Buying a lens from Hong Kong

W

Weuexam

Suspended / Banned
Messages
15
Name
Austin
Edit My Images
Yes
Has anyone ever purchased lenses from overseas and did not have to pay duty or VAT?

I have seen on eBay a brand new Tamron 90mm F2.8 DI 1:1 SP AF Macro lens for £169.99 with postage at £30.

These lens come from Hong Kong and from a company called Sighterz.

This lens retails in the UK for about £248.
 
I wouldnt buy one from anyone on ebay!!!

However, there is a much more reputable company, if you are determined to get it as cheap as possible, called onestop-digital - guaranteed no import duties, and they refund if you do get hit by tax. Delivery is also free.

However, a word of warning about anything imported - many of the manufacturers will be very reluctant to honour a warranty without a VAT receipt. ;)

I believe this is what you want, and as there is no delivery charge, price is the same. Many round here have used OSD and they deliver very quickly too.

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_29&products_id=47
 
I bought some computer parts from HK last year and was charged duty and VAT fee, which brought the price up to about the same as the equivalent UK price. Thing is if you buy here then at least you have more chance warranty wise if the worst happens. Only time it worked for me was recently when I bought a brand new 14-54 Zuiko on ebay that someone else had already imported from the US and saved £100 on the cheapest shop price. Not just camera gear people try this with but all sorts of consumer products and I think customs know all the tricks in the book. :shrug:
 
As LadyLens has said, buy from One Stop. they will refund any import duty you have to pay, are quick to deliver and reliable.

I disagree about eBay sellers though, not all are bad news, you just need to use your common sense and a calculator ;) Good eBay sellers include Kerso, DigitalRev, kea-photo and there's many more.
 
Steep said:
As LadyLens has said, buy from One Stop. they will refund any import duty you have to pay, are quick to deliver and reliable.

I disagree about eBay sellers though, not all are bad news, you just need to use your common sense and a calculator ;) Good eBay sellers include Kerso, DigitalRev, kea-photo and there's many more.
Click to expand...

Sorry Steep, I meant not from Hong Kong ebay sellers [for expensive stuff like lenses], not ebay generally ;)
 
I have used onestop twice now, and both times had great service with no other charges, (duty, tax). they will even try and price match ;)
 
No problems here either, I've used a Honkers eBay seller several times now, no Duty or Tax etc. so far *touchwood*

One thing to bear in mind is the potential problem with valid warranty of grey imports with regards to Nikon UK. You may have to ship it back to HK if anything goes wrong.
 
I think Pete has got a Tamron 90mm up for sale, Canon mount if that's what you're after. Have a look in the For Sale section...
 
Thanks everyone for responding. I am going to take your advice and shop with One Stop. I'm surprised they did not appear in a Google search. BTW I will need a Nikon mount.
 
No surprise there m8, they probably don't pay google.
 
I'd never buy anything from Hong Kong, when im searching for lenses on eBay I filter my search results by UK only.

I'v had a few bad experiences when i'v bought something from Hong Kong (like items arriving literally weeks after I bought them. Also bought a computer cable from Hong Kong that arrived and was serisouly bad quality, didn't even work).
 
I have had no problems with Digital Rev.
 
mho said:
I have had no problems with Digital Rev.
Click to expand...

Recently got Sigma EM 140 ring flash from them. Bought via their web site. All taxes calculated before checkout, damn sight cheaper than any UK seller and delivered within 4 working days.:thumbs:
 
the "genuine ipod" I bought from hong kong for £10 inc p&p off ebay didnt turn out to be a genuine ipod at all

:bonk:

can you believe it!!

lawl
 
Duty and VAT is liable on any item, gift or otherwise, with a declared value of £ 18 or more. If something sneaks through the net, count yourself lucky.

The myth 'declare it as a gift and it will get through' is [PLEASE DON'T TRY TO BYPASS THE SWEAR FILTER].
 
Never buy things from Hong Kong on ebay, There always seems to be SOMETHING unexpected in the contents/transaction. Buy official or find other means with something as delicate as lenses imo.
 
No problems with Digital Rev, used them earlier on this year. Delivered in 3 days from Hong Kong, faster than delivery from some UK dealers ...
 
Bought a light meter from Digital Rev, ordered Thurs, knock on the door Mon morn, delivered, £40 cheaper than UK, they also have a UK based cust serv dept.
 
I'd also add to digital revs praise. As a rule though I'd buy from the UK, or if your planing buying a lot, fly there yourself with oasis, decent excuse for a good trip and you'll get stuff cheaper than HK ebay prices :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top