Importing Sonos - what are the risks?

[ScottishAndy]

Hey folks,

I've been seriously looking into getting a Sonos system, with my only real problem being the price. It's a damn site cheaper in the US right now, and I could probably pick it up for about £600 over there.

Has anyone imported from the US / got one when they were out there? What are the risks in doing this, aside from me being totally screwed if it breaks down?

Any thoughts would be welcome!

[D12sale]

I am considering this too, voltage is universal, although on the ZP100 i think there is a switch

[smiffy333]

ScottishAndy
Did you get any further with this??

[ste0633]

I would also be interested in this if anyone has any tips?

Two things spring to mind:

Even if the voltage is universal/switchable, the plug will not fit our sockets. Assuming it uses a separate PSU (?) you will have to buy a new one over here.

More importantly, check out the import duty situation. At the point of export, they have to declare the value of the goods; this is then taxed - heavily. At a guess, the tax burden would be around 13.5%. Add that to the shipping charge and you might find it's not such a great deal.

[JUS]

av-sales are a quality UK outfit selling an intro bundle for £780. Once you've added hassle, postage, import duty, lack of after sales to that £600..would it be worth it?

http://www.av-sales.co.uk/SONOS-BU80-UK-23-.htm