What to do - just been asked to pay import tax.

elsmandino

Hi there.

I would be really gratful for some advice.

I purchased a mini PC, online, for £208.00.

This was with a company called Beelink (who I have found out are based in China).

Shipping was included and delivery is being handled by DHL.

DHL have, however, just confirmed that they are holding on to my product until I pay import tax of £52.60.

This was never made clear to me at any point, prior to the sale going ahead.

Any advice on what to do would be much appreciated.

user1977

If you import something from overseas, the general rule is that you need to pay any import duty due on the item. It doesn't really matter whether the seller explained that to you.

Having said that, it's a curious website as the terms include a (genuine) UK limited company, but the contact phone number is in China, and the prices are in dollars. What does it say about delivery when you log in and try to buy something? Is it clear that it's being shipped from overseas?

km1500

Pay the tax, get your computer
 
Going forward try and check where items you buy online are shipped from - not always easy I know.

elsmandino

Totally agree - the website really does not make it clear where it is and, as you say, states a UK company address.

Says nothing to suggest overseas shipping.

If it were £10.00, I would just pay it but £260, as opposed to £210 - I could have bought a better computer to begin with.

What happens if I do not pay it?  Is there any chance I can get a refund from Beelink?

Bradden

Where did you think they were based?

Their site doesn't seem to make any claims about being in the UK

https://www.bee-link.com/cms/support/connect

elsmandino

Terms and Conditions (bee-link.com)

At the very bottom - has a London address.

macman

That is almost certainly just an accommodation address, probably that of the accountant who registered the UK company. It does state 'not a returning address'.
But the real giveaway is the phone no. supplied. 086 is the China internatonal dialling code...

Bradden

elsmandino said:

Terms and Conditions (bee-link.com)

At the very bottom - has a London address.

Hadn't spotted that.. altought this bit would indicate that they aren't shipping from the UK:   (This is not a returning address)

born_again

Interesting that "Shipping & Return" link does not work.

All other T/C etc make no mention of having to pay local taxes etc. Which they normally cover. But never seen such short T/C

At least they are asking for payment to deliver the goods. many simply get a bill after delivery.

prowla

You may be able to refuse, so they return it to sender, but good luck in getting a refund.

The other option is to pay up and chalk it down to experience.

(I remember years ago I bought a couple of DVDs from the US; the duties & fees made them more expensive than if I'd simply gone out and paid full UK retail.)

elsmandino

What a disaster - would never have considered the bloody thing, if I had know it was really going to cost and extra 25% extra.

I am pretty sure I am going to have to pay this, aren't I?

Just thinking outside of the box - DHL have paid this fee on my behalf, on account of the computer being purchased in the UK.  If I arrange to cancel the order and have the PC refunded, does that mean that the tax is no longer payable?

I wonder if DHL are going to insist on having this paid in any event and I will end up being refunded by Beelink for £155.40 (i.e. the original costs, minus the import fee).