talkmagic.co.uk

I just received a parcel from Ellusionist (which is already quite expensive) and while waiting I receive a letter from the custom's office saying I have to pay another 70 EUROS to receive it! In Belgium it's everytime! I was wondering if it was like that in all countries in Europe. I know my sister in London never has to pay anything and when I receive stuff from Asia there are usually no problems, it's just from the USA...

I think I'll just get them to send it to UK next time and have my sister send it to me!

yeah, there's weird and unfair import laws everywhere...

strangely, the two usa companies i use, i've never been hit with tax...though they do seem to stamp "magic/educational gifts" on the boxes...so perhaps thats the way round it? dunno...

it is very annoying though isnt it...

Ive been caught out once from about 20 orders from USA> had to pay £12.. wasnt impressed, but its only £12. You got skanked my friend

I have sent a number of things to the states, and I was told that ticking the 'gift' box on the import sticker meant the reciever avoided any import duty.

Yes I have been charged on an Ellusionist purchase from the States. It also has a lot to do with what is stated on the box regarding the contents. Bear in mind that you are not paying any VAT on the original purchase, and the duty is to compensate. Therefore simple price comparisons are not necessarily so simple.

As a dealer, my largest ever 'import and brokerage' fee from Ellusionist was about £250.

It happens all the time, every time.

It's unavoidable.

Which is why you're best working out if it is indeed cheaper to buy from your own country... often, an item for $10 sells at £12 in the UK. You now know why...

I ship to the UK and all over Europe. I always check the "gift" box, and I always claim the value to be 1 dollar.

If this strategy is not helping folks avoid additional payments, please let me know. I am anxious to come up with a strategy that will help you all from paying these ridiculous fees!

Shufton wrote:I ship to the UK and all over Europe. I always check the "gift" box, and I always claim the value to be 1 dollar.

I thought that underdeclaring the value of shipments on customs declaration forms was illegal?

And am I the only person who thinks that applying duty and VAT to imported goods is not morally wrong? I mean, aren't taxes how we pay for schools and hospitals?

Morality can be a very subjective thing!

Yorkshire Pudding wrote:

Shufton wrote:I ship to the UK and all over Europe. I always check the "gift" box, and I always claim the value to be 1 dollar.

I thought that underdeclaring the value of shipments on customs declaration forms was illegal?

And am I the only person who thinks that applying duty and VAT to imported goods is not morally wrong? I mean, aren't taxes how we pay for schools and hospitals?

your right, you are

I am not sure that legally, "value" always equates to price paid. If this turns out to be true, I'll start declaring full paid price. I have no intention of doing anything illegal, and I thank you for educating me in this regard.

The 'value' equates to the cost of the goods which are to be taxed, based on the INVOICE value. As such, enclosed invoices are subject to examination by customs.

As are the goods.

When shipping 'paid for' items, an invoice should always be included. Thus, if the parcel is inspected and was claimed as a gift, any invoice will disprove that claim.

FRK wrote:
your right, you are

Aw well... just being Devil's Advocate.

I'm no fan of excessive taxation either. I mean, I wouldn't mind if they spent the money efficiently and effectively but the more you give them the more they waste. Still, as long as I pay my dues at least I can take the moral high ground and moan about the state of the country like all true grumpy old men.

VAT and income taxes are the way we pay for shools, hospitals, etc. But taxes on imported goods are something different. They are a reminiscence of old protective policies in order to protect a local (national) industry. I.e. what your Government actually wants by making it more expensive importing goods, is that you rather buy national card brands. That would help your economy in creating more jobs, both in production chain, as in dealers and other resellers. For the macroeconomics that's very good for the country. This in turn creates a bigger platform of people paying taxes, which in turn makes it possible to redistribute the wealth to hospitals, schools etc. Taxes on imported goods also make up for lost VAT (as this was passed on in the producing country). Summing it up: you make your country and yourself a favour if you buy your books, cards, etc from seige (no need to thank me seige ) or other local shops, and if the brand was produced in your country, that's even better! We know that the world doesn't work this way now. We buy a book online and the shop can be in the US, UK, Spain, or Canberra. It doesn't matter. The macroeconomics have changed a lot with the globalisation, but the macroeconomic principles are still true.

And, oh, remember: there are no free rides. If the prices in the UK are 20% higher than if you buy them online in the US, analyse why and you often will find it that it doesn't pay go searching online for hours/days for best price.

Edit:

I forgot to add. For all the countries included in the Schengen Treaty (in the European Union) there are no import taxes on goods imported from other countries included in the Schengen Treaty.

Penguin Magic has always been sneaky in my orders, written gift/sample on the box and the invoice insides read that every single item is $0.00. I should email penguin and say it's nice that you're giving me this stuff for free, when shall I be getting my cheque?!

I don't mind what Penguin Magic does as long as I don't have to pay any extra!