The Dogmother Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I have always bought a particulalr brand of skincare online from a US site (Strawberrynet.com) and never used to be clobbered for the tax when it was delivered. Just lately though, I have had to fork out for it (although I can claim it back from Strawberry). Does anyone else do this and avoid the VAT? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Hi Claret. I've been browsing this site for a while, but never been brave enough to order!!! Do they charge you shipping? Have they re embursed your tax?? Does it work out as ecomonical as it sounds? Thanks K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 1, 2009 Author Share Posted June 1, 2009 I don't get charged shipping, that is free, but I also get a loyalty discount. I email them scans of my order and the VAT receipt and they refund it. I don't know how long they will keep on doing this though It really does work out quite a bit cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Some stuff, from China and the US I don't get taxed, but if its a big parcel then I have to fork out extra cash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 The customer is liable for any additional taxes imposed by Customs and Excise. Some things get through without being picked up (don't quote me but I think if things are marked as 'gifts' they don't get taxed - maybe someone else can confirm this). I think that if they are replaying your tax you have a real bargain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Hmmmmmmmmmm I feel at purchase coming on!!! How long does it take to arrive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 1, 2009 Author Share Posted June 1, 2009 These are posted marked as gifts and look giftwrapped but I have been clobbered for the last 3 deliveries. I only order once a year or so, so it's not onerous. I haven't sent off the latest paperwork, so hope that they pay up this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 .Some things get through without being picked up (don't quote me but I think if things are marked as 'gifts' they don't get taxed - maybe someone else can confirm this). Not true - and sorry for quating you! We had visitors from USA before Christmas. Son is potter. They couldn't fit all presents in suitcases so sent us 2 pots that he had made. She put a value on the label and stated it was gift. We had to pay customs before we could collect them. Its a bit hit and miss - but basically, I think you have to pay!! H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I think if it's under £18 you don't have to pay customs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I've bought a few bits and bobs and can't remember being charged. Most of the stuff has been classed as a gift. Recently something costing £35 was sent with a value of £3.50 written on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Recently something costing £35 was sent with a value of £3.50 written on it Hi - yes - trouble is - if it gets lost/broken, you can only get £3.50 compensation. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Can I just point out., & in no way am I being a party pooper here because I buy a lot from overseas myself. But if the person you are buying from falsely puts a lower amount of value on the customs slip, or marks it as a gift when its a purchase, bearing in mind most things will have a sales chit inside with the correct value & customs do & will open parcels, they will be prosecuted. As will anyone sending from here to the US & doing the same thing.its illegal & that's worth remembering if you are tempted. Just a wise precaution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I bought pure wool duvet from New Zealand - the company are very good and no sales prices inside the parcel - marked as gift but at the time it was the letter bombs and I had to pay customs on it. They were very thourough and checking everything. The second one I ordered - sailed through and I did not have any duty to pay on it - the company sends on the paperwork separately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Sorry, I wasn't saying it was a good thing. It came from China and I did ask and the seller had made a mistake not being used to the £. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I just checked strawberrynet for my Dermalogica stuff and it was more expensive! But you have MADE me end up googling Dermalogia and buying some from another online company. You are awful you lot - cost me a fortune! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
