God bless America

[MarkG]

Hoping for a nice change in the exchange rate by mid June when I naff off to the US for near on 3 weeks... always like to load up on clothes plus going to find some collectors stores in the various locations I'm heading too..

 

[Hooch]

I always make sure I tick the box so I pay using my banks exchange rate for that reason. It might only be a few cents sometimes but its always better and every bit helps

There's a box to do that?

Didn't know that either !!

When I go to pay for something on ebay it gives you the choice of using Paypals conversion or change it to use the banks rate. In paypal it will show it has been sent in the currency that you are buying from but will show on my bank statement what has been sent, in my case aussie $'s

 

[maxf]

Hoping for a nice change in the exchange rate by mid June when I naff off to the US for near on 3 weeks... always like to load up on clothes plus going to find some collectors stores in the various locations I'm heading too..

I wouldn't hold your breath - I can't see it changing hugely against this £. Brexit will be in full scare mode then, and Donald won't even have started the foundations for his super wall.

 

[zhamlau]

What effect in general does the exchange rate have on UK buyers for US collectables? Ive noticed in the last 8 months the GBP has done rather poorly against the USD, does this generally effect your ability/desire to buy? I ask because ive noticed a fall of in sales internationally for Star Wars collectables in general, and this was the closest topic i could find on this non-US based board talking about it (even though it seems to be saying the opposite).

Do you actually as non-US buyers base your decision making on the GBP to USD conversion, is it that much of an issue? Also how bad are import taxes on US to UK sales? Ive heard conflicting reports.

Just curious is all, thanks for your time.

 

[yoda]

Guys I can't find that earlier thread about receiving items from the States. I have bought an item around $150.00. The thread gives advice on what value to put on the box and what to list it as. Its is vintage toys in the box I am buying.
Could someone be kind enough if they can remember the threads heading to post it thanks. I have to contact the seller in the next day or 2 cheers.

 

[Richard_H]

Gift and less than £20 to avoid fees.
There is a HMRC tax code (which in my case they've ignored every time and even told me it was no longer valid and I've always had to pay and reclaim later) to be taxed at 5%. It is:

Old Collectable Toy' HMRC code 9705000090

 

[yoda]

Gift and less than £20 to avoid fees.
There is a HMRC tax code (which in my case they've ignored every time and even told me it was no longer valid and I've always had to pay and reclaim later) to be taxed at 5%. It is:

Old Collectable Toy' HMRC code 9705000090

Ok thanks for that help Richard I'll try your advice and let you know how it goes.
Thanks alot.

 

[wrighty]

The tax threshold for buying stuff from overseas into the UK in ridiculous, £36 for gift and about £18 anything else. Whats can you buy (vintage) that cost less than these values??? In Oz, they have a $1000 (just under £700) threshold for tax on imported items.

 

[Lindo]

The tax threshold for buying stuff from overseas into the UK in ridiculous, £36 for gift and about £18 anything else. Whats can you buy (vintage) that cost less than these values??? In Oz, they have a $1000 (just under £700) threshold for tax on imported items.

sorry but I'm thick, does that mean if I buy something from down under as long as its under £700 I will only have to pay the postage and nothing else?

 

[Lindo]

Gift and less than £20 to avoid fees.
There is a HMRC tax code (which in my case they've ignored every time and even told me it was no longer valid and I've always had to pay and reclaim later) to be taxed at 5%. It is:

Old Collectable Toy' HMRC code 9705000090

so if I buy something for £100 say I will have to pay 5% on £80 of it? so I would have to pay £4 in tax's etc is that right as that don't seem too bad?

 

[Richard_H]

And the £8 handling fee. And,that's assuming they've read the code correctly. If they did read the code then it should be £13, although I think you may pay tax on the handling fee too.

 

[Hooch]

The tax threshold for buying stuff from overseas into the UK in ridiculous, £36 for gift and about £18 anything else. Whats can you buy (vintage) that cost less than these values??? In Oz, they have a $1000 (just under £700) threshold for tax on imported items.

sorry but I'm thick, does that mean if I buy something from down under as long as its under £700 I will only have to pay the postage and nothing else?

No that is for us in Oz getting stuff in not sending out. We don't pay anything if its under $1000AU and anything over we need to fill out a customs form with what it is and get taxed accordingly

 

[zhamlau]

Great info, thank you!

Anyone have an opinion on the exchange rate? Since the dollar has done so well against the GBP in the last few months has it turned you off buying from the US? Or is it not an issue if you really want it?

 

[Hooch]

Great info, thank you!

Anyone have an opinion on the exchange rate? Since the dollar has done so well against the GBP in the last few months has it turned you off buying from the US? Or is it not an issue if you really want it?

I will buy from anywhere. US, UK does not matter to me. I do tend to find more bargains from overseas than I do in Oz and that's even after I pay the extra postage cost. I'm happy if people in Oz think its bad voodoo getting stuff posted over as that means maybe a few less will go and bid on something