[Harp-L] Most reliable suppliers

[Joseph Bernard <bjosephmex@xxxxxxxxx>]

Let's start with Coast2CoastMusic.com as an example.  They ship by priority mail which costs $11.95.
 
http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-international-prices.htm
 
Each destination country charges customs and administrative fees on shipments containing dutiable items. General customs information is available online at Customs. For information about specific destination countries, go to World Customs Organization, or go to the destination country website.
For Postal Service customs information, refer to the International Mail Manual (IMM) or individual country listings. Customs issues and regulations are outside the control of the United States Postal Service. We recommend that either you or the addressee contact the local customs office for specifics. This number can be found in your local phone book.
 
http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?session={8ac28ee0-6941-11dd-6f60-000000000000}&event=1&view()=c%7B1ff186a0-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D&objectId=&eksObjectId=&objectType=Case&isJumpEnabled=false&isContentJumpEnabled=false&vendorKey=&objTitle=&versionId=921
 
http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/welcome.htm
 
GST (Goods and Services Tax - GST) is the Australian equivalent of a value added tax: The GST has a rate of 10% which applies during the sale or the purchase of the majority of goods and services in Australia, or when importing goods into Australia.

http://fita.org/countries/australia.html?ma_rubrique=fiscalite
 
The Australian Post Office and the US Post Office web cites are strangely silent about import taxes.  
 
Most International mail weighing 500 grams or more, or valued at $500 or more requires Customs documentation. The type of article being sent determines which Customs form is required.
 
http://www.auspost.com.au/internationalpost/how/customs/
 
See if you can do better research than me!  I live in Mexico and import from the US.  Musical instruments are much less expensive in the US for tax reasons.  You would be shocked at how much of the mark up is tax.  US companies have to compete against Mexicans making guitars in their garage and not paying any tax at all.  Anything over $70 US is taxed through the US/Mexican Post Office.  The bad news is that the tracking number disappears at the hand off, and service is slow.  Fed Ex is extremely expensive..  DHL will typically allow hand about $20 to the Mexican customs to make the determination that no taxes are due.  These are all generalities.  International mail here is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you are going to get.
 
Well the point of all this is that when you purchase something on-line reliability isn't the only consideration.  You are going to find a huge price difference based on tax more than anything else.
Joe