Graemeinvette

I just got delivery of a nice set of 1970 rear lights I bought on Ebay for $142. By the time I finished paying shipping and U.K. taxes they cost me another $177.00 :mad :mad :mad The figures dont even add up buut I am sure that UPS will have some lame excuse for all the charges. :mad :mad :mad

67HEAVEN

We have the same problem here in Canada.

I've stopped accepting shipments from suppliers using UPS and/or FedEx. These shippers charge approx. 30% of value for acting as border brokers.

Now that I get shipment by the US Postal Service (a few days slower) I'm paying $5.00 for the same service. :)

Screw UPS and FedEx. :smash:

Graemeinvette

67 Heaven,
Which suppliers use the US postal Service? Still :mad

67HEAVEN

I would imagine "most" of them will ship that way if you make a point of insisting.

Note: The $5.00 fee was collected by Canada Post - they acted as the broker. You should check with Royal Mail to see how they handle mailed packages from overseas.

Graemeinvette

Yes I will check Royal Mail. I am querying UPS their numbers just dont add up, even with their £10 brokerage. Their import duty is about right (6%) but their VAT is way off the scale (should be 17.5%) at about 30%.

I await there reply (excuses) with interest! :mad :mad :mad :mad

lars

Graemein -
Next time you need parts from the US, let me know. You can have them shipped to me, I'll re-box them, ship via US Mail, and declare a low value on the customs form for you (and declare it as a "gift"). This will get you out of most of the charges. I've been doing this for several European and South American enthusiasts for several years - works great. If you want info, you can e-mail me:
V8FastCars@msn.com