bourne Posted July 10, 2023 Share #1 Â Posted July 10, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) I will be traveling to Wetzlar in the coming months from the US and was wondering whether there are any obvious financial advantages to purchasing a lens from the store in Wetzlar before returning to the US? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 10, 2023 Posted July 10, 2023 Hi bourne, Take a look here Purchasing a lens in Wetzlar. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Huss Posted July 10, 2023 Share #2 Â Posted July 10, 2023 How much will the lens cost in Wetzlar? Â How much is it in the USA? Â What is the exchange rate at time of purchase? Â Will you be able to claim tax (VAT) back? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 10, 2023 Share #3 Â Posted July 10, 2023 The lens in Wetzlar will cost exactly the same as in any shop in Europe (look it up on the site of any European Leica Store), your only gain -or loss- would be the fluctuation in the exchange rates. You can get about 70% (you pay a hefty commission) of the VAT back at a booth in the airport of exit if you are willing to stand in line and go through the hassle- (*) but theoretically you will have to declare the lens when entering the USA. Leica USA may be difficult about grey import and refuse guarantee which would force you to fall back on Wetzlar. Basically the best bet financially and hassle-wise is to order the lens from a tax-free shop on the airport in Europe well before travelling to collect when leaving for home. Shop around. Normally Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is the cheapest. (*)Â https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/services/tax-refund Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Albertson Posted July 10, 2023 Share #4 Â Posted July 10, 2023 Anything over $800 has to be declared to US customs. I forget what the duty is these days, but the Trump tax of 25 percent on German lenses has been suspended, at least. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted July 10, 2023 Share #5 Â Posted July 10, 2023 (edited) My philosophy is to buy from trusted US dealers, build relationships and benefit from return and service policies. Â Less hassle, and a good shop will interface with Wetzlar if ever needed. Â Savings come in many forms, not just at (current) purchase. Jeff Edited July 10, 2023 by Jeff S 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted July 10, 2023 Share #6 Â Posted July 10, 2023 (edited) I wouldn't buy a new lens from an airport dealer. If your first recourse in the event of a defect has to be with the retailer, I'd rather have somewhere a bit more substantial. If it's mainstream dealer with a branch at the airport that would be OK - otherwise I would not risk it. Edited July 10, 2023 by LocalHero1953 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted July 10, 2023 Share #7  Posted July 10, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) 3 hours ago, bourne said: purchasing a lens from the store in Wetzlar Don't assume the Wetzlar store will have all lenses in stock. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now