There have been several recent threads on here regarding the sc2900s (and some excellent older threads too) but there is also a ton of info on the net about them.
Thomann are fantastic, I've used them a few times. A lot of their stuff is noticeably cheaper than buying direct in the UK, although certain things are actually more expensive. But that is easy to check and it will largely be at the mercy of the strength of the Euro in relation to the pound. They also do free shipping on orders over 150 Euros, and give money off vouchers if you subsequently leave a small review & rating of any products you buy- I've had 55 Euros total in vouchers so far for leaving a rating on 8 or so products.
Also, if you ordering several items it is worth emailing one of their team because they will often put you together a package that is less than simply adding each item to your basket and checking out. They do also offer the facility to pay through Amazon on standard orders (not custom packages) which makes things even easier.
As for charges, there is no import duty to pay on bringing goods from one EU Customs Union country to another (both the UK & Germany are members). VAT will be calculated on the purchase as normal and will be reflected in the total cost that you pay- the output VAT (sales tax) element will be payable by Thomann in Germany, but will be included in the cost that you pay. So you pay the total cost including VAT, then Thomann pay over the sales tax element of that receipt to the German VAT authorities. If you were a similar VAT registered business (rather than a private customer) the transaction would be eligible for zero-rating (again due to EU VAT rules) subject to certain conditions- but as this is not the case you will simply pay the cost that 'includes VAT' just as you would if you had purchased the item here in the UK.
Thomann also always provide free UK power adapters with their products which is a nice touch (UK & Germany use common voltages but different plugs).
Please note all of the above is how I understand it, so I am happy to be corrected if anyone knows different.
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