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Passing along this info about an auction that takes place on 10/14 in France. Some amazing phonographs here! I'm not sure if they ship to the USA - the shipping section is a little confusing. I've maxed out my spending for the year so I won't be doing any bidding myself. Anyway, check out the goods. I love the aesthetics of some of these obscure European phonographs (like the Phrynis).
https://www.millon.com/en/catalog/107812

Just the PDF version of the Millon catalog is cool by itself...

WOW!!!! Amazing machines. Thanks for posting this.

If anyone can figure out if they do in-fact ship to the USA, please post here with any details. Thanks

Per the website:
To participate in this auction: Please reserve your seat. q.madon@artprecium.com
PURCHASES OF THIS SALE ARE TO BE REMOVED BY APPOINTMENT IN OUR WAREHOUSE FROM MONDAY 19 OCTOBER
116 BOULEVARD LOUIS ARMAND - NEUILLY SUR MARNE - 93330
BY APPOINTMENT WITH MR MADON - 06 32 33 87 10 / q.madon@artprecium.com
FOR YOUR SHIPPING QUOTES: hello@thepackengers.com

It doesn't specifically say whether they ship to the USA or not, but since you have to pre-register to bid, that would
be a question to ask BEFORE bidding.

The Packengers website indicates that they will handle shipments of items worldwide, but doesn't quote prices.
"We are approved by customs to administer all formalities necessary for your shipments to travel across the world without a hitch".
https://www.thepackengers.com/service-sur-mesure

Do I read correctly that the commission on top of the hammer price is almost 30%?

It's confusing for sure. France's VAT tax rate is 20%, plus a 25% buyer's premium to Millon, so looks like 45% added to the sale price if I'm reading that correctly. Pricey for sure, although some of the estimated values seem fairly low or reasonable, so the sale prices may end up on the low side to offset the high fees.
Definitely a better deal for those bidding from inside France.
----

EXPENSES FOR WHICH THE BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE
The buyer will pay MILLON in addition to the sale price
(hammer price), a sale’s commission of: 25 % plus VAT or 30 %
Books : 26,38% VAT
Current rate of VAT 20%. Total price = sale price (hammer
price) + sale’s commission

It is my understanding that VAT does not apply for purchases that are exported. I also confirmed this with another dealer in Europe today.

Thus, you would pay Hammer + 25% + VAT on the commission (20% of 25%, or 5% of Hammer) for a total of 30% on top of the Hammer.


Raphael

According to a friend in France, there's also a 3% hit for internet purchases, for a total buyer's fee of 33%. Ouch.

Rene,

With all due respects to your friend, he may be confusing other (Common) auctioneer’s policies with this one. I cannot find the 3% mentioned anywhere.

From the posted Terms:

EXPENSES FOR WHICH THE BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE

The buyer will pay MILLON in addition to the sale price (hammer price), a sale’s commission of: 25 % plus VAT or 30 %

Current rate of VAT 20%. Total price = sale price (hammer price) + sale’s commission


Raphael