The provider is regarded as reputable; however, shipping costs are high, and the total amount is to be cleared through customs, which means surcharges of about 25 to 30 percent including processing fee. If it can be proven that the pen was produced in the EU, only the import VAT of 19 percent applies; a mere Made in Germany imprint, however, does not suffice as proof. The Kafka is also available in European specialist trade, e.g. at Karstadt for around 650 euros, which often makes the foreign order economically unattractive. Overall, sourcing within the EU is recommended.