Why are brand new Leica lenses so much cheaper in Hong Kong?

[Bill W]

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Are there import duties if one lives in the USA and buys online from HK? I have bought some small items in the past but they were from Japan.

[Bill W]

I actually found by Googling that there is a 2.3% duty on imported photography lens. There is also a merchandise fee for items over $2500. On a $6,000 lens the fees totaled $163.

[Docderm]

Anyone else purchased lenses in HK: How did th experience work out for you? Was the import duty too onerous? Would you buy again there? 

Thanks

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

I actually found by Googling that there is a 2.3% duty on imported photography lens. There is also a merchandise fee for items over $2500. On a $6,000 lens the fees totaled $163.

 

Morning Bill

its amazing what you can find out on Google...............I use it all the time :) 

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Anyone else purchased lenses in HK: How did th experience work out for you? Was the import duty too onerous? Would you buy again there? 

Thanks

 

Mate...........Ive bought many items from HK. You send them money via PayPal and they send you the lens. When it arrives you pay any due taxes to the shipper and off you pop and play with your new toy.............easy :) 

[rriley]

Anyone else purchased lenses in HK: How did th experience work out for you? Was the import duty too onerous? Would you buy again there? 

Thanks

 

 

Yes, lots!  No problems at all. Duty and import fees from DHL are minimal, savings vs USA are substantial.  

 

For USA buyers, the UK was another good alternative when sterling was collapsing vs the US dollar but now the UK prices have been adjusted a bit but probably also worth checking on as an alternative resource.

[Jeff S]

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its amazing what you can find out on Google...............I use it all the time :)

 

Evidently except when you post questions or start threads here.  

 

Jeff

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Evidently except when you post questions or start threads here.

 

Jeff

lol

[Docderm]

Anybody had bad experience buying in HK? 

Were you able to resolve the difficulties?

 

I am trying to build up the courage to buy from there. 

 

Thanks

[Jay B]

Bought two new M lenses from HK and had them shipped to the US.

90 Macro & a 50 'lux.

Both brand new and fully covered by Leica warranty service in New Jersey, if necessary.

Cost was 38% cheaper than B&H.

 

I have also purchased other RF lenses & cameras from HK. Never have had any customs or merchandise fees assessed by any agency.

[Docderm]

Hi, Jay: 

sounds like it worked out well for you!

Would you be willing to share the name of the stores in HK?

 

It would be nice to know the name of a store which satisfied its customer so well. 

Thanks

[Guest]

I actually found by Googling that there is a 2.3% duty on imported photography lens. There is also a merchandise fee for items over $2500. On a $6,000 lens the fees totaled $163.

 

Actually, there are no import duties on still cameras or lenses in the US. UPS (sometimes or always?) charges a $75 fee, but other courier service and EMS does not.

_______________

Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine

[Docderm]

Anybody else have experiences buying in Hong Kong and shipping to you in US or Europe or ? 

It would be great to hear more viewpoints. 

Edited December 17, 2016 by Docderm

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Anybody else have experiences buying in Hong Kong and shipping to you in US or Europe or ? 

It would be great to hear more viewpoints. 

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/253192-leica-sl-image-thread-post-your-examples-here/?p=3168489

[JeffWright]

Anybody else have experiences buying in Hong Kong and shipping to you in US or Europe or ? 

It would be great to hear more viewpoints. 

 

 

Several purchases over the years from reputable Hong Kong dealers. No problems. They usually use FedEx or postal services for delivery, both of which are good at not applying the incorrect import duties that UPS loves to collect.

[Docderm]

Hi, JeffWright

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Would you be willing to share with us the names of the reputable dealers in HK

Thanks

[JeffWright]

p

 

Hi, JeffWright
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Would you be willing to share with us the names of the reputable dealers in HK
Thanks

 

PM sent

[Jay B]

Hi, Jay: 

sounds like it worked out well for you!

Would you be willing to share the name of the stores in HK?

 

It would be nice to know the name of a store which satisfied its customer so well. 

Thanks

PM sent

[rriley]

Would you be willing to share with us the names of the reputable dealers in HK

Thanks

Ffordes, for one! Just make sure that you know what the export price is (ex VAT).

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Docderm]

Hi,

 

Is Ffordes a HK or a UK Store?

I did a Google search and found http://ffordes.co.uk

Edited December 18, 2016 by Docderm