If You Really Want One Buy From the EU and Save $$$

[barjohn]

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With the Euro heading into the toilet this is an opportunity to save big $ on buying direct from an EU country. For example the X1 from SHPhoto in Germany sells the X1 sans VAT for a converted rate of $1588 (Euro at $1.22). You can have it shipped via Postal Express and there is not import duty on cameras. The M9 sells for $5633 saving you $1361 over the US price. Worth pre-ordering and prepaying to get that big a savings.

[jsrockit]

A few of us did this initially with the X1 since there was no stock in the USA. It was cheaper months ago and works fine. Even better by todays rates.

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[davidhunternyc]

I am looking to purchase the X1. I just checked SHPhoto in Germany. They are out of stock and the purchase price is 1550 Euros. I don't see where the savings would be with the exchange rate?

I would appreciate it if anyone would point be to a store that would sell me this camera for a cheaper price. Thank you.

[Ecaton]

I am looking to purchase the X1. I just checked SHPhoto in Germany. They are out of stock and the purchase price is 1550 Euros. I don't see where the savings would be with the exchange rate?

I would appreciate it if anyone would point be to a store that would sell me this camera for a cheaper price. Thank you.

 

Make sure you compare prices excluding VAT, since it does not apply on export sales. The one you mention seems to include the tax.

[h00ligan]

Currently the best price I see is 1332 euros ($1634) using paypal and free german worldwide. If you had to use a credit card, add another $5-60 or so (3% fee) and if you use ups add another $70-80.

 

With ups and credit card payments it goes up to 1403 euros ($1720) - so a bit less than 10% savings for most people who want the cam in a reasonable time and don't want to muck about with paypal.

 

I guess it depends how patient one is

[jsrockit]

h00ligan is dead on with the fees and shipping... but $150-200 savings is still good and outside of the fees, it is just as easy as ordering in the USA.

[peapodesque]

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What a really great tip,,,,thank you i ordered an x1 immediately,,with the lack of availability in the states and the markup etc,,this is really an appreciated post,,,wow,,and thanks again!!!!

[h00ligan]

Did they have them in stock? or is it a preorder to be filled later? Or did you find a different store in the eu?

[davidhunternyc]

Currently the best price I see is 1332 euros ($1634) using paypal and free german worldwide. If you had to use a credit card, add another $5-60 or so (3% fee) and if you use ups add another $70-80.

 

Yes, where did you see this price? I have not seen it for 1332 euros. The cheapest I've found was 1550 euros. No savings at all.

[h00ligan]

shphoto - albeit out of stock - without the vat added (which we are fortunate not to pay).

 

look for the non bold pricing, it's pretty clear there. Good luck!

[davidhunternyc]

I must be blind! I can not see any other price besides 1550 euro.

 

Edited June 2, 2010 by davidhunternyc

[h00ligan]

Change to English. I think it's excluded due to them figuring if you speak German, you're paying vat. Sorry if my post came off as flippant, unintended.

 

http://shop.shphotoshop.de/epages/es104977.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es104977_shphoto/Products/20384

Edited June 2, 2010 by h00ligan

[mGEEx]

Will i be able to benefit from the warranty if i purchase the camera from germany? i vaguely remember leica having international warranty...i could be wrong though...

[jaapv]

Yes- Leica guaranty is worldwide.

[mGEEx]

are there any authorized dealers (outside of the US ~ willing to ship to the US) that have the x1 in stock?

[cpclee]

How about customs brokerage? I remember UPS used to charge >$100 for customs declaration, and declaration is needed even if import duties are not applicable. Otherwise buying from Germany seems like a good deal. The 3% credit card fee is a bit of a drag though.

[barjohn]

How about customs brokerage? I remember UPS used to charge >$100 for customs declaration, and declaration is needed even if import duties are not applicable. Otherwise buying from Germany seems like a good deal. The 3% credit card fee is a bit of a drag though.

 

Ship via their postal service and you avoid the customs brokerage fees. The USPS delivers it in the US.

[jsrockit]

I bought my X1 from Austria a few months ago and never received a bill from UPS.

[ChiILX1]

UPS and DHL do this. I bought a $250 bag once and got a bill 3 months later for $50 in duty they "paid for me." I never paid it but I know not to ship with them anymore or else I am told my name is flagged and they will hold any new packages until I pay all fees.

 

This was about 8 months ago and with DHL.

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[ChiILX1]

1550 euros is after paying european value added taxes. You don't have to pay that. it's closer to 1350 with shipping and taxes.