[Zanzibar]

Olá, soy el (nuevo) representante de Sails East para Espanha e Portugal e, sin querer hacer publicidade deadecuada neste forum, me gustaria esclarecer algunas dudas habituales. (this is as far as my spanish goes, please forgive me):

- The European Union has a common customs rate for all member countries, based on the type of good and country of origin. Sails from Hong Kong (and US!) subject to a 12% duty (see EU regulation)

- On import, VAT (IVA) and duty have to be paid immediately. VAT for Spain is 16% (18% in 2010), for Portugal is 20%.

- if imported through another european country, VAT is not included in the sellers invoice, but has to be declared and paid directly by the buyer to his national tax authorities. For example if you import a sail from Hong Kong through a portuguese company , the invoice would be without VAT but you would be responsible for declaring and paying VAT in Spain. If you decide not to declare or pay, this would be entirely your responsibility.

- you usually need an agent to clear your goods at customs. This costs money, and many agents don't work for "normal people", only for companies.

- if you buy directly in southeast Asia, don't forget to add the money transfer costs (up to 30-50 EUR in some banks). Many don't accept credit cards.

- fabric is the same as most european or american sailmakers use. There are onlz a handful of companies producing sailing fabrics, and they are almost all located in southeas Asia. If you have a special need, any asian sailmaker will give a quote for whatever sailcloth you want, or at least a similar cloth from an international competitor.

- buying from an european company gives you the right for european guarantee, whether the good is imported or not.

- shipping to your doorstep is free, if sent by sea (container). It takes, however, 3-4 weeks.

- as for all goods from china, the pricing is great because manpower is cheap and common resources (fabric) are bought in huge quantities. On the other hand you have a fixed amount for customs agents and sales fees. Meaning that imported sails are cheap from a certain size (generally >25-30 feet, depending on your sail) or volume (if a club or other group buys a couple of sails together, they would divide the fixed fees). The more expensive the fabric is (ex. laminated sails) the bigger the sail has to be for making a difference.

- consquently, huge sails allow huge savings. Spinnakers etc. are usually very well priced. High-tech genoas for small regatta boats may be cheaper when made in Europe.

- generally, if you have a cost estimate from Europe for less than 900 EUR, you won't want to import from far East - unless you bring a couple of friends and buy 2-3 sails.

Espero que estas informaciones ayudam para decidir mejor. Intentaba ser lo mas neutro possibile. Navegar a vela es un placer que debe ser al alcance de todos, no solo quien tiene mucho dinero.

Saudações náuticas,

Peter Schlief, Sails East Portugal & Spain

Originalmente publicado por MarcEolo

Por curiosidad (y porque tengo que comprarme una mayor nueva sin falta) mandé un e-mail a los de Sails East con las medidas de la vela para mi 23 pies.

Acabo, ahora mismo, de recibir la respuesta, y me dicen:

LOA = 23
Main 12.96sqm 5.53oz Dracon USD478.40
(with sailbag)

hay un parrafo que con mi inglish no acabo de enterarme muy bien (lo preguntaré a mis compas de export/import ):

"Materials: High Modulus Low Aspect Dracon from Challenge in the USA"


Eso son +/- unos 370 Euros
En las velerias nacionales donde he pedido presupuestos ninguna me ha bajado de los 600 Euros.

Ahora tengo el tremendo dilema: ¿me tiro la manta a la cabeza y la pido a los chinos? ¿Y si cuando la reciba está mal confeccionada o tiene algun que otro problema? (que joio ser probe!)

Saludos