Importing from a USA eBay seller. Tax to pay?

middersp

I'm quite tempted by some wheels from a U.S based seller on eBay for approx £200.
Price is at least £50 less than UK/Europe even with £30 shipping.
However, I am not sure if import tax will be due and how much.
I'm looking for anybody who has bought from U.S to please share your experiences.
Thanks.

StillGoing

Depends on what mood everyone is in. You may get lucky and avoid any import duty, but then again, you may get hammered. Bear in mind though that £200 for a set of wheels makes it highly dubious they were made in the USA. For £400 you can get a decent set of carbon tubs from Planet X which will have a valid warranty and although they were probably also made from some components manufactured in Taiwan, there is more probability the components are from legitimate sources.

cycleclinic

Even for that value you may get stung for VAT and the post office £8 handling charge. I got stung with this for a £30 RD-M730 rear mech that turned out to scrap due to play.

mr_evil

My experience of buying stuff from the US is that nearly everything will be charged 20% VAT. Contrast that with stuff from China, which usually passes through customs unhindered.

daniel_b

Yep from the US I have been hit everytime, only on items valued at more than £15.

20% of the Total price of the item AND postage is what they usually charge 20% on, and then the lovely £8 admin charge.

A £20 item can end up costing you 60% more.

rolf_f

What they are basically saying is - don't bother. It isn't worth it. For a few quid at most you are in for a fun time if something goes wrong......