USA Shipping & Tariff Update: Guitars, Ukuleles, Strings & Accessories
Earlier today we were advised by Australia Post that they’ve temporarily suspended parcels to the United States and Puerto Rico. This is because of new U.S. tariff rules that officially begin on 29 August 2025, requiring duties and taxes to be prepaid on all imported goods.
This affects every Australian business shipping to the USA via Australia Post. Different businesses will handle this differently, but at Richard Wilson Guitars I have always tried to ensure that all our prices are as transparent as possible and the ordering process is frictionless.
We will be covering these new tariff costs for USA customers entirely from our end and you will pay no additional charges.
In short:
- No extra cost to you. We will cover all U.S. duties and taxes from my end.
- No action required. You can keep ordering Weissenborn guitars, acoustic lap steels, or strings exactly as normal.
- Orders are safe. If you order during the hold, we’ll pack and hold them, ready to ship the moment Australia Post resumes services.
- Worldwide shipping continues as normal. Only the U.S. and Puerto Rico are affected.
If you’re a US-based player waiting on a set of Weissenborn strings or considering purchasing one of our guitars, rest assured: you won't get stung with any additional charges, and your order is in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Weissenborn guitar or strings order be delayed?
Yes, but only temporarily. I’ll lodge your parcel the moment U.S. postal services resume.
How long will the pause last?
Australia Post hasn’t provided an exact date. I expect it to be a short disruption—likely weeks, not months.
Do I need to pay extra because of U.S. tariff changes?
No. I’m covering all U.S. import duties and taxes myself. Your price stays the same.
Do I need to do anything different when ordering?
No. Keep ordering as normal through my website. I’ll handle the new customs declarations, HS codes, and duty payments.
Is this affecting customers outside the USA?
No. International shipping to other countries continues as usual. This change only applies to parcels going to the United States and Puerto Rico.
Why This Matters to Me
The United States has become one of the most important markets for my guitars and strings. Over the years, I’ve sent Weissenborns, lap steels, and countless sets of strings to players across the country, and in the process I’ve built a special bond with U.S. musicians and collectors. Many of my most memorable conversations and collaborations have come from American players who share the same passion for handcrafted acoustic slide guitars that first inspired me to start building.
Because of this connection, I’ve gone to great lengths to perfect the way I package and ship guitars to the U.S. — from reinforced cases to custom-designed cartons, every step is carefully thought through so that your instrument arrives safe and sound whether it’s bound for Nashville, New York, Austin, or Los Angeles.
That’s why I feel strongly about making these new tariff requirements as seamless as possible for my U.S. customers. Covering all of the duties and paperwork myself is simply part of ensuring that buying an instrument from Richard Wilson Guitars remains a smooth, worry-free experience.
-Richard Wilson
