25% price increase in US Nov 1st

[Jeff S]

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3 minutes ago, wellfleet said:

Then I wonder who Gary is.

 

LeicaRumors - https://leicarumors.com/2019/10/07/trumps-new-25-us-tax-on-european-products-includes-cameras-and-lenses-coming-from-germany-will-leica-gear-get-more-expensive-in-the-us.aspx/

"The only way I see Leica avoiding this 25% tariff is to start making more products in their factory in Portugal.

The effective date for the new tariffs is October 18, 2019.

You can read more on the new Trump tariffs on NYTimes, Time and CNBC.

Update: it seems that the new tariffs apply only to lenses, lens accessories and camera parts.

Thanks Gary!

Update: it seems that the new tariffs apply only to lenses, lens accessories and camera parts.

Thanks Gary!"

 

 

Well, I sent him a private email and he immediately thanked me and issued a correction.  So either he got the name wrong or Gary did the same.  No big deal.

Jeff

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vor 14 Stunden schrieb ECohen:

I don't understand your comment. Can you please explain?

First off do we agree the US tariff is paid be the end consumer ?

 

Doesn't that simply mean if I order a camera on November 1st from a US Leica dealer. The camera or lens will simply cost 25% more than it did on October 31st...... in the US

As a US consumer I will  pay more for a Leica camera/lens ...... 25% more ?

 

So a $2000 product will cost the US consumer $500 more or $2500. correct?

That kind of a price increase wherever it comes from will piss me off....as Leica already has my ouch factor.

Please check US rules - transfer pricing - 

wikipedia

[BernardC]

On 10/23/2019 at 6:25 PM, Herr Barnack said:

It seems pointless -  where are Leica lenses or repair parts taking revenue away from any maker of any product made in America?

That's not the point of these taxes; camera lenses from Germany, cheeses from France, pasta from Italy, Scotch whisky. I haven't seen the full list, but I think that cuckoo clocks  and bowler hats are on it! You can draw your own conclusions as to why those very specific products were chosen.

[RMF]

Yes, this tariff is pointless but will be costly to us in the market for german glass. Any updates on when Leica will increase the prices on lenses sold in the US?

[insideline]

I just got off the phone with my Leica dealer to pay for my new SL2 and 50 SL Summicron and the price for the lens went up $1200 from the last 50 SL Cron I purchased this summer. The shame in this is these new Summicron lenses are in my opinion the finest 35mm FF available at present, but why would I give the government $1200 when this tariff may be gone if there would be a change in government next year, plus the used market certainly will not support this short term tariff cost. I have put my order on hold for now and I wonder how many other folks with cancel as well. 

[m9photo]

22 minutes ago, insideline said:

I just got off the phone with my Leica dealer to pay for my new SL2 and 50 SL Summicron and the price for the lens went up $1200 from the last 50 SL Cron I purchased this summer. The shame in this is these new Summicron lenses are in my opinion the finest 35mm FF available at present, but why would I give the government $1200 when this tariff may be gone if there would be a change in government next year, plus the used market certainly will not support this short term tariff cost. I have put my order on hold for now and I wonder how many other folks with cancel as well. 

You're paying SL 2 already? how so? I asked Leica store and they don't require full payment ahead.

[insideline]

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I had them send me the final sales agreement for the total contract and provide my deposit and yes not the full payment as I had been informed that they had enough 50 SL APO lenses available to them so that I would not have to pay the tariff, but it tuned out that the inventory stock was not sufficient and I would have to take one from the next shipment of lenses hence my question to all of you here, will this additional $1200 in tariffs change your decision to buy new Leica lenses?  

[canlogic]

5 minutes ago, insideline said:

I had them send me the final sales agreement for the total contract and provide my deposit and yes not the full payment as I had been informed that they had enough 50 SL APO lenses available to them so that I would not have to pay the tariff, but it tuned out that the inventory stock was not sufficient and I would have to take one from the next shipment of lenses hence my question to all of you here, will this additional $1200 in tariffs change your decision to buy new Leica lenses?  

Yup. If Canadian dealers cant get lenses direct instead of through NJ I will get out of Leica.

[ECohen]

37 minutes ago, insideline said:

I had them send me the final sales agreement for the total contract and provide my deposit and yes not the full payment as I had been informed that they had enough 50 SL APO lenses available to them so that I would not have to pay the tariff, but it tuned out that the inventory stock was not sufficient and I would have to take one from the next shipment of lenses hence my question to all of you here, will this additional $1200 in tariffs change your decision to buy new Leica lenses?  

