Quote Originally Posted by Silent Raven View Post
thanks Chas, i was wondering what VAT was. so because im shipping it out of country i wouldnt have to pay the VAT? am i reading this correctly? should i expect to pay any sort of customs fee or anything? i dont really buy things from over seas much so i dont have much clue as to the fees and processes of it all. Also they quoted me for £24 for shipping (kilt and plaid) does that sound reasonable for Scotland to Oregon USA?
Hi,

All EU citizens pay a VAT of one sort or another (rates vary). In essence, if you are exporting goods out of the EU area then you don't have to pay the tax. Not all companies are automatically set up for this, so you should ask. Not everything would be VAT free. If you are physically here and ate a meal or had clothes dry cleaned or visited some entertainment, you would pay VAT, because the service would be delivered to you here and you would be experiencing it here rather than taking it back to the States.

Customs - there is no export duty on our side, but what your own customs charge as import duty, I can't say. If the kilt is shipped through Royal Mail (normal postage, not a carrier) the chances are that it will slip under the radar. I always ask for the shipper to put £1 (or $1) as the value, so as to come in below tax threshold.

Postage in the UK now goes on weight and dimensions, so £24 sounds a bit high for Royal Mail. It does sound though at that price, delivery would be by carrier. Ask about postage by Royal Mail (if you want to go that route). Of course, there is no insurance with Royal Mail. Although they will provide the sender with a 'Proof of Postage' free of charge, which they can scan and email you to prove that it has been sent.

If you can, pay by credit card.

So it comes down in the end to your peace of mind. One one hand is Royal Mail, which could be riskier, but cheaper. On the other, is a carrier and probable charges.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Chas