Shipping Advice eBay US to UK

[R3troBik3]

OK, ive got my eyes on a nice bike on ebay US and im hoping the seller will package for shipping to the UK.

any advice or recomendations on getting the bike to the UK. hopefully as cheap as possible and avoiding expensive import taxes.

I know i can mark the value and insurance as low

any other advice apreciated

 

[taffy]

Intentionally avoiding the correct amount of duty is illegal and also may backfire should the item be lost or damaged. (you cnat claim for a £500 bike if its value is £50)

Ive gotten 3 bikes form the US and only paid anything on 1 of them - despite them all being marked up and the paperwork in correct order - true value and description etc

 

[suburbanreuben]

I've had about half a dozen sent over and they've all attracted import duty.
As said above, you can ask the seller to mark the value down - some will, some won't- but then you won't be fully insured.

To fit USPS's max dimensions you will need to send in two boxes, frame , forks and stuff in one and wheels etc in the other.
Make sure they are marked as bicycle components, which attract 5% duty, and not (complete) bicycle, which attracts 20%.
Both will, though, attract 20% VAT on the full cost plus a few quid "handling" fee.
I keep saying "never again" unless it's something very special.
And guess what's just turned up..? :roll:

 

[highlandsflyer]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... p;start=45

Talk to the seller about options before anything.