10179 UCS Millenium Falcon

[rexcal]

So,

the "Day of the Falcon" comes nearer and nearer...

i have to get some advice from German members who have information about custom fees for big sets.

I am pretty sure that they also let you pay for the shipping costs - they once did that when i ordered old videogames direct from japan. I had to pay taxes for the item- and shippingcosts combined.

What's the best way to solve this? I think even if we pretend the Falcon to be a present for me it doesn't help. But i have a great idea: Let's put up an ebay auction that i will end via "Buy it now" for a disgusting low price (let's say 80 Dollars). I then will print that out and bring it along to the custom and because they're not into LEGO specifics they will only charge me for 80 Dollars. Of course that price should also be written on the sticker the sender fills out.

Any other ideas from you guys?

I especially appreciate the help of German members who have their own experiences with German custom, of course.

8-|

[sam89]

That's a pretty good idea, but the timing would have to be good. You wouldn't want someone else clicking "buy it now" before you do.

[Christian]

So,

the "Day of the Falcon" comes nearer and nearer...

i have to get some advice from German members who have information about custom fees for big sets.

I am pretty sure that they also let you pay for the shipping costs - they once did that when i ordered old videogames direct from japan. I had to pay taxes for the item- and shippingcosts combined.

What's the best way to solve this? I think even if we pretend the Falcon to be a present for me it doesn't help. But i have a great idea: Let's put up an ebay auction that i will end via "Buy it now" for a disgusting low price (let's say 80 Dollars). I then will print that out and bring it along to the custom and because they're not into LEGO specifics they will only charge me for 80 Dollars. Of course that price should also be written on the sticker the sender fills out.

Any other ideas from you guys?

I especially appreciate the help of German members who have their own experiences with German custom, of course.

8-|

Actually you only payed the price of your ticket in the raffle, so the value should only be 10 $, and most likely no taxes, but I doubt that customs will believe that.. X-D

[rexcal]

That's a pretty good idea, but the timing would have to be good. You wouldn't want someone else clicking "buy it now" before you do.

Thanks, sam, that's what I thought, too. But of course, I would have to make an agreement with one of you US members using the PM-function of the board. So we could agree on the exact time to put the auction on ebay, perhaps with a typing error in the auction - this prevents other peiople from finding the auction and using the "Buy it now"-option before I can do.

Is there anyone who is willing to work that out together with me?

Edited June 5, 2007 by rexcal

[RocketMan]

I'm from Germany and I've been dealing with importing stuff from the US for quite a while.

My advice? Don't do it, you'll only get into trouble.

Those guys at customs know how to use the internet, and they're very good at finding out the correct value in a matter of minutes.

You going there claiming it was much cheaper than it actually is will probably get you an accusation for tax fraud, and charges will be filed against you immediately.

Even asking in a forum such as this is problematic... People from customs have been known to lurk at e.g. DVD message boards and come down hard on people who ask about how to pull a fast one on them. You're basically asking how to commit tax fraud!

If you win the Falcon, the tax and customs fee you pay will still be based on its correct value, not what you paid for your raffle ticket.

The good news: For a few months now, it seems that customs is taking shipping costs out of their calculations.

[rexcal]

I'm from Germany and I've been dealing with importing stuff from the US for quite a while.

My advice? Don't do it, you'll only get into trouble.

Those guys at customs know how to use the internet, and they're very good at finding out the correct value in a matter of minutes.

I also imported a few things before, too. Most of them from the United states, some from Japan.

I always had to show the custom-people my ebay account or a notification of the site whereever I bought the items - and that's it.

I think it all depends on where exactly you live.

I just don't think that it's fair to pay a lot of money for something I already have won...

X-O

[RocketMan]

I also imported a few things before, too. Most of them from the United states, some from Japan.

I always had to show the custom-people my ebay account or a notification of the site whereever I bought the items - and that's it.

I think it all depends on where exactly you live.

I just don't think that it's fair to pay a lot of money for something I already have won...

X-O

^ It does depend on where you live. Some "backwater" customs offices are not accustomed to dealing with people importing stuff. That doesn't make tricking them any less illegal.

As for it not being fair... Well, I don't think it's fair that I have to pay 19% VAT on things I buy, but it's what everybody in Germany has to do.

Try whatever you want at your own risk but be prepared to bear the consequences.

I just don't think it's fair asking stuff like that on a public message board. If somebody were to help you trick customs out of the kindness of their heart, just because he doesn't know better, and this gets noticed, then he is in trouble as well.

[starwarsdk]

Hi all

Saw it at legoland, adn it is huge to say the least. the price in denmark will be around 5500,00 danish currency so prepare your self for something around 700-1000 USD. just my guess when calculating the currency.

I

[Starwars4J]

Hi all

Saw it at legoland, adn it is huge to say the least. the price in denmark will be around 5500,00 danish currency so prepare your self for something around 700-1000 USD. just my guess when calculating the currency.

I

[Holodoc]

Hey there. Actually the price in the US for these is $499.99

And for Germany its 549,99

[starwarsdk]

Ohh my god, then i have to buy it outside denmark, since here it

[mutley777]

I finally got to see this thing in the flesh so to speek, and oh my god it is stunning *wub* !!! The detail and size just dwarf anything you might own. There was a UCS star destoryer close to it and it just looked a very poor second best! I really can't wait for my one of these babies to arrive, my only real problem is going to display. :-D

[Grand Moff Viceroy]

Why, get crazy glue and glue the landing feet to the ceilnig! althouygh it wouyld be too heavy. :-D

[Erman]

Why, get crazy glue and glue the landing feet to the ceilnig! althouygh it wouyld be too heavy. :-D

Hi... First post... :-D

Mine is suspended from the ceiling using fish-line. It was kinda difficult to find good spots to mount the line, but in the end it worked out fine *sweet*

[jamie75]

Hi... First post... :-D

Mine is suspended from the ceiling using fish-line. It was kinda difficult to find good spots to mount the line, but in the end it worked out fine *sweet*

Pics please!!

Where did you tie the line the line to the Falcon?

Jamie

[mutley777]

Hi... First post... :-D

Mine is suspended from the ceiling using fish-line. It was kinda difficult to find good spots to mount the line, but in the end it worked out fine *sweet*

I have got agree with jamie here, i would love to see some pics of it hanging up! 8-

[jamie75]

As cool as it my be. I don't think I would try it.

The Falcon is a very sturdy model, but, I was carring the model downstairs to my "Lego room" and the frame of the ship gave way. Some of the plates gave that run under the top gunner station.

Easily fixed. Just took the top panels off, pressed the plates back together, and replaced the top panels.

But, this made me very skeptical about the hanging debate. I think it is best displayed on a shelf or desk with a mirror underneth.

Jamie