Dutch customs nailed me big time

[Caradoc]

I will refund him the cost of labor on the kilt and hope that he eventually gets it from Customs.

That's one hell of a generous offer.

I'll have to PM you later about maybe making me a kilt.

[Robin]

This topic served it's purpose I guess...let it rest now.

I already feel bad and it's not getting any better.
It's all just unlucky.

When I get my kilt I'll post the pictures...

Thanks all

[Barb T]

That's one hell of a generous offer.

Nope - the fault is mine for not being aware. And also, I'm happy to take responsiblity for the fact that I'm too much of a straight arrow to do the wink-wink nudge-nudge "it's only a gift" thing. And, I now know what to warn someone about who wants to order a kilt from overseas...!

I've also learned that I ought to send Jay's kilt to his wife, and _she_ can then send it to him in Baghdad as a gift. That will satisfy me and make him happy at the same time. So, I've learned a lot in the past few hours.

Barb

[Mattg]

Nope - the fault is mine for not being aware. And also, I'm happy to take responsiblity for the fact that I'm too much of a straight arrow to do the wink-wink nudge-nudge "it's only a gift" thing. And, I now know what to warn someone about who wants to order a kilt from overseas...!

I've also learned that I ought to send Jay's kilt to his wife, and _she_ can then send it to him in Baghdad as a gift. That will satisfy me and make him happy at the same time. So, I've learned a lot in the past few hours.

Barb

You're an honest and upright lady Barb, and an example to us all!

[Hamish]

I too am very sorry to learn of this problem Robin - as you say, it's really no-one's fault other than that your Customs Service were just doing their job. I experienced a very similar situation three years ago when Utilikilts sent me the first real leather Utilikilt. They very slightly under-declared the value (thankfully) but it still cost me more than double the true cost of the kilt (which, being leather, was considerable!) to get my hands on it. The import duties and taxes are even calculated on the value + shipping, etc.!!

Having something sent as a gift does not mean that you will avoid having to pay the same duties and taxes. These are still levied by HM Revenue & Customs!

[Jerry]

Barb, I know that some of our members are taking trips to Scotland this year. Would it be possible that after Robin's kilt is returned to you, that it could be sent to one of them and passed to one of the UK members to be shipped to Robin? Just a thought.

[Barb T]

I still don't even know whether he's managed to pry it out of Dutch Customs or whether they intend to return it to me as undeliverable.

Barb

[Robin]

I just came back from the airport...

Email to Barb:

Hi!

I just returned...I had to fill in a pile of paperwork and I got the advise
to state the value at $250...the same amount as on your invoice.
They'll now look into it and I get the "virdict" by mail within 2 weeks.
With a little luck they accept it now...and with some more luck they'll
charge me for the $250 or $290 (not sure if they include p&p...I forgot to
ask).
When they accept it, I'll get the kilt in 2 to 3 weeks.
If not...when they want my Visa summary...they will not send it back, but
wait for the additional paperwork...so the kilt will not be kicked out of
the country again

Now...stop worrying and do me a really big favor...charge the kilt
again...the full amount.
It really wasn't your fault, just a lot of bad luck and although I don't
have the kilt yet...I'm sure you did a great job worth every penny.

Make me feel better...charge it.

Many, many thanks and a virtual hug...you're really sweet.

Robin

Talking to someone face to face can help...

Thanks Barb...thanks all