[Elecraft] Disgrunteled Japanese

[Fumiaki Okushi]

I would personally prefer to buy from a local distributor, for the exact reason you mention.
So I'm willing to pay a little extra for that convenience.
The question is how much will I (or more generally, one) be willing to pay for the additional convenience.

With regards to ham radio equipment, bands could be different from one country to another (and certainly the case between US and JA),
so there's another reason you might want to deal locally.

Regards,
Fumi Okushi/KB2KVV

From: Duncan Carter <dc at vibrotek.com>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Disgrunteled Japanese
Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:51:19 -0700

> Another consideration is the degree of risk in acting as your own 
> import/export agent.  Almost all vendors sell on terms where the buyer 
> is the owner of the equipment once it leave the seller's facility.  If 
> there's a problem during transit, it becomes the buyer's problem.  
> Insurance can help but it's not a cure-all; avoidance of claims payment 
> is a common practice.  In many countries, getting equipment through 
> customs can be a real "adventure".  Most countries are also familiar 
> with the many ruses for avoiding import duties; most have a high degree 
> of regulation of payment for just this reason.  Attempting to avoid such 
> duties can produce a high risk of having the equipment confiscated.
> 
> Dunc, W5DC
> 
> Dick Williams wrote:
>> Has anybody tried to buy a Yaesu, Icom or Kenwood direct from Japan without
>> going thru their dealers in the states?