Custom Charges

[lcjones]

I've been in the 'tank' mode for a long while and have yet to satisfy that mode. I've researched and asked makers, both domestic and foreign, about their wares, pricing and I always come back to the Kilt Store.

I'm in the US, and have heard about custom fees and/or charges incurred by purchasing items over $200.00 US overseas. I've heard these fees to be rather hefty and would like information regarding such fees.

Thanks,

Les

[GlassMan]

The fees can be rather hefty and it seems that they are worse if you have it shipped to you from overseas through a carrier like FedEx or UPS. They have their own customs clearance centers and are positively anal about the customs fees. I guess they don't want to lose the privilige of clearing their own customs items, but that means that they always charge you really high duties.

On the other hand, if shipped through the regular postal service all items go through the government customs clearance process. What that means is that even on items with values over $500 shipped USPS (originating as Royal Post) I've never had a customs duty levied on them. 8) They simply show up at my door. I guess that's one time I'm actually rather pleased with government inefficiency! ;)

Also, many sellers know the problems with duties and mark the customs declarations in the manner that will be most friendly for you.

[David Thornton]

Let me say again. Under current customs rules a kilt is subject to a 12% customs duty. If you have the kilt shiped Royal Mail and the declaration is personal use you will usually not be charged.
If you use FedEx BEWARE, they act as a customs agent and their game is to bill all applicable charges plus a billing fee. They also bill the customs office collecting said duty. The feds comply because they generate significant revenues.
But, and this is a big one, their people are more interested in collecting than in being correct. I had to call in the customs office in Cincinnati & another in Alaska (don't ask) to prove that they charged me in correctly. It took several months and I won.
Bottom line, avoid FedEx
David

[Kilted Taper]

This is one of the things holding me back from getting a TFCK suit....Just need to plan some trips to Scotland I guess....

[davedove]

I just received a bill from FedEx for the jacket and waistcoat I ordered from Kiltstore. The bill for duties and fees is $45.93.I also received a Welsh cilt from them on the 10th, but I haven't seen a FedEx bill yet on that. If I get one, it should get to me in a couple of weeks.

[Colin]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Kiltedmusiclover]

Let me say again. Under current customs rules a kilt is subject to a 12% customs duty. If you have the kilt shiped Royal Mail and the declaration is personal use you will usually not be charged.
If you use FedEx BEWARE, they act as a customs agent and their game is to bill all applicable charges plus a billing fee. They also bill the customs office collecting said duty. The feds comply because they generate significant revenues.
But, and this is a big one, their people are more interested in collecting than in being correct. I had to call in the customs office in Cincinnati & another in Alaska (don't ask) to prove that they charged me in correctly. It took several months and I won.
Bottom line, avoid FedEx
David

David,

I really wish I had seen this posted BEFORE I let my wife order me a fox sporran.
She chose FedEx so that it would be insured and could track it if it were lost. I just got a $111 bill. ( $46 was for the duties and a $70 collection fee for fed ex.) @#%**^!

So now we paid $245 for the sporran, $46 for shipping and
$111 for Duties. The sporran was a Christmas gift from my wife.
I do not have the heart to tell her of the additional expenses.
I could buy a fine kilt for that $404 dollars.

So I will LOUDLY SHOUT

DO NOT USE FED EX!!!!!!!!