Official Luthiers Forum!

At the risk of war stories, and I have heard several folks have them regarding this. I have also heard several things I "could do" that I will not do.

Does anyone know the proper, legal, and appropriate process for shipping guitars ahead from the US to the show and back. I understand the NAFTA forms need to accompany the shipment but I'm not sure of the procedure.

I also understand that there are brokers who can help wth this - and of course I would be interested in knowing about any experiences with the brokers and the cost to use them.

Thanks!

Gearld,
They will broker yuor guitars in and out of the country BUT it is going to be EXPENSIVE. The festival will send you all of the paperwork so be sure to read all of the fine print. They discourage bringing any CITES wood into the country or it could possibly be seized.

We flew with our guitars and checked them as luggage. Woolson had a nightmare his first trip and then flew them last year like us and had NO issues.

We go in with TRADE SHOW SAMPLES that are NOT FOR SALE and there are NO hassles with customs. We did sell guitars last year BUT we brought them back and then shipped them after the show. No money was exchanged at the venue to keeop everything honest and above board or you could face a felony there.

Feel free to give me a call if you have any more questions.

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I consider myself a war veteran in this aspect. The first year I got bent over in customs. It cost me $1800 in taxes to enter the country.
Here's the drill. DO NOT SELL ANYTHING THERE!!!! Tell the customs folks that they are for display only. If someone wants one at the show, drive across to Niagra and ship it to them. But selling it there opens up a whole can of worms you don't want to mess with.
If you ship the guitars ahead of you you'll need a broker. The show has a hired broker that Jacques has hired for this purpose. If you don't want to hassle with this you can bring them on the plane. Remember that each member of your party can check two bags so you can split up the guitars and bags amongst the whole family.

When flying either use a Case Extreme like Paul or use a padded cases cover (Colorado, Small Dog or Cedar Creek) over your standard hardshell case. I have flown with [wood cases] by Access, TKL, Cedar Creek, Ameritage and lastly Guardian Fiberglass cases all tucked inside of all the aformentioned padded cases covers and I have never had a guitar damaged yet. Pad them internally with bubble wrap, loosen the strings and they fly extremely well.

I purchased the "Back pack" option with the Colorado and Small Dog covers (+$25). The Cedar Creek cover comes standard with it (best bang for the buck). The back pack option makes it very easy to carry. I pack one on my back and one on each shoulder with the included shoulder straps and Mary pulls the luggage. We have it down to a science ;)

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Brokering goods across the border isn't so a big deal that you need to be afraid of it.  I've done it going north to south. 

While it is simplest to bring in goods "for display only", you can make sales if you are registered to collect sales tax in the jurisdiction that you are selling in, and then remit the tax.

If you're going to Montreal, call the Quebec sales tax department to register.  Don't get flustered if they answer the phone in French, pretty well everyone is bi-lingual.

Make sure that you have this worked out with a brokerage firm.  UPS operates Supply Chain Solutions, which is probably the easiest to get started with and you don't know who else to call.  Other firms will be fine.

Bottom line is, if you haven't worked it all out before hand, then don't sell on site.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

[QUOTE=Tim McKnight]Gearld,

They will broker yuor guitars in and out of the country BUT it is going to be EXPENSIVE.
[/QUOTE]

Is this like the old Amos and Andy show -

"They is the broker, you is the brokee"

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GregH
Fot Wuth

"While it is simplest to bring in goods "for display only", you can make sales if you are registered to collect sales tax in the jurisdiction that you are selling in, and then remit the tax."

I took my guitar in as a display sample (I only had one last year: left the BRW at home!), and had no problems. I did hear that one exhibitor made a sale, and was then informed that he needed to get a Canadian work permit, along with paying the sales tax and duty.

Hi everyone,

I will make sure that you receive soon a communication from my team for the «how to cross the border».

But I encourage everyone to share their tricks!