E-Bay Purchase

[Sonny Jim]

Has anyone had problems buying products on e-bay from America. I'm thinking about buying an item worth �125 but I'm a bit worried if I don't receive the item. The seller has excellent feed back?

[Ethel]

Make sure the seller is paypal verified and pay by paypal.

Watch out for customs and excise duty on top when it is delivered.

[Buenchico]

I've bought quite a few items from the USA on eBay, without any problems. However, I've stuck to purchasing books (which don't attract import duty or VAT) or items with a value of less than �18 (on which the tax and duty are waived).

If you're purchasing an item valued at �125 you'll almost certainly have to pay the postman substantial charges before he'll hand your package over. The rate of duty varies but, as an example, here's what you'll pay if the item is cotton-based clothing (which carries 12% import duty for imports from all non-EU countries plus an additional 15% duty for imports from the USA because they're in breach of WTO rules on cotton trading):

Import duty = �33.75
VAT = �29.53 (VAT is charged on the goods, on the import duty and on the carriage charge. I've assumed a �10 carriage charge).
Examination fee = �8
Total to pay the postman = �71.28

As stated, there are a few items (e.g. books) which don't attract charges. However, most items which are valued at �125 will attract charges roughly in the range �35 to �70.

Chris

[Ethel]

Excellent answer from Chris. I always expect to pay around 50% in duties and VAT as a very rough guide. If it's less it's a bonus, if it's more I'm disappointed but not surprised.

[Sonny Jim]

Thanks both the item is a golf gps range finder, even if I paid an extra �60 that would be about �50 cheaper than if I'd bought it in this country. Is it worth the risk if I had problems with it - not sure?
Thanks Again
Steve

[ryepie]

Also, if you ask nicely most sellers will label the package as 'gift', and assign it a low value. You may be lucky in it getting through. Remember, there is not nearly enough manpower to manually examine all imports, and apart from the standard security screening a lot of packages are allowed through without further examination. I recently purchased goods worth �250, and only had to pay a further �25 to the post office :-)

[Ethel]

And you are in huge trouble if the parcel gets lost in the post and you can't claim the full value.

Or the customs opens the parcel and sees the invoice inside. They aren't stupid.

[Jillius]

I buy loads of stuff from America and I've never had to pay anything extra. I wonder why ?

[ryepie]

Probably because of the circumstances that I have outlined. Of course it's a risk, but then again it's a risk buying off ebay. You pays your money, you takes your choice.

[firestreak]

Oh Man - don't talk to me about eBay ! What a bunch of crooks. Earlier this year I bought an item that turned out to be counterfeit AND damaged. The seller also commited fraud and deception, as well as sending me obscene emails and computer viruses. eBay just didn't give a damn, although eventually the Police took action for me despite their normal policy of not getting involved in any eBay fraud with a value of less than �500.00. Mind you, I had to get my M.P. to complain to the Chief Constable first !

[stefos]

If that's a Volkswagon golf gps range finder, it may be left hand drive!