customs charges

[neil]

im looking at buying some cranks from a shop in america they work out at about 200 quid any idea what customs would charge me?

[AKGOFF]

im looking at buying some cranks from a shop in america they work out at about 200 quid any idea what customs would charge me?

20% vat on that = £40 plus Customs charge which i think is £15 plus Parcel force charge on that price will be another £15 so it will work out at around £270 all in. What cranks are they?

Adam

[HUTCHMAN]

on the basis of those calcs... I guess I'm looking at £59 on a USD purchase of $145.99... one question for the more "seasoned " US purchasers.. it's states ATM ... "arrival at post office", followed by "payment of charges - item being held, addressee being notified"
  Does this mean it's at the local P.O ?

[Gnarlyscoots]

If you are paying $150 for an item, you will pay 20% VAT plus a 'handling charge of £8.

If the seller is happy to mark the item as a gift instead of merchandise or other, the charge will be significantly less as the first $60 is 'free'.

I would make a guess at around £36 all in on that figure.

Parcel Force are holding your package and they will be sending you a charge slip for you to pay the charges against your item. Just pay it online, very easy. They will then release your item for delivery 

Please note that a Saturday delivery will cost you an extra £12 though   

[stidds]

on the basis of those calcs... I guess I'm looking at £59 on a USD purchase of $145.99... one question for the more "seasoned " US purchasers.. it's states ATM ... "arrival at post office", followed by "payment of charges - item being held, addressee being notified"
  Does this mean it's at the local P.O ?

It is being held at your local Parcel Force depot.  You will get a letter tomorrow/day after from Parcel Force with a code and how much the charges are. 

Go online pay the charges and you can then decide if you want it re-delivered and when or you can collect from the Parcel Force depot.

[HUTCHMAN]

Thanks guys... will wait for the "slip of doom" 

[stidds]

Remember customs charges also take into account of the shipping cost and any Insurance, so if your item cost $150 with $50 shipping and $20 insurance the customs charges will be charged on the $220.

[HUTCHMAN]

it was £145.99 in total.. part and shipping... just looked up where our nearest P.F depot is... 50 yards from where my eldest works.. that's collection sorted at least,

[HUTCHMAN]

ok..the slip of doom has arrived.  Not as bad as I thought... £12.50 import vat, £8.00 clearance fee .. £20.50. still begrudge every penny though.