About to make first reel purchase from eBay and seller is in Japan. It says buyer is responsible for import tax and or customs duties? Do we in the states get charged this and if so how much is it roughly? Thanks guys.

I have bought reels from Japan and have never had to pay anything extra. I have heard that there is always the possibility but for me, not yet. 

Hootie

Just now, *Hootie said:

I have bought reels from Japan and have never had to pay anything extra. I have heard that there is always the possibility but for me, not yet. 

Hootie

Thanks buddy.

Have ordered many reels from various Japanese vendors over the years. I have yet to pay any import/customs fees. Rods however are a different story...

^ What they said.

I e ordered many and no customs IF you use EMS shipping which translates to USPS here. 

Faster shipping by FED EX OR UPS MAY possibly be fees. 

This has been my experience with purchase of over 15 reels. 

 

It's the luck of the draw. Most of the time you don't pay anything. It's not that much anyway 5-6% of the value if you live in the usa. 

Here's some food for thought. My megabass rod and reel from Japan arrived to my house in 3 days through EMS. My order from TW that I ordered at the same time took 5 days to arrive. International shipping is phenomenal these days. 

If you're ordering something under $200, your chances of paying a customs tax from Japan is zero. 

If you're ordering something under $2000, you're unlikely to pay customs unless it's an unusual item. Don't import some freaky Japanese doll with your reel and you'll be good.

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/internet-purchases

From the US customs website.

1 hour ago, bassbassontherange said:

If you're ordering something under $200, your chances of paying a customs tax from Japan is zero. 

If you're ordering something under $2000, you're unlikely to pay customs unless it's an unusual item. Don't import some freaky Japanese doll with your reel and you'll be good.

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/internet-purchases

From the US customs website.

Lol

I got hit once last year.  Customs held my reel for like 3 weeks and I had a $38 (IIRC) duty bill when the reel was delivered.  Only time it's ever happened to me.