Archive 2020 · Purchasing from overseas?

jcw1982
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Purchasing from overseas?

Does anyone hacw any experience with purchasing gear from other countries? I was wondering about any tariffs, import fees, customs, etc. Many times I have seen older gear in great condition at a pretty good price. Didn't know if there was anything to be aware of before purchasing. I'm mainly refrring to sellers/stores on ebay that are located in Japan.

Feb 13, 2020 at 09:02 PM

rdeloe
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Purchasing from overseas?

I've purchased so many lenses and other things from Japan via eBay that I've lost track. I have absolutely no concerns.

I've been ripped off on eBay a few times, and it's almost always been by US or Canadian sellers (I'm in Canada). I find the Japanese sellers tend to be scrupulous (but I do pay attention to ratings). A few times during the past few years an item from a Japanese seller has been not as described (e.g., they missed some fungus that I didn't miss, or a ring was really stiff and that wasn't mentioned). I've never had any trouble returning, even when returns were not originally on offer.

You're in the US so something to keep in mind is that while shipping to you from Japan is cheap or free, shipping back to Japan is really expensive. I can't explain why that is.

Feb 13, 2020 at 11:03 PM

kdphotography
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Purchasing from overseas?

Check the ebay ratings. Check their websites. I've found a couple great camera resources from Hong Kong and China. Brick and mortar stores too.

ken

Feb 14, 2020 at 09:36 AM

runamuck
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Purchasing from overseas?

I bought some Mamiya MF gear from Japan using Ebay. Shipping took a while but the gear was minty fresh.

Feb 24, 2020 at 03:11 AM


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