P3D Re: Why buy an RBT directly from Germany?

["randlov" <randlov@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The answer given by Jon Golden surprises me. I have no meaning whether you
should buy a RBT camera in the USA or in Germany and where it is most
favorable to buy it. But the decision should be based on correct
information.
Throughout the years I have bought cameras, lenses (e.g. B&H in NY), books
in USA, UK and Germany and I have hardly had any problems.
Inside the EU we have to pay the local VAT. When I buy from Germany I have
to pay 15% VAT. VAT is collected by the shop you are buying from, and not by
the German customs. I have never heard about export duties in European
countries and I have no idea what the statement ìIf German customs catches
the camera ..î refers to. But I donít know about US customs!!
Non-EU citizens do not have to pay VAT. VAT is not added to export orders,
and if you buy the goods yourself in the country the VAT can be reimbursed
when you leave the country.
Transfer of money is quite easy. In most cases payment is done with credit
card. If the shop does not take credit card it is easy to pay with
international check or with a check drawn on a German bank. When I buy a
check drawn on a foreign bank from a Danish bank the fee is typically DKK 50
(USD 7.50).
Concerning guaranties and service I would be very annoyed if an importer not
support a guarantee issued in another country like Nikon, Leica and other
quality producers do. Of course RBT cameras are not off-the-shelf products.
But due to the price and the good spirit of limited number of stereo
photographers one should not be too narrow-minded.
In this time of internalization we should all support free international and
communication. Buying goods in Germany is for me just as easy as buying from
the US. The US importer of RBT cameras should promote his business by
service and not wrong information.
Peter



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