Buying from ebay US - help!

[Alex Creasey]

Always assume you'll get hit for tax and VAT. From a business side of things for me I always add 20-25% for fees and taxes, even if it's something small and personal, that way if on the rare occurance you don't get hit, result! .

 

[saltyman]

bought parts from the USA and sent by fedex without any charges.......free postage from companies etc.

 

[markoc]

I am now the proud owner of a NOS Salsa stem. Which is currently in the US....

Costs so far are ~£16 for the stem and ~£5 postage so far. Looking pretty reasonable IMHO. Will update on any tribulations along the way...!

 

[Curly68]

Last year an Intense M1 frame and no charges, this year another Intense frame and £37.55 charges an Answer Stem and £18 charges, an Intense top and banner £13 charges. You have to swallow as there seems to be no real pattern to it!

 

[markoc]

How do these "charges" catch up with me? Do I expect a bill along with the item in the post?

 

[Alex Creasey]

If it gets delivered by Royal Mail (USPS on the US side), then you'll receive a letter saying the item is in the UK and there are charges to pay before they will deliver (if you get charged). If it's coming by Fed Ex you'll get a bill a week or so after delivery.....Again, if you get charged.

Hope that helps and good luck .

 

[markoc]

Well, on my return from work today I had a parcel to pick up from my neighbour. There it was, boxed up all lovely in bubble wrap - a NOS Salsa stem for my P7. Yummy.

No letter from the tax people so the total outlay was £20.50 which I think is rather good.

Looks a bit long... but that's probably because I'm used to my modern dale.