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A Problem For U.S. Audio Manufacturers

After trying to send an expensive pair of Synergistic Research speaker cables back to its factory from Canada for modification (i.e. to have then bi-wired) via FedEx, I learned something that severally impacts the desirability and marketability of U.S. audio products for foreign purchasers: you can't send audio components (cables, amps, preamp, speakers, etc.) back into the States. 

I have since learned that the problem extends beyond warranty issues.  Some audio friends and associates here in Canada and Germany have shared that they were unable to deliver their used gear sold to purchasers in the United States.

The first regulatory road block imposed by CBP is a form that the shipper must provide to CBP after the goods have been shipped and are sitting in U.S. Customs. The form requires the consignor to certify the exact content by weight of aluminium, steel and copper.  I was able to do that with the assistance of the manufacturer.  However, the goods continue to sit in U.S. customs under a notation that "further information is required. 

Here's the catch.  You and the shipper aren't given details as to what additional information is required.  The shipment just sits and sits in customs purgatory.  Ultimately, you have to cancel the shipment instructions, get the shipment back and try and get a refund because the U.S. has closed its borders for business with countries it doesn't like whether you are a commercial entity, a retailer or simple audio enthusiast. 

Sad!

rspyder
parkergetdean
1,044 posts
 

I sent a letter via 3 business day delivery to Europe for $50. It has been sitting in US customs for FIVE days. 

mapman's avatar
mapman
23,600 posts
 

Welcome to the golden age. 

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
1,012 posts
 

no need to discuss why, but I recently broke off half of the banana clip on my synergistic research speaker cables. Thank goodness, half of it survived and am able to plug it in and it worked for the time being. Until I’m able to save up enough nickels to get them repaired. When I inquired about getting them fixed I called the factory and they directed me to the person who sold them to me(The Cable Company) for repair issues. I would do my best to make it the person who sold me the cables, problem if possible. If worse comes to worse, you can always just trade them in and get that sweet 70% value that they offer.

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
yesiam_a_pirate
322 posts
 

I bought a used Manley Massive Passive on eBay form the UK.  The seller was helpful (an amateur dealer) and he shipped promptly and properly via UPS. 

After sitting in Fredericksburg MD at customs clearing for 2 weeks I was informed needed to submit 3 forms- Invoice, Importer Declaration, and Foreign Shipper's Declaration. I did so- no movement for 2 more weeks. Then another email asking for the same 3 forms- I did so. No movement for 2 more weeks. Then I got a text that the unit was being returned to sender. (If course! Since I had already paid)

eBay refused to refund. They (AI) said the unit was shipped and that closed the case. Thankfully Capital One Visa was willing to reverse the payment. 

I import from Japan and China with no problems. Certainly the UK and I'm told Germany are especially difficult to get HiFi gear from.  

motown-l
347 posts
 

@thecarpathian 

With respect, I find it hard to take anything Sarah Palin says seriously. Her stand on tariffs is similar to the current administration's stand which is leading to a myriad of problems and little re-shoring of American business.

And little re-shoring is likely due to long lead times and the utter confusion surrounding the constantly changing tariffs. 

I am sorry there's so much confusion regarding international audio component shipping. So much audio is produced outside of the USA, this won't be ending soon.

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