalls or else they may well take the brunt (rightly or wrongly)of irate customers.
Of course Audiogon seems well run and limited in major problems but going international will surely provide different challenges.
I also repeat my previous warning-Audiogon needs to ensure it does not upset Manufacturers and retailers,especially here in Europe.
There is a balance to be struck by fair trade and upsetting those who Audiogon require to exist.
Many manufacturers do not allow US equipment to be shipped to Europe but have special European versions of the same equipment.
If Audiogon start to upset retailers and distribuiters they may find themselves isolated or discriminated against..
I have experienced this first hand and the UK retailers stick together like glue on this...I have my own opinions on that despite having sympathy with their situation some retailers forget the customer should be king and do not provide the service that should go with spending the kind of money we are talking about....
It is a great idea in principle and on the subject of the forums I think keeping it universal rather than creating some sub-community but thay may inevitably happen anyway......
Also it is important that importers know there is fees to pay,here in the UK you pay import duty and VAT-it is not cheap-there are also voltage and warranty issues-Audiogon need to make sure potential buyers are aware of the pitfalls or else they may well take the brunt (rightly or wrongly)of irate customers.
Of course Audiogon seems well run and limited in major problems but going international will surely provide different challenges.
I also repeat my previous warning-Audiogon needs to ensure it does not upset Manufacturers and retailers,especially here in Europe.
There is a balance to be struck by fair trade and upsetting those who Audiogon require to exist.
Many manufacturers do not allow US equipment to be shipped to Europe but have special European versions of the same equipment.
If Audiogon start to upset retailers and distribuiters they may find themselves isolated or discriminated against..
I have experienced this first hand and the UK retailers stick together like glue on this...I have my own opinions on that despite having sympathy with their situation some retailers forget the customer should be king and do not provide the service that should go with spending the kind of money we are talking about....
It is a great idea in principle and on the subject of the forums I think keeping it universal rather than creating some sub-community but thay may inevitably happen anyway......