Receiving a synthesizer via post and sending it back again sounds very straight forward. However in reality it means a lot of additional work often exceeding the time to do the actual repairs / modifications.
As always we recommend contacting a local tech instead of sending us your synth.
Here is why:
– When receiving a synth it is often not delivered to the door, but needs to be picked up from the post office. This means going by car and takes at least 30min, often more due to long waiting times in the post office. One hour is a typical duration for this task.
– If the synthesizer needs to be re-packaged, this means additional time. Of course we will try to use the package it came in, but sometimes it is nessesary to do so. If you have ever packaged a synthesizer, you will know that 30 min is a rather generous time estimate for this task.
– We can book a pick-up option for shipping the synth, so no additional time here fortunately.
If the synthesizer is sent from outside the EU, customs get involved:
– When receiving the synthesizer via DHL Express, we typically only pay customs (Sometimes we have to pay a small additional fee). Other carriers have large fees for handling import however. TNT for example charges at least 50€ for handling the import. When not shipped via an express carrier, typically we need to handle customs ourselves. This means filling out paperwork driving to the customs office (which is quite far away) waiting in line, eventually paying customs duty and having to drive back again. Three hours is a realistic time for these tasks.
– Finally, when exporting to a country outside the EU, additional fees may apply due to complicated export paperwork. This is true for all shipments with a value greater than 1000€. We use an agent for this and he charges 45€. Please note that if we claimed a lower value, it would not only be illegal, but it would also mean your shipment is not insured properly.
– It is possible to import goods ‘for repairs’ and this way getting back the customs duty paid on import. It means however a substantial amount of additional paperwork, often offsetting the cost of customs duty.
