Iceni Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I occasionally want to buy important stuff and 'rubbish' for my own use. The rubbish lately has included an LED torch and a pedomiter - cost 1 penny plus just under £7 for delivery from Hong Kong each (Ebay). - and looking at the stamps on the packages the delivery was about that. I have got to the point that the things I want, if it is possible to source them from the US, that is where I now look. I have been watching a very heavy item recently. £80 delivery from the UK - but no one is interested in organising this and the cost of the item about £90. Cost from the US, delivery $120 and cost of item about $50 and they will send via UPS - no problem.Why is no one in the UK interested in organising delivery to Europe? I get packages sent to me from my UK office on a regular basis, it is not rocket science - UK companies are just not interested in selling to the rest of Europe, in fact one said to me once that they 'don't deliver to Europe' - where the hell do they think the UK is? I have also seen the cost price of this item in bulk from China - and the US price reflects more accurately the cost of the item plus a good profit.OK, rant over. Time to go and open the latest package from my UK office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I agree Di, I was always amazed at so many ebay sellers were UK only. If you send the seller an email ahead of the close of the auction often you will find that they will post to Europe. In fact its easier for them, no customs form to worry about.Lets face it, buying in dollars is often worthwhile these days, postage included. ( I've just taken off a nice dressing gown from JC Penney) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceni Posted February 10, 2005 Author Share Posted February 10, 2005 Hi GayI find the UK and German sellers are own country only, the US sellers will send anywhere. If you are paying the full price for postage etc I cannot see the problem, perhaps they just cannot be bothered. Does not look like I will get the item I am after so I will probably give it a miss, $120 postage is a bit steep and I will just have to do without my little perks.A UK company has given me the details of the manufacturers of one of the products I am after. I will find out costs from them but I cannot see them sending me just one as they deal in thousands. This item is actually selling at a very expensive price on Ebay in France, if the renovation was finished I think I would take a chance and buy 10 or so and put them on on Fr Ebay - as it is we cannot move in here so no chance. Ho hum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAN_S Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Two points here.You have to pay import duty on US goods.We bought two heavy items from a UK company on the web recently and they were delivered in 3 days via Parcelforce from the UK, value £180 delivery charge £14, so we thought that was very good. I'm sure anyone could use this method although maybe not at the contract rates that are offered to a major shipper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard-R Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I buy a lot of stuff over the internet ( Smeg Oven,Camera, BBQ, Laptop and lots of travel) and still find it amazing that a lot of sellers will not ship outside there own country. This can some times be got around with an e-amail or phone call but some still do not understand what www means. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceni Posted February 10, 2005 Author Share Posted February 10, 2005 [quote]Two points here. You have to pay import duty on US goods. We bought two heavy items from a UK company on the web recently and they were delivered in 3 days via Parcelforce from the UK, value £180 de...[/quote]The cost of this one item from the UK was £80 via parcelforce - so it must be heavier than your items and the seller refused to do this even with payment in advance.I have never paid any duty on imports from the US or elsewhere.The major problem is that the UK does not see itself as being in Europe and or interested in selling to Europe but it is their loss. I have been given a far eastern address to source a similar item from its original exporters. If my current attempts do not succeed I will contact them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Whether you pay duty on items from the US is a very hit and miss affair, but if you have to pay it once somehow you seem to be 'red flagged' so beware.I haven't used Parcelforce for a while - there are a lot of exemptions (for insurance) and I think they may have a system now where dimension comes into the equation. ( You used to be able to choose which system, not sure now)By the way the cutlery I like (see frying pan post in food & drink) is offered quite reasonably on ebay.fr ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamedup Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 WE RARELY GET THINGS SENT FROM THE US, BUT HAVE PAID DUTY, HEFTY IT WAS. HOPEFULLY WE WILL NOT BE RED FLAGGED IN THE FUTURE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.