Buying from the U.S.A help?

[momike]

i have seen something and i am thinking of bidding on it from the u.s. i was just wondering what all this duty is about and if some one could break it down for me i am not to clued up with it all. im sure some of you have brought things from the states before. is it plain sailing or a pain? any help would be appreciated

cheers, mike

 

[Chewie]

When you buy an item from the US if it is valued under £18 and the seller writes the value at under £18 on the label you will not pay charges.

If it is valued under £40 and the seller writes the value at under £40 on the label and also marks it as a gift you will not pay charges.

If it is over £40 and the seller marks it as such you will pay import VAT

If it is over £135 and the seller marks it as such you will pay import VAT and Customs Duty......

Sometimes things slip through and you pay nothing....

 

[silver grin]

yeah what Chewie said!

Sometimes you will also pay a handling fee from the parcel company - I think I had to pay about £15 to UPS for a figure that cost about £60. Whereas I bought something from the USA a few weeks ago and it got dropped off yesterday with the postman with no customs charge to pay at all.

It really can be hit and miss

 

[itfciain]

The Royal Mail charge an £8.00 handling fee. Annoyingly today I have a card through the door saying I owe the £12.22 for a parcel of which £8.00 is their handling fee and £4.22 is the VAT ! - joke

 

[plantman]

Watch out as they have also started opening up packages and checking values, ive recieved several recently all marked as gift and i think they got suspicious lol.

 

[weasel]

They probably heard your "gift" crying and calling for its mummy.......... :?

 

[weasel]

They probably heard your "gift" crying and calling for its mummy.......... :?

:wink: :lol:

 

[spoons]

They probably heard your "gift" crying and calling for its mummy.......... :?

:wink: :lol:

but why have you posted a reply laughing at your own joke :?

 

[weasel]

I didn't!? :lol:

Dunno where the **** that came from! I must have hit the button twice, although the first post doesn't have all the smilies. Strange! :?

 

[plantman]

I didn't!? :lol:

Dunno where the **** that came from! I must have hit the button twice, although the first post doesn't have all the smilies. Strange! :?

Yeah yeah we believe you..... :lol:

 

[Pilgrim_uk]

Dont include shipping into that price of £18 when you buy its the full boona cost price thats exempt. You only starting paying sheckles on both when it goes over 18.