Importing goods from USA

[simmb]

Any experts out there on importing goods from the US? Looking to import an impact screen for a golf simulator as supply in the UK is limited. I have previously bought stuff from China but it got delivered straight to my door and then I got hit with the import duty and VAT bill after. However this particular supplier is saying they ship to point of embarkment and I pay the rest and I should also assign a broker. So do I need to assign a freight forwarder or whatever they are called to sort out all the paper work and get it delivered to my door?
Any advice, recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Yes is the answer. You will then have extra costs of paperwork handover between the shipper and agent, shipping within the UK, vat and duty. There could be other things but those are the ones off the top of my head.

Before you commit I would suggest you speak to an agent and get a quote for the extra costs, they do add up. Pick one out that is located near to the incoming airport and ring them. Not essential to be close but it does no harm. They are much of a muchness so don't get stressed about who you contact at this stage.

 

[simmb]

Yes is the answer. You will then have extra costs of paperwork handover between the shipper and agent, shipping within the UK, vat and duty. There could be other things but those are the ones off the top of my head.

Before you commit I would suggest you speak to an agent and get a quote for the extra costs, they do add up. Pick one out that is located near to the incoming airport and ring them. Not essential to be close but it does no harm. They are much of a muchness so don't get stressed about who you contact at this stage.

Thanks for the info, sounds like this could get expensive real quick.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I guess it depends on the value of the goods coming in and the proportion of the extra costs against that. The key is to know these before you start so that there are no shocks. Do your homework, get the facts.

 

[OnTour]

The Chinese love a false invoice and if you avoid the dhl style carriers its duty free. If you go dhl your in for a treat sadly.

USA very hard to get it duty free unless you bring it back yourself

 

[full_throttle]

when I worked for Royal Mail/Parcelforce customs and excise duty was payable on incoming goods valued above £18 from/to a business or £36 from/to residential addresses, the difference being goods and gifts.

VAT was also payable, the rate dependant on the type of goods, clothing was different to toys for example,

Then you sometimes get a handling fee

 

[simmb]

Impact screen is about $650 then approx $86 shipping so with all the added extras caused by duty, VAT etc. I am now thinking it may be cheaper to go pick it up myself. Anyone know approximatley how much a freight forwarder would be on top of the duty and VAT?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Do you mean arrange your own collection? It depends where it is in the US, east coast, west coast etc. Don't be afraid of speaking to a forwarder, they don't bite and actually they want your business. They will need weight, dimensions and pick up location. If the item is delicate then ask them about insurance as it is your issue if you are arranging collection and it is damaged in transit.

If you were being tongue in cheek then ignore the above and I'll shuffle away..........

I'll pm you tomorrow with a couple of forwarders we have used at work before. They will give you prices with no hidden shocks. It doesn't mean the price isn't a shock but at least it is there in front of you 😁.

Importing doesn't have to mean big extra costs, it could be £35 handling fee, £10 for something else, 6% duty, 20% vat. It's just better to know for definite than me guessing.

 

[simmb]

Do you mean arrange your own collection? It depends where it is in the US, east coast, west coast etc. Don't be afraid of speaking to a forwarder, they don't bite and actually they want your business. They will need weight, dimensions and pick up location. If the item is delicate then ask them about insurance as it is your issue if you are arranging collection and it is damaged in transit.

If you were being tongue in cheek then ignore the above and I'll shuffle away..........

I'll pm you tomorrow with a couple of forwarders we have used at work before. They will give you prices with no hidden shocks. It doesn't mean the price isn't a shock but at least it is there in front of you .

Importing doesn't have to mean big extra costs, it could be £35 handling fee, £10 for something else, 6% duty, 20% vat. It's just better to know for definite than me guessing.

That would be great Tyrion, any information you can supply would be much appreciated. Like you say it's better to know up front the exact cost, I think I am just being a bit cautious as it's not something I am familiar with.

 

[patricks148]

i imported a guitar from the US and got hit with a few hefty charges after the event. would think twice about it again

 

[simmb]

i imported a guitar from the US and got hit with a few hefty charges after the event. would think twice about it again

Yes I agree I am starting to think twice about the whole thing, it's certainly not as straight forward or cheap as I first imagined. Guess I have been spoilt over the years by the "one click" job done, then wait at the door type purchases.
Lord T has been a big help and pointed me in the right direction, I am pretty sure without that information I would have given up by now.

If anyone knows of an impact screen that can be bought in the UK and is comparible to the Carls premium screen for projection quality and noise reduction that would also be massively appreciated.