Custom Charges

**Colin** · 20th January 06, 09:35 AM

It's interesting. Space Moose and I are in the same city (well I am in the 'burbs). He ordered an 8 yard kilt from Kilt Store and got hit with almost $198 in duties and taxes for his kilt. I on the other hand ordered an 8 yard kilt from Scottishkilts.net and only got hit with $37.91 for duties and taxes.

The main issue I think is that Kilt Store uses Fed Ex and Scottishkilts uses UPS. Both companies act as brokers and can use their own guides and charges for duty.

This was one of the main reasons I went with Scottishkilts instead of Kilt Store, as both had great prices on kilts and both gave me great customer service.

**davedove** · 2nd February 06, 11:10 AM

I just got finished paying two invoices from FedEx for customs duties/fees. One was for $48 for my day jacket and one for $50 for my Welsh cilt, both from Kilt Store. As much as I like Kilt Store, the FedEx charges make it even more economical and certainly less hassle to order from US vendors.

For all my future purchases, I will always look to US suppliers first. I will even pay a little more because of the customs fees. If I need to look overseas for something, I will avoid FedEx. For instance, the purchases I have made at ScottishKilts came through Royal Mail and there were no fees.

On the plus side, things shipped by FedEx do arrive quickly, so if that is a concern it is a good way to go, just know you will probably pay more.

**KMacT** · 2nd February 06, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by davedove

I just got finished paying two invoices from FedEx for customs duties/fees. One was for $48 for my day jacket and one for $50 for my Welsh cilt, both from Kilt Store. As much as I like Kilt Store, the FedEx charges make it even more economical and certainly less hassle to order from US vendors.

And this is exactly why there are customs charges in the first place. Someone doesn't want you to purchase from abroad.

Kevin MacTavish

**davedove** · 2nd February 06, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by KMacT

And this is exactly why there are customs charges in the first place. Someone doesn't want you to purchase from abroad.

Kevin MacTavish

I completely understand that, but it sure does seem to fly in the face of so called "free trade." I still think the customs charges are just an excuse for the government to make a little more money off you.