Buying from the US... What considerations do I need to take into account?

Hoseman

I'm interested in an item that is only available from the US and it's on eBay. The process to buy seems straightforward but I don't want any nasty surprises cost wise or anything else for that matter. What do I need to bear in mind to make sure it is all above board and legal?

Thanks

shaun_from_Africa

Firstly, assume that you will be charged VAT if the item is over £15 and import duty if it's over £135. If there are any duties payable, there will also be a handling charge which will be somewhere between about £8 and £15 depending on the carrier.

Another thing to remember is that if the item is faulty or not as described when it arrives, you may well end up having to pay the cost to return it to the seller.

I assume that it will be a paypal payment, so you should be covered if it doesn't arrive, but if this does happen, it may take a while before you get refunded.

Hoseman

Thanks Shaun. It's not appealing now, in case there are any issues.

Inigo_Montoya

Some sellers especially the private ones might be willing to put a low price on the customs label so you dont have to pay the import taxes
- IME a lot of chinese sellers due it automatically without even asking

( No doubt someone will come along on their high horse & say you shouldn't ask a seller to do such a thing )

Buying overseas is worthwhile in the long run as the savings made outweigh any costs involved in having to return a faulty item which for me is a very rare event

steveo3002

what sort of item?

elec goods will be 110v , wrong style plugs , shoes are differant sizes to ours , dvd /games console type stuff may not work here

theonlywayisup

Also note your exchange rate will be paypal's own, so not favourable.

Hoseman

Its a microphone (USB) that is very good value over there but not available here. Thanks for further advice/tips. Im reconsidering now!

steveo3002

i get stuff from around the world all the time , works out fine as long as you know the score

if that microphone is low value , or the seller is willing to mark it as such then it should be a good buy

another thing to watch for ...ebay sales for cheap elec items often say from usa but are from china , not really sure how to find out until it arrives , still no real concern just open a case if its not with you in 45 days

harleq1962

Ive had to pay duty on two items bought from the US, I have family in the US and they have sent many items through the post marked as gifts with a low amount on the declaration,
One of the items bought from US ebay was opened by the customs/post office and checked and the tax was placed on the declared amount, there was also charges incurred with the assessment, the items I bought were both used items,

Hoseman

I found this calculator which is pretty cool as it provide details of cost:
http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/

Just so I know how the process works, what do I actually do? I order and then what? I know what the duty is based on the calculator but presumably I need to pay in advance somehow?? It's only £10 (VAT and no duty) on top which is still worth it imo.

Thanks for all your replies/advice.

steveo3002

you buy the item as you would with a uk sale

sit back and wait , it might come with no fee's , or depending on who it was sent with there will be a letter for you to pay £xx amount before you can have the parcel

personaly i would message the seller to mark it as a low value if they can ...up to you if you feel its dishonest