Quote Originally Posted by thescot View Post
I've never had to pay any duty, but be sure to specify that they DO NOT send it either DHL or FedEx. Or, be sure to specify that they will be responsible for any duty at their expense.
I think it's a little unreasonable to expect the company you are buying from to be responsible for paying any duties or customs fees for your importing their product into your country. You are the one purchasing the item, and it is your country of residence that has any applicable duties that may be charged. There is a reason why the shipper bills the recipient of the package, not the sender.

You are the one buying the item, so you should expect to have to pay any applicable costs in getting that item to you.

As you can imagine I import things all the time from the UK to the US, largely for the Scottish Tartans Museum, but for myself personally, as well. Never have I expected the company or person I have been buying from to cover my own customs fees. That's the cost I take on when I choose to buy from another country.