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HoBBiS
6
Oct 25, 2016
My experience as a Swedish buyer (European Union)
I purchased this LED strip to get a consumer view on purchasing from Massdrop US which I will be vlogging about. Similar LED lists with bluetooth capability is sold in physical stores in Sweden for about $55 - $65 depending on brand, and internet stores have approx the same prices + shipping (Shipping is approx $5 for single items, and often free shipping if purchasing several items at once or if you reach a certan amount)
So, this is how it turned out for me. A dissapointment in regards of cost and excessive waiting time. I am very happy that I decided NOT to purchase a GTX1080 through Massdrop but instead purchased in a local store.
- $27.99 for the led strip - $10.75 for shipping - $23 import cost / customs - This cost was added since the shipping documents from Massdrop did not state the US tax, only the total cost of the item. If US tax had been documented in the shipping documents, the import cost would have been approximately $4 instead. - I had a 12v 2A adapter handy at home, otherwise I would also need to invest in a $4 converter (US -> SE) or a separate 12v 2A adapter ($9)
Total cost for purchasing a Smart LED RGB bluetooth strip = $70,74 (with a separate 12v 2a adapter) or $65,74 (using a US -> SE converter)
The item is created in China by Shenzhen Singhong Technology. It seem to be a somewhat quality product. The Bluetooth functionality I suppose is embedded in the Lightning controller enclosed (CS2)
If Massdrop would make an apperance in Europe, it would be great, but until then, purchasing items via Massdrop may cost you more than it will cost in your local stores.
abulfurqan
4
Oct 26, 2016
HoBBiSDo you guys have an almost 100% customs? There is no tax in US, so Massdrop can't add one on the itemized list. In US, sales taxes are levied by local government, and calculated based on your shipping zip code (for physical stores, it's the zip code of the store).
HoBBiS
6
Oct 26, 2016
HoBBiSThanks Abulfurqan for your comment.
I am not aware of how taxes work in US, trying to understand that through Wikipedia now to get a better understanding. Thanks for informing me that no tax is added on this item.
The customs in Sweden mainly ensures that taxes are paid on imported goods (I am assuming the similar approach is for all EU countries)
The local shipping company will also add their charges to manage the customs review, when items are not clearly documented on the shipping documents.
The percentage/amount depends very much on the information on the shipping documents. In my case, the shipping document said "other" and no further information on the contents but the price for the item.
That results in a maximum customs rate and charges to compensate up to the highest possible rate, because the contents are not documented, it's like a "fine" being placed on the receiver of the goods.
If the shipping document would have stated "electronics", and even better "lights", and the material i'ts made of, the tax would be between 0-14% instead of the maximum rate incurred for non-described items. (0-14% is for electronics items, shoes have 17-18% and there are other percentages of other types of goods)
Basically the customs ensure that you pay the taxes for imported items.
I think Massdrop can heavily improve here by clearly stating the contents of the packages when shipping, to ensure proper handling outside US. The way it's done now will likely continue with negative feedback from EU consumers utilizing massdrop, such as myself, since in the end, the product would be cheaper to buy in local stores, due to the incorrect documentation, causing unnecessary high import rates/taxes.
Have a great day ahead!
iothank
55
Oct 27, 2016
HoBBiSany local platform in sweden like massdrop? probably can suggest the company to run again locally in europe