Importing Golf Clubs - Bargains to be had, or not??

CheekyMonkey

Not really sure where to post this (so I do apologise) but Im sure the MSE community will be able to help.

Has anyone out there recently imported a club, or set of golf clubs from the US?

With the exchange rate being so good, there are some fantastic bargains to be had, BUT how much is Import duty, tax/vat or other fees?

Does anyone know, or can maybe offer me some help?

The customs & excise website is a mare.

goldeneye243

There is some info here

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_001454&propertyType=document

Basically there will be VAT, + duty plus a handling fee.

I normally factor in a 30% increase in price (for some reason it seems to also include the shipping price too).

I bought a set of Taylormade RAC OS when they first came out for £300 all in when the cheapest I could get them elsewhere was £450.

Worth investigating.

CheekyMonkey

Many thanks Goldeneye.

It would appear that you have to pay 2.7% duty and 17.5% VAT, but is that on the price paid or the RRP?

And.........did you buy your clubs from a US store or from an eBay seller?

goldeneye243

The duty is on the price paid.

I got my set off ebay, and did not have any problems. There is some element of risk though I guess.

arcotplayer

I bought a single club from the USA and by th time they'ed all added their 'bit' it certainly wasn't worth it at all, more than doubled the price !!