Redwood
Q-School Graduate
Just wandering what the duty you have to pay on golf equipment. I've read it's about 2.6%, and then VAT on top.
Does that sound accurate?
Cheers
Does that sound accurate?
Cheers
Anyone imported any golf equirment from the US?
- Thread starter Redwood
- Start date
Mike_j_golf
Q-School Graduate
Hi,
Not sure if u have to pay it on second hand gear if you are buying new stuff u have to pay duty.
Mike
Not sure if u have to pay it on second hand gear if you are buying new stuff u have to pay duty.
Mike
Redwood
Q-School Graduate
Mike,
I've read that second hand also has duty applied, so no luck there.
I've read that second hand also has duty applied, so no luck there.
drawboy
Tour Winner
Hi, I have never imported golf gear but my son plays Tenpin bowling and I have bought his gear from the U.S. It is important that where you buy from put the exact amount you paid on the label as that is what you pay duty on. Some stores round up the figure or just put $200 or something and then you end up paying more. Also royal Mail will charge what is known as clearing, last time that bumped up the price by another £8.00 and that is payable upon delivery at the door.All in all though it still works out cheaper for me.
steveyjd81
Assistant Pro
I have imported second hand b4, being left handed i have to find a better selection, the courier will make u pay the taxes, works out a little cheaper but selection is much better for me, globalgolfusa.com is good
Mike_j_golf
Q-School Graduate
hi my 2 new utility clubs arrived today from the us no duty or taxes
alan_h
Medal Winner
The bill will be in the post. Probably. At least last time I ordered the tax invoice was sent by the courier a week or two later.
Alan
Ethan
Money List Winner
You have to pay VAT on the cost of goods and shipping.
If shipped through FedEx, UPS or similar, they will process those charges and will not delay the shipping.
If shipped USPS (US Post Office), will hand over to Royal Mail (small packages) or Parcelforce (large). Parcelforce is hideously slow and the people doing the customs charges are cretins.
If shipped through FedEx, UPS or similar, they will process those charges and will not delay the shipping.
If shipped USPS (US Post Office), will hand over to Royal Mail (small packages) or Parcelforce (large). Parcelforce is hideously slow and the people doing the customs charges are cretins.
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
Are there savings to be made?
Not a scientific piece of research but I found a G15 hybrid online from a USA shop for £67 + £23 shipping. Add onto that VAT and you've got over a hundred quid. Well I can walk into AG and get one for £109.
I guess there may be bargains but I'd have thought you'd have to dig hard to find them.
Redwood
What are you looking at buying from Uncle Sam anyway..
Not a scientific piece of research but I found a G15 hybrid online from a USA shop for £67 + £23 shipping. Add onto that VAT and you've got over a hundred quid. Well I can walk into AG and get one for £109.
I guess there may be bargains but I'd have thought you'd have to dig hard to find them.
Redwood
What are you looking at buying from Uncle Sam anyway..
Redwood
Q-School Graduate
Imurg,
Callaway Preowned have some great savings, not only on Callaway stuff but stuff they've also taken as trade in, so some ping etc...
Take a look in their site, can't remember URL but stick callaway preowned into Google.
I'm after a new I-mix shaft for my newly acquired FTIQ I bought off Colint as they costs over here are pretty high, and fairly limited.
Callaway Preowned have some great savings, not only on Callaway stuff but stuff they've also taken as trade in, so some ping etc...
Take a look in their site, can't remember URL but stick callaway preowned into Google.
I'm after a new I-mix shaft for my newly acquired FTIQ I bought off Colint as they costs over here are pretty high, and fairly limited.
Ethan
Money List Winner
There aren't too many bargains any more, but some kit which comes out faster in the US, or is not easy to get over here, may be worth looking at. Also, US stores write down the value of old lines more quickly. I bought a Tour Edge fairway wood from the US, and even with shipping, VAT and all, it was still cheaper than here.
Some US retailers offer good value shipping, e.g. UPS for $39.99. Some of the smaller ones who are used to dealing with UK buyers sometimes accidentally put the wrong (lower) value on the customs label. The responsible UK citizen would, of course, not forget to advise customs that there has been an error.
Some US retailers offer good value shipping, e.g. UPS for $39.99. Some of the smaller ones who are used to dealing with UK buyers sometimes accidentally put the wrong (lower) value on the customs label. The responsible UK citizen would, of course, not forget to advise customs that there has been an error.
need_my_wedge
Has Now Found His Wedgie
I bought my irons in the US and had them shipped over about 2 years ago. Had to pay duty on the combined price paid + shipping (the price paid is what is declared by the shipper - some of them will put a lower value on the item without asking when they ship overseas - but insurance will only cover the price declared). Overall, still saved about £80 on the cost of them here at that time.
I also bought my putter and a Vokey wedge secondhand from the US. I didn't have to pay duty on either.
I still look at stuff online, but I don't think the savings are that much these days, unless you buy when you are on hols and bring back with you. Depending on cost versus your allowance, and whether you get spot checked or not. Hint - don't carry back a box with "Golf Clubs" written on the side, or your clubs sticking out of a bag - my brother got caught each time..... I bought a golf bag back last time, packed in a plain box - didn't get stopped (but was within allowance anyways
).
i've bought from these guys a couple of times (www.3balls.com) and they have been very reliable.
I also bought my putter and a Vokey wedge secondhand from the US. I didn't have to pay duty on either.
I still look at stuff online, but I don't think the savings are that much these days, unless you buy when you are on hols and bring back with you. Depending on cost versus your allowance, and whether you get spot checked or not. Hint - don't carry back a box with "Golf Clubs" written on the side, or your clubs sticking out of a bag - my brother got caught each time..... I bought a golf bag back last time, packed in a plain box - didn't get stopped (but was within allowance anyways
).i've bought from these guys a couple of times (www.3balls.com) and they have been very reliable.
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
Last time I did this there wasn't much in it, so I wouldn't bother again. Also, last March I was in Fl, and the prices of gear were more expensive there than at home. I guess the exchange rate is better now.
TWM
Challenge Tour Pro
I once wrote and complained about the charge on a second hand club. Got a refund. 
Redwood
Q-School Graduate
Thanks guys,
The callaway preowned stuff looks quite competitively priced, and I din't see many places in the UK where I can get what I need.
So, is 2.6% duty about right on imported golf kit?
The callaway preowned stuff looks quite competitively priced, and I din't see many places in the UK where I can get what I need.
So, is 2.6% duty about right on imported golf kit?
Faldo_Fan
Head Pro
I scored an own goal by snaffling what i thought was a bargain TP Mills handmade flat stick from the US until the UPS guy turned up with my package but couldn't release it until i'd coughed up nearly £40 in customs duty and handling....what a rip off!
It would have been much cheaper buying it here!
It would have been much cheaper buying it here!