 

Yes .....At least until the next US election ......or used is an attractive option.

It's not Leica's fault but even before the tariffs Leica has hit the edge of my ouch factor.

Being totally honest in time I'll probably justify the expense as Leicas are a pleasure to use.

Because its just a camera and my current kits do fill most of my needs I am no longer considering a new kit in 2020

 

Ahhh if I were rich. I'd drink better wine, buy Leica like and movie star and travel in a private plane (Airports travel sucks)

 

[RMF]

2 hours ago, insideline said:

I had them send me the final sales agreement for the total contract and provide my deposit and yes not the full payment as I had been informed that they had enough 50 SL APO lenses available to them so that I would not have to pay the tariff, but it tuned out that the inventory stock was not sufficient and I would have to take one from the next shipment of lenses hence my question to all of you here, will this additional $1200 in tariffs change your decision to buy new Leica lenses?  

I picked up a new 90-280 right before the tariff added price increase. I hadn’t seen a confirmation that the prices were officially increased here in the US yet, but I had heard directly from a Leica brand ambassador that the price would indeed go up on Nov. 1st.  I would think that the impact of the tariff increase would affect the used market as well (causing those prices to go up) since it’s a supply and demand thing.  Also, who is to say the Leica would  lower their US prices once the tariff is over. If the tariff does add a full 25% to the price, it makes the 90-280 nearly an $8000 lens.

 

 

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Edited November 7, 2019 by RMF

[wellfleet]

Popflash is now showing some increased prices: 

35SL Summicron - $5795

50SL Summicron - $5695

For other SL lenses you'll need to call.

These two are more than 25% compared to what B&H is showing, but B&H is out of stock so they may have not updated yet.

Edited November 7, 2019 by wellfleet

[Jeff S]

5 minutes ago, wellfleet said:

Popflash is now showing some increased prices: 

35SL Summicron - $5795

50SL Summicron - $5695

For other SL lenses you'll need to call.

These two are more than 25% compared to what B&H is showing, but B&H is out of stock so they may have not updated yet.

I talked with them.  Leica is increasing the price on some lenses and accessories starting tomorrow, including the SL 35/50, but not others.  More might be affected over time, but Leica is trying hard to avoid the increases.

Jeff

[BernardC]

17 hours ago, canlogic said:

Yup. If Canadian dealers cant get lenses direct instead of through NJ I will get out of Leica.

Canadians should not have to pay US tax, even if lenses transit through NJ. I suppose that Leica (and many other US-based importers) will have paperwork nightmares for a while, and we may a little extra for that.

[canlogic]

8 minutes ago, BernardC said:

Canadians should not have to pay US tax, even if lenses transit through NJ. I suppose that Leica (and many other US-based importers) will have paperwork nightmares for a while, and we may a little extra for that.

Apparently the costs to differentiate stuff destined for canada would drive the costs up as much so the only hope is if they can ship direct to dealers here.

[BernardC]

3 minutes ago, canlogic said:

Apparently the costs to differentiate stuff destined for canada would drive the costs up as much so the only hope is if they can ship direct to dealers here.

Is that the official word from Leica NJ? Any customs broker should be able to sort that mess out, for a fee. I doubt that the fee is more than $1,000 US for each lens.

You are correct that Leica could drop-ship from Germany.

[jaapv]

Canadians will probably be best off by ordering from Hong Kong or Europe, the only downside being that service will have to run through Wetzlar.

[Herr Barnack]

As someone observed over at Leica Rumors:

Quote

  

Perhaps this will be an opportunity for our American friends to discover the numerous Leica Stores in Canada!

May I recommend my favorite Leica Store in Montreal, Camtec Photo. One more reason to come and visit your friendly neighbours to the North 😉

Bottom line:  Americans are nothing if not innovative.  We will find or make a way around this. 

I have not yet had an opportunity to see Montreal.  Perhaps it's time for a road trip.  😎

Edited November 7, 2019 by Herr Barnack

[canlogic]

Camtec has been my dealer for years.

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[m9photo]

I'll fly to Hong Kong and buy there

[wellfleet]

I spoke with a couple of Leica stores today, and they aren't raising prices till they run out of items and have to re-order while the tariffs are still in place.

Items like the 35  & 50 SLs were already in short supply so that's probably why Popflash has them listed at the new price.

Edited November 7, 2019 by wellfleet