Why You Should Buy Your Kala Ukulele from a UK Authorised Dealer

Kala is one of the world's most respected ukulele brands — and for good reason. Their instruments offer exceptional quality at every price point, from beginner-friendly Ukadelic models right through to professional-grade solid wood ukes. But if you're based in the UK and thinking about ordering directly from the Kala website in the US, there are some very important reasons to reconsider.

In fact, Kala themselves recommend buying from an authorised local dealer rather than ordering internationally. Here's why that advice makes a lot of sense.

1. You'll Pay UK Import VAT on Top of the Purchase Price

When goods are shipped from the US to the UK with a value over £135, UK Import VAT at 20% is charged at the border — on top of the price you've already paid. This is collected by HMRC and is unavoidable. So that ukulele listed at $300 on the Kala website could immediately cost you an extra £50+ before it even arrives at your door.

2. Customs Duties May Apply

Musical instruments imported from the US can attract customs duties depending on their classification. While rates vary, even a modest duty percentage adds meaningful cost to higher-value instruments. These charges are rarely made clear at the point of purchase on overseas websites, making it easy to be caught out.

3. Courier Handling and Brokerage Fees

Carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL typically charge an additional handling or brokerage fee for processing customs clearance on your behalf — often in the region of £8–£12 or more. This is charged separately from the import VAT and duties, and again is rarely flagged upfront when you place your order.

4. Longer Shipping Times and Costly Returns

Transatlantic shipping takes time, and if something goes wrong — a damaged instrument, an incorrect order, or simply a change of mind — returning an item to the US is expensive and complicated. You may be liable for return shipping costs, and getting a refund on import VAT already paid requires a separate HMRC claim process.

5. No UK Warranty Support

Kala's warranty is administered through their authorised dealer network. If you purchase directly from the US website, you may find that warranty claims are significantly more difficult to resolve — potentially requiring you to ship the instrument back to the US at your own cost. Buying from a UK authorised dealer means any warranty issues are handled locally, quickly, and without the international shipping headache.

6. Kala Recommend Buying from Local Authorised Dealers

This isn't just our advice — Kala themselves actively encourage buyers to purchase from authorised dealers in their own country. Their dealer network exists precisely to give customers the best possible buying experience: local pricing, local support, and no cross-border complications. Buying through an authorised dealer also ensures you're getting a genuine product with full manufacturer backing.

Buy Your Kala Ukulele from Music Bits — Your UK Authorised Kala Dealer

At Music Bits, we are proud to be an authorised UK Kala dealer. That means you get:

• UK pricing with no hidden import costs — the price you see is the price you pay
• Fast UK delivery — no waiting weeks for transatlantic shipping
• Full UK warranty support — any issues handled locally
• Expert advice from people who know and love ukuleles
• Peace of mind — you're buying from a trusted, authorised source

Browse our full range of Kala ukuleles in store or online, and feel free to get in touch if you'd like help choosing the right instrument for you.