Cheapest way to mail a package from USA to UK?

Distance_2020

Hello,

I hope that this is okay, I have chosen to post this here because I haven't found any more appropriate sector on this forum.

I am in the USA and would like to buy a "New Nintendo 3DS XL". I would then like to mail it to my home in the UK.

These are the listed dimensions and weight of the item- 1.46 x 7.12 x 5.12 inches; 11.99 ounces.

Please help me if you can:

1) What is the literal cheapest way of mailing it to the UK?

2) What is the cheapest way of mailing it to the UK with most extensive tracking + signatute confirmation, so that it probably can't disappear?

3) I am sending this as a gift. It costs the equivalent of £156.44 British sterling here in the USA. Will my family in the UK have to pay some extra charges to the UK government? What about me here in the USA, are there any extra costs for me?

4) I want to buy it online. The seller I want to buy from will not post to UK. Am I allowed to just tape a paper with my address on the box the seller sends me the item in then buy the postage and have it put on that and sent?

LadyDee

goods-sent-from-abroad
It's over the duty-free gift limit, postage must be added to value of goods, then probably VAT, Duty and clearance charges will be payable by the recipient.
Can't they find the item in the UK?  It'll probably work out cheaper. 
Fedex and DHL is probably the best way to send but make sure such an item is not excluded.
You'll have to declare what's in the box so if it passes through any sticky-fingers it could possibly go astray.

TELLIT01

There may well be a handling charge added by the carrier in the UK as well.  I suspect the overall saving by purchasing in the USA will be minimal, and may cause hassle to your family too.

NoodleDoodleMan

I know nothing about the technical aspects of this device - but you'll need to ensure it will operate on UK voltage if mains power is required.

Distance_2020

TELLIT01 said:

There may well be a handling charge added by the carrier in the UK as well.  I suspect the overall saving by purchasing in the USA will be minimal, and may cause hassle to your family too.

Thanks for the input. I am buying a limited edition that is not available in the UK, as far as I am aware from my extensive searching.

If anyone is willing to help me find that or the Japan version (LL), brand new sealed in-box in UK... and in total cheaper than sending it from USA... that will be amazing

NoodleDoodleMan said:

I know nothing about the technical aspects of this device - but you'll need to ensure it will operate on UK voltage if mains power is required.

Don't worry about that, I've done my research. It's fine

NoodleDoodleMan

It's on Ebay from an American seller - around £22 delivery. The unit is double the price you've quoted though !!!

As above, there is the possibility of HM Revenue & Customs adding import duties at the point of entry.

What about warranty issues if it develops a fault ? For example, I've read of major league camera companies here not accepting warranty claim repairs for products purchased outwith the UK.

DCFC79

I dont see it anywhere cheaper but maybe in the future it could be released. 
How important is it to buy 1 considering the warranty issue, it would most likely need to be sent back to the US which will be costly.

Distance_2020

You both make good points about warranty. I will look into that.

DCFC79

Distance_2020 said:

You both make good points about warranty. I will look into that.

https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22283/~/regional-compatibility-faq#s1q8

This states its not possible so if it were to need a repair you would need to pay for it plus the shipping to them and I suspect the return shipping.

Is it likely to fail, who knows, Ive got an old DS that was used constantly and never failed me.

Can I ask who the main user of the console is ?
If an adult Id be tempted to buy it but if a child Id be a bit wary, knowing first hand what damage a child could do to 1.

In either case if it were me Id put some money (if you can) each month into another account to pay for the repair etc.

Distance_2020

DCFC79 said:

Distance_2020 said:

You both make good points about warranty. I will look into that.

(link)

This states its not possible so if it were to need a repair you would need to pay for it plus the shipping to them and I suspect the return shipping.

Is it likely to fail, who knows, Ive got an old DS that was used constantly and never failed me.

Can I ask who the main user of the console is ?
If an adult Id be tempted to buy it but if a child Id be a bit wary, knowing first hand what damage a child could do to 1.

In either case if it were me Id put some money (if you can) each month into another account to pay for the repair etc.

Thank you so much for finding that. The news sucks. The intended user is an adult, though. Still, Nintendo has a bad policy.

It is not actually even a product for the USA, I think. This one was made to be sold in a few Asian countries.

Distance_2020

I will be reconsidering and try to find a New Nintendo 3DS XL that was made to be sold in the UK. The UK did not have this special design but there are other nice designs also.