I'm ordering a Precisio CS-70 from Europe, what should I know?

[CutsTwice]

Hi guys,
I'm finally going to import a Precisio CS-70 from Europe to the U.S....the CS 70 EB-Set GB 240V model, but I have a few questions that hopefully you more experienced folks can help me with.
1. Is it going to be difficult to find someone that will sell it to me and ship it across the pond?
2. Should I pick the 110 volt or 220 volt model?
3. Can I hook it up to the 230v power we have in the states?
4. Does anyone have any idea what customs fees or import tariffs might run me?
5. How long can I expect standard shipping to take, and what shipping service will serve me best?
6. Are there any pitfalls or risks that I should be aware of before I start this process?

I know that I'm certainly not the first guy to consider doing this, so I'd REALLY appreciate any input or directions to resources that will aid me in my project.

 

[jmbfestool]

1. Not on Fog I think!

2. 240V is best!  110v tools in the UK has far less power than the 240v versions I know I have tried and tested it! and seen as in the states you have 230v your best getting the higher voltage closer match!

3. Dont know

4. Dont know

5. Week or more?

6. No pitfalls only risks!  Risk that the item might be damaged or faulty and you will have difficulty to get it sorted! Risk that in a years time it might need repairing under warranty but seen as you are in the states it will cost you some money to get it sent of for repair back to europe because I don't think your warranty will work in the states like here in Europe if I buy a festool tool from another country as long its part of europe I can still use my warranty as if I bought it from the UK!

JMB

 

[CutsTwice]

Cool, that's a start, thanks!

I've considered the warranty issue, and decided that I'll probably risk it due to the fact that I've yet to have any warranty work done on my Festools. I would hope that I could purchase parts if I needed them, but I'm not sure that a regular fella like me can buy parts from Festool....especially overseas. I guess I should ship it insured because this is quite a bit of money for 'lil 'ole me and I'd hate to risk a messed-up unit.

The other issue is whether or not I'll have to pay vat if it's being shipped out of the country. I've purchased smaller items from the U.K. and was not charged the vat...so who knows.

I appreciate the input, and the more the merrier!

 

[paul_david_thomas]

where in the us are you ?

 

[Brice Burrell]

Cool, that's a start, thanks!

I've considered the warranty issue, and decided that I'll probably risk it due to the fact that I've yet to have any warranty work done on my Festools. I would hope that I could purchase parts if I needed them, but I'm not sure that a regular fella like me can buy parts from Festool....especially overseas.......

In the past Festool USA employees have posted on the forum that it is possible for them to service the NAINA tools here.  However, they do not honor the warranty and repair times could be lengthy since spare parts need to be shipped in from Germany.  You may want to call Festool USA and see if they continue that practice. 

 

[richard.selwyn]

If you take something out of Europe personally you can reclaim the vat but I don't know about when shipping. Ask one of the many outfits that do this regularly and they'll know. If you ship between European countries and are registered for vat, you can buy excluding vat. As for us import tax, again try to ask one of the outfits that do this regularly - maybe a shipping company who could take care of the shipping for you. I have no idea how well festool pack their stuff for shipping within Europe, but you may be better getting someone to pack it for you. I have made special cases in the past to ship things to and from the us to avoid damage in transit
I don't have the precisio but have e TS 55 in the cms which gives a vaguely similar result. If you struggle, at the risk of being disloyal you could look at the Mafell which IS imported into the us.
Regards
Richard

 

[CutsTwice]

I'm in Hamilton Montana, southwest of Helena.

Another option I'm considering is to import a CMS table with an insert for a TS75, then buying the TS75 here in the states so that I can get a valid warranty. Would anyone happen to know if the European TS75 is physically identical to the american one? In other words...would the American saw work in the CMS?

I don't need the pull-saw capability of the Precisio. Perhaps the TS75 option would make more sense.

 

[justinmcf]

I highly recommend purchasing the CMS-GE table and then all you have to do is purchase the TS-75 in the U.S.
The CMS-GE has electrical components built in so I think you would have to order the 110 volt version so it matches your 110 volt TS-75.

I am sure there a plenty of people here who can give you feedback with regards to the 110 volt / 240 volt power issue that JMB raised.

