Help wanted on getting parts from the US

[bigparsnip]

Hi, I have seen some parts I would like to order from the us, however, looking ont he UPS website, it would cost me almost $300 to have them sent over here (four times what teh item would cost). So I was wondering if anyone know a cheeper way of posting them to the UK, or has any means of doing so themselfs. The package itself would be arrpund 65lbs, and measre around 14 X 20 X 8 inches.

So, if anyone could help me out with this one I would be very greatful.

Andrew.

[Peter Daniel]

Shipping of your package from Canada would be around CAD118 by surface mail (6-8 weeks delivery, max weight 65lb). My postal code is L5C 1T3.

http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/to..._res_int-e.asp

[bigparsnip]

Getting better, that would put the shipping for that stage of the journey at around the same price as the components, which I could just about cope with (as long as shipping to canada wasn't too much in the first place).

[cocolino]

Andrew,

UPS international is extremely expensive. Better have it shipped USPS, if possible (some sellers don`t seem willing to ship Postal Service).

look:
USPS International Calculator

65lbs Economy (Surface) Parcel Post (4-6 weeks) U$118.25 (without insurance)

I think that`s cheaper than shipping to Peter and from there to You although apparently surface mail from Canada is cheaper (and less hassle to get directly - for You and Peter as well).

Don`t forget also to take in account customs (VAT for example), eventually!
Maybe it`s possible to ask to get the box USPS uninsured without declared (or low...er) value to get around paying customs and VAT. Many, especially proffessional sellers won`t do this (due to obvious reasons.... ) but in case it`s a private seller to ask costs nothing.

[bigparsnip]

The parts only have a value of around £45, and with uk VAT at 17.5%, that would only work out at about £8 which is nothing compared to the £70 it looks like it will cost to have the things shipped.

Doh!

[cocolino]

The parts only have a value of around £45, and with uk VAT at 17.5%, that would only work out at about £8 which is nothing compared to the £70 it looks like it will cost to have the things shipped.

Well, but sometimes VAT and customs applies to shipping too not only the item!
At least that`s the way it is here. Better call Your local customs office and ask to avoid unpleasant surprises.

[bigparsnip]

As far as I am aware here in the UK you only have to pay VAT on the Value of good that you are bringing into the country, so the postage cost should be imaterial.

[cocolino]

As far as I am aware here in the UK you only have to pay VAT on the Value of good that you are bringing into the country, so the postage cost should be imaterial.

"Should be imaterial"....and can not be ......is what I`ve thought too....until I had the first case..... and the customs folks told me better.

[bigparsnip]

well, lets just hope they are more forgiving here, I'm not to sure I want to pay an extra £10 on top of what are already high shipping prices.

[daatkins]

I don't want to disappoint Mr Parsnip, Sir, but I believe VAT is added to the total: product price + shipping + insurance. You also have to pay import duty on top, which is only levied on purchase price.

As an example, I imported two Peerless 8" woofers from Madisound last year....

Cost of goods: $55
Shipping: $42.24
Duty: £1.39
VAT: £13.39
Admin fee: £4.50

Duty and VAT were paid by FedEx to UK Customs and I had to reimburse them, for which they charged the admin fee.

So my $27.50 woofers cost £40 each - still a good price IMHO.

EDIT: I forgot to say that the shipping was by air. I ordered on Tuesday lunchtime and the goods arrived Friday afternoon - now that's service! The price for 4-6 week overland wasn't much cheaper, maybe $30 instead of $42.

Nice one,
David.