Jump to content

Buying New Gear In Europe/ Berlin - How to Save Cash?


User
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello folks,

I'm a Canadian currently living/ working in Berlin. I'm getting ready to drop some serious cash on new gear. But when comparing European/ USA/ Canadian prices, they are always significantly higher here in Europe. I'm considering flying to New York (B&H) to save on the purchase. I'm wondering how and what folks do living in Germany/ Europe to make purchases so that they save cash on larger purchases?
 

Example:

Sound Devices 702 = 2228.29 (taxi inc.) USD - B&H

Sound Devices 702 = 4203.38 (tax inc.) USD - Wellen-Noethen (Berlin, Germany)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

EOSHD Pro Color 5 for Sony cameras EOSHD Z LOG for Nikon CamerasEOSHD C-LOG and Film Profiles for All Canon DSLRs

Because tax evasion is illegal... You could buy it in the US and declare it at customs in Europe and pay tax of course. If the price difference is really extreme like your example, that'd be still worth it. But in general, that is not the case.

In general it might be true that we pay more for hardware in Europe, because of the higher tax. But on the other hand, US prices are always listed without sales tax (because it depends on the state).

Actually, right now with the dollar almost the same value as the Euro, there is hardly a price difference. In fact, a lot of products are actually cheaper now in Europe.

Sony A7R costs $1898 at B&H. That's €1699 - without tax.
The same camera costs €1649 here, 21% tax included...



 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very good Julian. Thank you.

I'm curious if you can tell me, what is best shop here in Europe that has the good selection on audio/ video equipment for sale? Like B&H in New York.

WHere do people buy their gear in Europe/ Berlin?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks again Cinegain & Antonis.

Look Like CVP is the cheapest option in Europe so far in this example, but it's still $1305.12 USD more than B&H.

Sound Devices 702 = $2228.29 (taxi inc.) USD - B&H

Sound Devices 702 = $4203.38 (tax inc.) USD - Wellen-Noethen (Berlin, Germany)

Sound Devices 702 = $3533.41 (tax inc.) USD - CVP

I'm also on a Canadian dollar, so that stings as well, Ah well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The few times I order something from abroad to save money I order it online - and still pay European tax and toll import. I've saved a bit of money on Nikon batteries and a Metabones Speedbooster this way. I wouldn't do it with a more expensive product, could get messy to deal with it in case of product defects...

Electronics sometimes have a slightly higher price in the EU, due to EU requiring 2 year warranty on all electronic equipment. Same products often have only 1 year warranty in other countries. If you do direct import yourself, you won't have this kind of warranty.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wait, from Berlin, it's actually not thát far to Poznan, Poland (about a 2hr48min drive according Google Maps), where might be able to pick one up for 8999 PLN (7316.26 PLN + 23%VAT), that would be 2407.47 USD / 2155.69 EUR and shouldn't be a problem to take back with you to Germany ( http://www.finanse.mf.gov.pl/en/customs/basic-information ). Of course you'd have to add 6 hrs of what your time is worth + gas mileage. :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting option Cinegain. I don't think I would have come to on my own. And good to have your insight as well Dahlfors, agreed. Thank you both.

They really wonderful thing when building a new camera/ sound package is walking into a store that has everything your need right in front of you. Nobody can beat B&H for this. Sitting on a plane for 12 hours is probably worth it in the long run, but I'm still open to options.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • EOSHD Pro Color 5 for All Sony cameras
    EOSHD C-LOG and Film Profiles for All Canon DSLRs
    EOSHD Dynamic Range Enhancer for H.264/H.265
×
×
  • Create New...