ordering stuff from the states

portuguese mike
portuguese mike Posts: 695
edited July 2008 in Workshop
i'm considering getting a powertap system but like many i'm put off by the rather high cost. they are a lot cheaper in the states and i've found a few that ship to the uk.

My question is: are there any hidden costs on top of shipping costs? will i simply pay the equivalent in pounds for the gear plus postage or will i also get stung by some import duty from customs?
pm

Comments

  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,551
    You'll be charged import duty, probably at 15%, and then VAT on top, which will be charged for the purchase cost and the import duty.

    More here
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    You'll have to pay VAT and import duty. However, because you're saving 50%, you will still save money over UK prices. The total tends to be around 30-35% of the value you pay, but this is variable.
  • portuguese mike
    portuguese mike Posts: 695
    thanks for prompt responses guys. i suspected it wasn't going to be quite the bargain it seemed at first. i'll have to get the calculator out and see how much i might still save
    pm
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,551
    One thing to bear in mind is that it is not a given that you'll get charged, i.e. the courier doesn't always bill you for it. I know of a couple of people who've been invoiced by the courier and then ignored it without further action.

    Alternatively, you can ask the sender to reduce the value of the item on the customs note so that if you go get caught you don't have to pay as much.

    Clearly I am not recommending such illegal behaviour.
  • portuguese mike
    portuguese mike Posts: 695
    And clearly i won't even think about such things
    pm
  • SunWuKong
    SunWuKong Posts: 364
    andyp is absolutely correct, I have ordered several items from USA and sometimes charged VAT and duty but mostly not.
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    In my experience you are most likely to get away with it if it is sent USPS (e.g. normal postal service.) You are least likely if it is a courier like UPS, FedEx, etc.
  • portuguese mike
    portuguese mike Posts: 695
    blorg wrote:
    In my experience you are most likely to get away with it if it is sent USPS (e.g. normal postal service.) You are least likely if it is a courier like UPS, FedEx, etc.

    thanks blorg, i'll check carefully for what postage the various websites use. BTW if i'm ordering something big - like wheels for example will that arouse more suspicion from hm customs?
    pm
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    parts. 4.7%, complete bike 15% plus VAT. and the courier may charge a handling charge.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Cajun
    Cajun Posts: 1,048
    http://www.bestwebbuys.com/bikes/search ... ome-search
    http://www.bestwebbuys.com/bikes/index.html
    Others: http://comparisonpricing.com/
    Cajun
  • portuguese mike
    portuguese mike Posts: 695
    nicklouse wrote:
    parts. 4.7%, complete bike 15% plus VAT. and the courier may charge a handling charge.

    Thanks nicklouse; does that mean that no VAT is charged on parts?
    pm
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    VAT is charged on everything. You'll be charged Price + 4.7%, then VAT will be added of 17.5% of the total.
  • 4kicks
    4kicks Posts: 549
    Imagine an entirely fictional set of circumstances where, as the seller was in agreement, the buyer sent them a hub for repair, with a UPS recepit voucher, and the seller sent you back the repaired hub, but instead mispacked it and send you the Powertap hub instead in the box.

    Of course its important to note this is Illegal :D
    Fitter....healthier....more productive.....

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