You will also be able to use the CMS for router and jigsaw attachments.

CMS is a no brainer.

Justin.

 

[JeromeM]

Hi guys,
I'm finally going to import a Precisio CS-70 from Europe to the U.S....the CS 70 EB-Set GB 240V model, but I have a few questions that hopefully you more experienced folks can help me with.
1. Is it going to be difficult to find someone that will sell it to me and ship it across the pond?
2. Should I pick the 110 volt or 220 volt model?
3. Can I hook it up to the 230v power we have in the states?
4. Does anyone have any idea what customs fees or import tariffs might run me?
5. How long can I expect standard shipping to take, and what shipping service will serve me best?
6. Are there any pitfalls or risks that I should be aware of before I start this process?

1) yes very. Some years ago I managed to get a few tools and accessorys sent from the UK to Japan {£3000+} i did not regester the tools with a non U.K. address. That dealer was told not to ship outside th UK again. 
However if you can find somebody who will break their agreement with Festool (you may) you should not pay VAT, though that will depend on if the dealer is set up for oversees shipping, some are some aren't.

5) 1 to 2 weeks- the shipping will probably cost the same or more than the VAT you don't pay.
It will be UPS OR DHL. depending on the dealer you buy from. They will clear it through US customs and you may have to pay those costs before they deliver.

6)  You may be able to get only one shipment so make sure you get everything you need in the first order. Get the dealer to unpack set up and test everything. Accept that you have no warrantee.

Personell export (taking it in your baggage) when you fly is much easier. I have done both.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

From my experience bringing NAINA Festool stuff here, I think you're nuts.  You'd have an easier and less costly time buying a second plane ticket for the CS 70 to sit beside you.  A third ticket if you're also bringing the CMS.

Good luck.

 

[mouppe]

I have brought over a bunch of Festool stuff from the UK to Canada in the past. You can reclaim the VAT (less a few per cent for commission) when you leave at the airport.

If you are shipping the stuff directly overseas, you may not be liable for VAT in the first place, and if you are, you can reclaim it later. Just make sure the dealer gives you a VAT-stamped receipt that you can send back to the UK.

As for the Precision (at 1700 pounds) have you considered the CMS table plus TS55 for 1030 pounds? You could get the TS55 with 110v, and plug it in with a simple adapter.

Or if you already own a TS55, why not just the CMS table and TS55 module for 690 pounds?

PM me if you want more details.

 

[Brice Burrell]

From my experience bringing NAINA Festool stuff here, I think you're nuts.  You'd have an easier and less costly time buying a second plane ticket for the CS 70 to sit beside you.  A third ticket if you're also bringing the CMS.

Good luck.

Man Ken, you don't mind shattering dreams, do you???? [big grin]

I have to admit I do agree with Ken, this is likely not worth the expense. 

 

[peter halle]

Importing from Europe has its challenges (challenges is used here instead of other words and phrases that are banned).

But if you decide to move forward...

1.  I image that the only way to possibly get it shipped cheaply would be to get in touch with a company such as Schencker which provides all kinds of shipping services and can act as an agent on both sides of the ocean OR contact UPS and start asking questions.  They work to consolidate smaller orders into large shipping containers to make the shipping portion affordable.

2.  How much it cost?  How much money is in your bank account?  It depends on how it can be arranged.  The import tariff needs to be determined.  That guide was written for people who suffer from insomnia.  There are thousands of tariff codes and tax rates and which one gets picked can save or cost you.  For instance, is a systainer a tool box or a plastic storage container?  Answer one way and it can cost you several % difference (tool boxes are more expensive).  I think that your code would be 8465.91.00 - about 3%.

3.  Then there are the brokerage fees and forklift driver fees, and the bonded warehouse fees, and the shipping fees from the port of entry to your location.

Now that being said, if you pay for air shipping I think that the rules change - but not the import tariffs.  Oh and by the way, import tariffs and the fees imposed on this side of the ocean are the way that the Customs Service is funded.

My best guess is that by the time you try to get that over here you will be approaching at least 35 to 40% of what you paid for it in Europe.

Proctologists, slimy used car salespeople, shady attorneys, and the people who devised the import regulations all have a special place reserved together in the afterlife in my opinion.

