Voltage, Plugs, Sizes, Shipping, Taxes, and Warranty – Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Fit!
Importing appliances from Italy is an excellent choice if you’re seeking top-tier quality and exceptional design. However, to ensure a smooth and successful process, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. If you’re contemplating this exciting opportunity, there are six key factors you must consider before moving forward. So, let’s dive in together and explore these important details!
Voltage
Household appliances for the Italian market are designed to operate at 220/240V with a frequency of 50Hz. Typically, the wattage—meaning the maximum power consumption—can be found on the bottom, back, or ‘nameplate’ of the appliance. If you haven’t yet purchased the appliance, this information can be obtained directly from the manufacturer. It’s important to note that appliances in the United States operate at 115 volts. In fact, most of North and South America, the Caribbean, and Japan use 110-volt electricity, while Europe and many other regions rely on 220-volt electrical outlets. Specifically, in the U.S., standard household voltage is 110-120 V AC (Alternating Current), whereas much of the rest of the world, including Australia, uses 220-240 V AC. So, what should you do if the appliance you’ve purchased or are planning to buy operates at a different voltage than what’s available in your country? The solution is simple: you’ll need to use a voltage converter or transformer to prevent any damage to your new appliance. When it comes to appliances purchased from Salbini, it’s important to know that all of our products are designed to operate within the 220v-240v 50Hz range according to European standards. This means they will function perfectly in Europe, Australia, and any other country using the 220-240v range. For countries with lower voltage, just make the necessary adjustments with a converter, and your appliance will work flawlessly.
Plugs
When importing a household appliance, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of plug types. Appliances purchased from Italy typically come with one of three types of plugs. First, there’s the Type C plug, commonly used across Europe, except in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Type C plugs are generally suited for appliances that require 2.5 A or less. Next, the Type F plug, also known as the Schuko plug, is primarily used in countries like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Spain. These plugs have a power rating of 16 A, making them suitable for a wide range of appliances. Lastly, Italy uses the L-type plug, available in two versions: a 10 A and a 16 A plug. If you purchase an appliance from Italy and find that the plug doesn’t match your socket, you may need an adapter to ensure it functions properly.
Taxes
When importing products, it’s essential to understand that each country has its own regulations regarding taxes and customs duties. To avoid any unexpected costs when your goods arrive, we highly recommend checking the applicable tariffs in advance. In some instances, you may also need to pay VAT or other local taxes. For example, in Australia, goods valued at AUD 1,000 or less are generally exempt from duties and taxes. However, for items exceeding this value, you’ll be required to pay a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the taxable import value upon arrival, in addition to a 5% customs duty. As these requirements differ from country to country, the Salbini team is here to assist you by providing all the necessary information. Our experts are always ready to give you a comprehensive overview of the costs before you confirm your order. It’s important to note that the taxes you pay go directly to your country, not to Salbini. Our prices do not include GST or customs duties, ensuring complete transparency.
Shipping
When shipping household appliances from Italy, which are often bulky and heavy, it’s essential to carefully consider your transportation options and the possibility of insuring your goods during transit. Typically, you have three options: sea and air transport for long distances, and land transport for shorter ones. Your decision will depend on the volume, weight, and urgency of your shipment. Sea freight is ideal for large volumes or heavy loads but tends to be slower. On the other hand, air freight is more suitable for lighter and urgent shipments, ensuring faster delivery. However, in today’s world, it’s also crucial to consider the environmental impact of your choice. Air transport, while quicker, emits significantly more carbon, which has a greater environmental impact. In contrast, shipping by sea is more eco-friendly, producing fewer emissions per tonne of cargo. Given these factors, we strongly recommend planning your shipment in advance to choose the option that best aligns with your needs and values.
Sizes
Household appliances generally come in standard dimensions, particularly built-in models. However, some appliances, especially those with unique designer elements, may differ from the standard sizes in your country. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully measure the space where you plan to place these appliances, including considering access through your home’s entrances. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are always happy to provide you with precise dimensions for any appliances you’re considering purchasing. Additionally, if you’re importing multiple appliances at once, think about whether they can be stacked or grouped to optimize space in the shipping vehicles.
After-Sales Warranty
When you purchase and import a household appliance from Salbini, you gain the significant advantage of having direct access to our support in case of any issues. Typically, when you buy appliances directly from Europe, local service providers may not honor the manufacturer’s warranty because the item was purchased abroad. However, when you buy from us at Salbini, you can rest easy. If you encounter any problems with your appliance, all you need to do is contact our Customer Service—no need to deal with anyone else. We have established agreements with local service agents, ensuring that if a breakdown occurs, our Customer Care team will promptly connect you with a local expert who can resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
So, are you ready to experience the joy of your new Italian appliances? Contact Us Now!
