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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Special K on Thu, 08 January 2015, 10:13:13

Title: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: Special K on Thu, 08 January 2015, 10:13:13
What are the duty charges for buying a Filco keyboard from a UK-based seller (http://www.keyboardco.com) and importing it to the US?  I tried using this calculator here:

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/saved_calculations/view_details/190395481/

and it says $0, but I'm not sure how official that website is or if I entered everything correctly.  I figure some people here have done this before, so I just thought I'd ask.  I was tempted to order one from their website given that their US-based amazon store is out of stock and won't be restocked for a few months, but didn't want any surprise charges once the keyboard reaches customs in the US.
Title: Re: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 08 January 2015, 10:18:33
Are they out of stock on Amazon already? They just restocked a few days ago.

And there are no import taxes coming into the US, unless it's like over a couple thousand dollar purchase.
Title: Re: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: Special K on Thu, 08 January 2015, 11:03:11
Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 08 January 2015, 10:18:33
Are they out of stock on Amazon already? They just restocked a few days ago.

And there are no import taxes coming into the US, unless it's like over a couple thousand dollar purchase.

Only the FKBN104M/EB2 is out of stock.  I emailed them and they said it would be a few months before their Amazon store is restocked.  It looks like buying directly from them is an extra $20 vs what they were selling for on Amazon.
Title: Re: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 08 January 2015, 11:11:24
http://www.ncix.com/detail/filco-majestouch-2-cherry-mx-87-70716.htm
Title: Re: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: Special K on Thu, 08 January 2015, 13:09:00
Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 08 January 2015, 11:11:24
http://www.ncix.com/detail/filco-majestouch-2-cherry-mx-87-70716.htm

Good find, thanks.

I wonder why more US online computer hardware retailers don't stock Filcos.  It seems mechanical keyboards have experienced a surge of popularity the last couple years, with companies such as Razer, Coolermaster, Corsair, etc. getting into the market.
Title: Re: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: Special K on Fri, 09 January 2015, 11:26:43
Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 08 January 2015, 11:11:24
http://www.ncix.com/detail/filco-majestouch-2-cherry-mx-87-70716.htm

I just noticed NCIX has a US-based store that also carries the Filco:

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=70716&vpn=FKBN104M%2FEB2&manufacture=Filco

This will save US-based customers a lot on shipping.
Title: Re: Importing Filco keyboard from UK to US: duty charges?
Post by: Special K on Wed, 14 January 2015, 10:57:49
D'oh, I placed an order at NCIXUS and the next day I get an email from them saying the keyboard is now on backorder with no ETA.  It said there was one available when I checked out.  Apparently their inventory isn't updated in real time.

Are there any other US-based retailers that sell new Filco keyboards?  Why are these so hard to buy in the US?