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buying vinyl from abroad

I am trying to buy an album from Europe via ebay. It comes with a warning sign before checkout:

Due to US customs policies, the buyer of this item will need to pay import fees to the shipping carrier prior to delivery. 

Has anyone been through this, what is the process? Does customs sit on the merchandise for days, weeks? I know other countries tend to charge ridiculous amounts and hold the item hostage for months potentially.

parkergetdean
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,834 posts
 

Just be careful who you buy from and where you’re buying.

kennyc
2,838 posts
 

Although it’s generally considered good to get maximum bang for your buck, I’d rule out any packages from Iran 😉

oberoniaomnia
345 posts
 

As far as I understand, records/CDs/tapes are tax/duty/tariff exempt. Have received dozens of records from abroad, no invoices. I have also received other merch from abroad and gotten some bills from shipper. No problem. For small amounts you pay after receiving, for bigger ticket items you have to pay before getting the item delivered.

parkergetdean OP
1,032 posts
 

thanks @oberoniaomnia !

I am missing @thecarpathian 

I am not touching the Iran joke with a tweezer nor a 100 foot pole.

jagodby128
11 posts
 

I think the carrier will contact you to collect any additional taxes. That has been my experience. I have purchased a number of items from the UK and have not experienced any long delays. As a guess I’d say the items arrived within 14 days. 

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