Importing machines from US - shipping cost?

[psyduck]

After searching the net for European pachinko vendors I suddenly realized 1 thing. Living in Europe sucks espesially if you live in Sweden.

I envy those of you from the US. You have many machines to choose from and the prices are rediculous (by European standards), both for the machines and for shippment. You can get almost any machine you want for well under $300. Here in Europe the prices for machines alone starts at $400 and shipping price to another country in Europe between $200-$300. I'm not kidding. The cheapest machine I've found so far would cost me around $600 delivered.

Does any of you know if there are any pachinko vendors in the US that could ship to Europe? Or what would be the shipping cost for such a package? I have a cousin living in US that maybe could help me out. Even if the shipping would cost $300 it would still be a better price plus the greater selection of machines available. Are there any laws that forbids this kind of import?

Importing from Japan sounds complicated as well as expencive after reading the guide here on the forum.

[jwegger]

I've shipped vintage machines to France and Germany, cost was about $150-$175 if I remember correctly. Biggest problem is making sure the box is under the 108 inches length and Girth measurement and still well padded. Weight limit to Sweden from US via post office is 66 pounds. I tend to avoid Fedex or UPS for international shipments due to the higher cost, although they will take larger packages depending upon the location. Newer machines are heavier and the measurements from front to back are more so you get really close to the 108 inch limit. Also you may have to have the balls shipped seperate from the machine to keep under the weight limit
You can check the USPS website for Sweden to see all the information http://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/ps_038.htm#ep1655782

Best of luck

[compirate]

Doesn't Europe have a SAL agreement with Japan? It may be cheaper than you think to import direct.

[Denhomer]

If importing from non-eu countries, remember that there's an import tax...
Machines here in Europe tend to be more expensive because all of this...
I do wonder if 200 $ shipping in europe is justified, seems a whole lot actually...

[psyduck]

Importing directly from Japan does sounds tempting because of the bigest selection of machines available. I'll see, maybe I'll give it a try. How many of you on this forum have ordered pachinkos through Kiai? Is he still as helpful as always?

[compirate]

Kia is top notch! People here have trusted him with $thousands$

[arbycoffee]

I have had in Kia's hands 10 of thousands of Dollars, when I was importing pachinkos. I would trust him with my life!!

[drcrippen324]

I will second that Arby. Kiai is da man
but a word to the wise at a guess it was you that contacted me about importing machines from the uk to you and the prices you saw on my web site are with a £25 cut for me after buying the machine shipping it paying for and using cleaning materials cell cleaner nevo ect adding a transformer adding 500 to 1000 balls a ball tray and a key you will be looking at the same sort of prices -£25 the only reason they are so cheap in the USA is because postage is slightly less and they are usualy brought by the container load in bulk

I wish you all the luck and if oyu need any help just shoot me a pm and i will aid you all i can

[rubberratt]

THIRDED !

I try to keep a balance with Kiai, in case I see something cool

[takethecastle57]

exactly how many taxes are there in europe . I know of : T.V. tax , Pet Tax, Road Tax, Looking Tax (maybe), Big vehicle Tax , Tumb Tax ( ), Food Tax, Property Tax , Manufacture Tax , Ect where will it end ???

[Eddie]

Kiai is my go to man and is 100% Reliable and trustworthy he even checks with the seller for what if any damage the machine has.

[arbycoffee]

"Honorable" is his description.

[kmhamel]

Kiai