Good Luck!  

If I can help you at all, please send me a PM.

Peter

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Peter,

You're just mad that they get personalized plates too.  [big grin]

Seinfeld episode
[attachimg=1]

 

[Brice Burrell]

Cuts Twice, I sent you a PM.

 

[JeromeM]

I have brought over a bunch of Festool stuff from the UK to Canada in the past. You can reclaim the VAT (less a few per cent for commission) when you leave at the airport.
that is correct
If you are shipping the stuff directly overseas, you may not be liable for VAT in the first place,if the goods are sent outside the EC then there is no liability for VAT. However as I said some dealers may not know that and charge you anyway and if you are, you can reclaim it later. Just make sure the dealer gives you a VAT-stamped receipt that you can send back to the UK.  [eek] that one I think is probably not correct. Have you done it Richard? If you haven't then I am sure it won't work HMRC need proof that the goods were shipped out of the EC and a
VAT receipt isn't

I think Peter is over stating the costs a bit. Mine were about 20% including duty and consumption tax of 5% shipped air freight

He is correct about the import duty people [mad]

 

[spikfot]

It will be interesting to hear what the shipping will be.  Personally, I'd be willing to pay the shipper a little extra to DOUBLE WRAP the boxes. The farther you ship= the more often the item changes hands=the higher likelihood your item is damaged in route.
 The comparison of a CS 70, Set especially, to a CMS table + TS 75, is a little off, as the former is equipped to preform the duties of a cabinet saw, while the latter is a limited, and fairly primitive version of a table saw. I didn't think I'd use the "Pull" stroke either, but I do, and wouldn't want to be without it.
  As Richard mentioned, I'd seriously consider the Mafell Erika. IMO, Mafell tools are as good as Festool, if not better, depending on the tool (sometimes, they are the SAME tool)

 

[mouppe]

I have brought over a bunch of Festool stuff from the UK to Canada in the past. You can reclaim the VAT (less a few per cent for commission) when you leave at the airport.
that is correct
If you are shipping the stuff directly overseas, you may not be liable for VAT in the first place,if the goods are sent outside the EC then there is no liability for VAT. However as I said some dealers may not know that and charge you anyway and if you are, you can reclaim it later. Just make sure the dealer gives you a VAT-stamped receipt that you can send back to the UK.  [eek] that one I think is probably not correct. Have you done it Richard? If you haven't then I am sure it won't work HMRC need proof that the goods were shipped out of the EC and a
VAT receipt isn't

I think Peter is over stating the costs a bit. Mine were about 20% including duty and consumption tax of 5% shipped air freight

He is correct about the import duty people [mad]

Yes, I have done it. I sent a stamped VAT receipt back to the company I bought the goods from when I got back to Canada. It is up to the company to process the VAT refund.

Personally, I think the best thing is to get on a plane with a large empty suitcase and spend a long weekend sightseeing and Festool-shopping in London.

No shipping charges or brokerage fees, and depending on the personal allowances, possibly no duty either.

 

[CutsTwice]

Wow, I haven't had so much information made available to me so quickly through this forum in the past. Thank you everybody.

I've been crunching numbers all day, and as near as I can figure...the saw with all the accessories would run over 5 grand all said and done...and that's if all goes well to say nothing of asking favors of people I don't know and lots of email tag. I hate to say it, but it looks like I will be buying a Delta left tilt or a Grizzly. It's a real shame that I am sitting over here willing to spend three thousand dollars on a tool that I feel would be plenty profitable for Festool if they sold it for $1500.00 U.S., and the only way I can get one is to pay about three times what it is worth (IMO), wait forever, and hope to god that it is in one piece when it gets here.

Why doesn't Festool encourage sales of all kinds? Why wouldn't they honor a warranty out of the country if the customer pays for shipping?  I would think that any money in the pocket these days is good money. It's very disappointing, but what can ya do?  [crying]

Short of getting someone in the states to part with a CMS that they already have, I'm off to start perusing Delta's website.

Thanks again for all the info folks, it's been quite a learning experience.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Like William said, the Mafell Erika is another choice and those are available here.  The largest model, the 85 sells for approximately $2900, then there are the accessories that add up.