Apologize for the Off-topic, but I need the expertise of this board...
I might purchase an electronic instrument from a gentleman in Germany. The seller is a private individual--not a shop or manufacturer, and the transaction will take place outside of eBay or any kind of organized online nexus.

I assume he's honest and has good intent. But he stated that I would be responsible for the customs. Any time in the past that I've bought an instrument from overseas, the seller handled those details, and eventually it showed up on my doorstep.

Besides paying some fees, what else will I have to do? Hopefully I won't have to go to the east coast to inspect it, sign for it, pick it up, etc.

Who here has done this? Please advise.