Anyone used the GSP programme between USA and GB ? Import charges are added in the USA and no other charges are applicable ( apparently ). Seems too good to be true.
I was told the same and bought some stuff from the USA and got charged £8.50 from Royal Mail for handling the package and £12 import duty on top of that.
I buy from the states all the time. Your better off just sucking it and seeing. Mostly they just get through and I pay no handling or excise duties. However occasionally I get bit. Sometimes the good old post office doesnt even tell you theyve got the part for a few weeks and then send you a letter demanding £12. Meanwhile youve been emailing the sender asking where your part is. Grrr. I now just get them shipped to my step mum in the states and she sends it on with GIFT written on it. Its easier.
Yes I've used it quite a bit. You pay the import charges and taxes up front with the postage after buying an item. Then parcelforce (usually) delivery it to your door. No nasty surprises. If you don't buy through the global Shipping Program and don't pay the charges up front then work on a charge of 25% on top of the purchase price and postage charge. I agree with the post office comments they really are a law unto themselves!
I bought a nos Reservoir breather valve from the states via ebay for the 2003 ds. I bought it at one price but by the time it all went through, paypal had added a few quid on for Currency charges/changes. It came to me okay correctly labelled and not as a gift but faced no extra vat or handling charges. I still all in, only paid £56 for a £120 part. I didn't use the gsp programme obviously.
Most bits under about £20 get through from abroad without taxes - as long as its not many - i think the unoffocial limit is 3 deliveries of low value before they start charging you. Even marked as gifts - you can occasionally get caught for fees in UK. When you come to higher value stuff - I have used Amazon - buying off Amazon on Amazon - Pay upfront ship and duties - then it gets included in an amazon bulk ship and distribute in UK - so no more costs - and can be really quick delivery - I paid for standard delivery 2 weeks ago (3 week delivery) and received items at home after 6 days. Not tried Ebay version - but assume its similar to Amazon?
I bought some apex 4" bar risers from the U.S.A last month. The cost for the bars was £270. And took nearly a month to come. Before they were delivered I had to pay £50 V.A.T @20%. £11.00 customs charge an £8.00 handling fee. But the best bit is... I've decided I don't like the look without the fairing so am not going to use them. I then bought to two sets of 1" risers from China @ £20.00 a pair arrived within 7 days no charges at all. So work that one out. Anyone want to buy a set of 4" adjustable 53mm risers?
