Shipping and Charges to expect

[turpin]

I can't answer for anyone else but my recent experience with the Kiltstore was very good. I paid something in the neighborhood of $40.00 for express shipping (FedEx, as I recall) and that was it. I got a call from FedEx customs department wanting me to fill out a form. I did that. FedEx explained that Kiltstore was taking care of the rest.

So even if the customs and brokerage fees were included in the shipping charges, it was all up front and I knew waht to expect--No surprises, no additional charges or fees.

I am happy with the Kiltstore's policy as I have imported both leather and tools previously from England and Germany respectively and had to get custom brokers involved and so forth.

This was easy. If I was going to order another kilt, I'd deal with the same outfit.

How recent was this experience? If in thelast month and it was a kilt I give you my blood oath that FEDEX will be sending you a customs bill, plus a $25 fee for processing a "Formal Entry" through customs. the amount of duty will depend on what you bought, but if it was a kilt, you WILL get a bill.

[turpin]

I've seen horror stories on other forums about extremly high duties and and handling fees on orders of kilts from the UK. Personaly i'd buy from a reputable shop or maker here in the US.

My opinion only.

J.

You are still paying duty because the seller wraps it into the cost of the kilt. I think that even stateside kiltmakers, who pay kiltmakers' price for the cloth are paying because it's wrapped into the price of the cloth per yard. But there are no "Gotcha" hidden costs.

[Monkey@Arms]

For those curious about what past threads we are referring to, here's an example:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/c...ighlight=fedex

Best regards,

Jake

[kennethrmc]

I appreciate so many knowledgeable people taking time to reply to my query. I definitely get the idea that I should be prepared for some stiff costs if I go the import route. After reading your suggestions, I am going to look more at stateside options.

Thanks again!

[turpin]

You should get quotes from some of the kiltmakers here on the forum. They are all erasonable and, as you might expect, well-vetted.

[1oldsarge]

I ordered my tank through J. Higgins, Ltd. just to avoid all the overseas shipping grief. Very pleased with price, quality, etc.