Originally Posted by
Marcus_Ti
You're disappointed that Canyon, a bike company...aren't specialists in international consumer import/export tax law?
Originally Posted by
Phil_gretz
Why would you ask a retailer a tax question concerning country-of-origin policies? Why not ask the government? The retailer does not set these policies, and may not (in all circumstances) even understand which rules are in play. It seems that the OP should have done better homework concerning the laws, and should have gotten information from the governing authorities rather than from someone in the employ of a retailer. Just my two cents.
Originally Posted by
Sy Reene
Can't speak to this situation exactly, but in the UK they call it tax-free shopping. Not all stores participate, so it's somewhat commonplace to ask someone in the store itself if they participate in the program.
Here's a bit that covers this idea:
https://www.visitlondon.com/travelle...money/tax-free
I often shop in the EU. Usually Bike24, and some other bike [and non bike]stores. It is for the store to decide whether they will give the VAT refund or not. Any item taken out of the EU by a tourist qualifies for the VAT refund.
NEVER had an issue with any other store, including Amazon.
The system is very simple. You show the stuff at the customs when you leave the EU, and get the invoice stamped. Mail the invoice back to the company, and they refund the VAT to your card.
I have used this even for luxury goods like watches and pens.
Its a known thing in Europe.
I have at least 3 mails from Canyon guaranteeing that they would refund the VAT. I specified that I would be shipping to Nice, France.
Like I said, if they had said that they need a German address for VAT refund, I could have shipped it to Germany, as I was visiting Frankfurt exactly one month later. I have 4 bikes already, so not like this was a critical rush order.
All I'm asking is for the company to keep their word.
Oh, and the VAT works out to about 700 dollars.
Edit: The VAT refund is legally allowed for any company which chooses to do so. I even got a VAT refund on our Titanium frames from Enigma, UK.