How much will an item really cost from usa?

[gregb]

Hello all

I have found a couple of items on ebay in the usa but was wondering if anyone had any idea on what the actual cost of an item would be.

For example, if I buy an item for £40 with say £20 for delivery how much would I have to pay in tax, vat, etc.? Some websites indicate adding 30% to the total, but does anyone have experience of buying from usa?

Thanks

Greg[/b]

 

[saltyman]

it depends on the sellers postage, and what insurance they add to the package.

i bought a $300 headset, and paid just £15 tax.

a $200 seatpost cost me £40 tax.

so it all depends on what the seller says the package is worth.

 

[mikeekim89]

and then you've customs fees, you'll find there are different rates for different metals, and materials etc...

 

[Easy_Rider]

I assume you just paid VAT at the usual 17.5% and then any Post Office handling charges.
I'm sure one of the goverment websites will have all the info, like this
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPort ... t#P22_2021

or if that's too much to read try this?
http://www.dutycalculator.com/

It is very much dependant how the package os marked (e.g. gift etc) and the stated item value.

 

[suburbanreuben]

You'll be paying 5% import duty and 17.5% VAT (or is it 20% now?) on that, on the total of goods and carriage charges. Then add the cariers service charge of about £15.
You might get away with paying nothing, or you might get royally stung. Fedex seem to make it up as they go along, and they won't deliver until you pay. You can claim back the extra afterwards, if you can prove you've overpayed, but it's a lot of needless hassle. Frinstance, Fedex once phoned me , to tell me they would be phoning to discuss my refund claim, only to phone to tell me they would be investigating my claim. They couldn't actually discus it, since they didn't have the details, but once they did, they'd phone me back. They never did... :roll:

 

[IDB1]

Been a few years.. 5 or 6 I think.. but paid under 20% total last time I was charged and told to factor in 25% as a maximum..

Got $110 of good coming from the US.. don't mind the equivalent of about $30 in charges but any more and I'll be a tad distraught