US <--> France used camera trade question

[ampguy]

I'm considering trading a user camera with a member here in France with a different user camera.

I'm not concerned with the trader, we've both traded with similar folks here, but I have a question on customs on taking a user camera from France.

I'm concerned that even though he will be labeling it as a gift, and maybe even wrapping it, that somehow someone in customs might think it is worth more than it is, despite the worn cosmetics, and some non functioning elements.

What's the risk here? If it's minimal, or likely to be a reasonable fee (< $25 ish or so) I can probably deal with it.

On ebay, or the classifieds on forums, these user cameras would probably be valued at $150 to $200.

Also, are there any considerations I need to do while shipping my user camera to him from the US to France? I'm thinking USPS Intl. Air/Priority Mail?

Thanks!

 

[anthony_semone]

FWIW, I just lost a sale to a colleague in France because he reported to me that after check with whatever the government agency it was who knows about these things, he said that the VAT would be 7% on top of the 20% import duty/customs fee. That would have been on the sale of a lens which I was offering for $620 plus shipping, insurance and PP fees here in CONUS. In the end, he'd have ended up pay about $800US. OTOH, another colleague sold a lens to a photog in the Netherlands and it by-passed Customs completely, being delivered to their front door by the postman. Go figure.

 

[ampguy]

Thanks for the good info.

Thanks for the good info.

The guy I'm going to trade with is a good guy, has done deals with many of us here.

But he is unsure about the trade thing. I'm just concerned that somewhere along the line is going to think it's undervalued, and I don't really have the time to point out the known things that aren't working on the camera.

Also, I wouldn't want him to get stuck with a fancy camera that also has issues that he knows about, but that some intermediary agency thinks is worth a lot more than it is.

I think I'll pass on this one.

FWIW, I just lost a sale to a colleague in France because he reported to me that after check with whatever the government agency it was who knows about these things, he said that the VAT would be 7% on top of the 20% import duty/customs fee. That would have been on the sale of a lens which I was offering for $620 plus shipping, insurance and PP fees here in CONUS. In the end, he'd have ended up pay about $800US. OTOH, another colleague sold a lens to a photog in the Netherlands and it by-passed Customs completely, being delivered to their front door by the postman. Go figure.

 

[noimmunity]

For a while, it used to be that items sent by USPS International Priority, which are then handled in France as "colissimo" service packages (as opposed to USPS Global Express Mail, which are handled in France as "chronopost") , could get through pretty easily, but it seems those days are over. I received a body sent by USPS Intl priority as a gift last week, and was charged that infamous 30% import duty. Even the postman apologized at the moment of delivery. If the value of the item + shipping is over a certain amount, there will be import duties (at least on cameras), even if it is marked as a gift. There is always some controversy about what that amount is. If you are willing to accept the risk, then value the camera at $25 and it should be okay.

I'm considering trading a user camera with a member here in France with a different user camera.

I'm not concerned with the trader, we've both traded with similar folks here, but I have a question on customs on taking a user camera from France.

I'm concerned that even though he will be labeling it as a gift, and maybe even wrapping it, that somehow someone in customs might think it is worth more than it is, despite the worn cosmetics, and some non functioning elements.

What's the risk here? If it's minimal, or likely to be a reasonable fee (< $25 ish or so) I can probably deal with it.

On ebay, or the classifieds on forums, these user cameras would probably be valued at $150 to $200.

Also, are there any considerations I need to do while shipping my user camera to him from the US to France? I'm thinking USPS Intl. Air/Priority Mail?

Thanks!

 

[noimmunity]

OTOH, another colleague sold a lens to a photog in the Netherlands and it by-passed Customs completely, being delivered to their front door by the postman. Go figure.

France ain't the Netherlands...

(I see that Ted already made a decision just before I finished my reply.)

 

[ampguy]

Thanks. The trader is good with the decision. Someone in his own country, or someone outside but less risk-averse than I will get a good RF deal.

 

[noimmunity]

No impmort duties

No impmort duties

Just as a follow up:

I ordered fropm KEH a 45/4 lens for my Xpan. It was shipped by USPS International Priority (KEH does not understate the value) and arrived this morning to my door without any import duties. Go figure!

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I'm considering trading a user camera with a member here in France with a different user camera.

I'm not concerned with the trader, we've both traded with similar folks here, but I have a question on customs on taking a user camera from France.

You're here in France? When in Paris, "give me a hit of the cable" (literal translation of "call me") via PM or something.


Now, afaik, if the camera is used, and you're trading it with the one you brought...I don't think there really is anything you should declare as it's part of your own personal belongings, nothing literally new which you rang up at a cashier.