Custom Charges To London

uzziz · January 17, 2003

Hi all

Does any one know if i will incurr any custom charges if i purchased a product online ie for the usa

can any one elaborate on this

(purchasing contact lenses for wife)

Steve · January 17, 2003

it depends

I ordered a dvd and i never paid any customs charges.... But i have known people to pay customs on dvd's etc.. bigger items i think dont get away with it as much.

You dont pay customs on Gifts and samples.. so ask them to write sample on the box

ricky_is200 · January 17, 2003

I ordered two DVD's and wasn't charged at customs then the next time I ordered three and was charged! Put me off ordering any more.

As Steve said the key is to ask the supplier to put gift or samples on the customs declaration.

illy · January 17, 2003

Hi

I used to regulally order dvd's and cd's from amazon.com which is based in the states and is a hell of a lot cheaper than the uk site.

I never paid any vat charges on maybe 5 deliveries but it seemed to change after the Anthrax thing happened over there with the anthrax being sent through the post.

Since then I've had to pay each time I've ordered anything,maybe another 4 deliveries,put this down to the post office doing more checks for security.

subsequently have stopped ordering from there as it doesn't work out any cheaper because of this.

uzziz · January 17, 2003

Thanks guyz you've all been very helpfull

will speak to th esupplier

Have a great day ;)

TonyGoose · January 17, 2003

Hi all
Does any one know if i will incurr any custom charges if i purchased a product online ie for the usa

can any one elaborate on this

(purchasing contact lenses for wife)

I ordered lenses from usa once ... yes got stung for duty + vat.

After that, may as well order from postoptics in the uk.

Mattj · January 17, 2003

One of my collegues orders DVDs from amazon in the USA a lot, generally if its just one DVD in a package its going to be under £20, anything above that in value and / or two DVDs is usually going to get attention. I think it a lot of it has to do with how big the items are and how much they are worth, although I am sure what it is will help too. Companies like amazon aren't likely to write gift on the package I suspect, others may do if you ask nicely.....

ricky_is200 · January 17, 2003

Tony, I've used PostOptics and they have been excellent, delivered the contact lenses next day without any problems (providing you have an up to date prescription).

Illy, Have you tried play.com for DVD's? Cheaper than amazon, free postage and they sell region 1 and 2 DVD's.