Some advice please - from Americans in particular!

[Lallans]

Quite possibly CAD too. But the pedant in me would have to point out that this is arguably at least relative, firstly because that currency is certainly MORE local to you geographically than a wee nation on the other side of the Atlantic, and also because I'd wager many more Canadians would be used to shopping for items in US dollars than in UK pounds. No? (I say this apologetically as a Scot who hates to be confused with the English, and so should be fully aware of such sensitivities...)

Canadians, at least in the form of me, are more used to ordering things from foreign countries that it would appear most Americans are. And through most of my life, the [party in power] kept the Canadian dollar down to 'Canuckistanian' levels (not a good thing; in the '90s the Loonie was coming to be known as "the Northern Peso".) This was however an artificial low, and once allowed to swim the loonie rose to parity with the greenback, give or take a few cents. All of this is to say that people like me who have lived under our protectionist governments are virtually immune to the horrors of unexpected or slightly higher than expected charges. I don't think a change such as is proposed would have much of an effect on my UK ordering, esp because Customs just lets most of my stuff from the UK through (and altho I have heard some horror stories, such as a $50 pair of triathlon shorts from the USA that turned into a $150 pair, that again seems to be a uniquely Canadian phenom).

[ForresterModern]

As the guy who started a thread a few months ago which may have set off this new concept, I guess I should chime in with my own opinions. But a few facts based on experience first. Shipment by Royal Mails, while they often bypass customs duties (okay nearly always), generally do not provide tracking once they leave the UK mail system, and can sometimes sit in customs indefinitely, but usually do not, and can get lost, as one very special item of mine did. For several months. ParcelForce does provide tracking but is not as user friendly, IMHO, for the recipient to track as it is for the sender to track and insure. PF also virtually always gets through customs without duties attached, and at least to the US is more reliable but not perfect (another lost special order experience). Now to Nick's original questions.

1. I personally would like to have the option of either choosing the simple USD based all-inclusive rapid delivery tracked and insured price as you are considering implementing, or opting to use the UK system GBP based with the option of choosing other slower less reliable shipping methods that may save costs by bypassing customs duties, the operative word being MAY.

2. I would not presume to speak for anyone else, but believe that others who like things simple would prefer the quick and easy all up front charge system, while those who are savvy shoppers would like, as I , the second option of still ordering the old UK way and possibly squeezing a bit more out of our dollars by possibly saving on the shipping and duties, albeit knowing the risks associated.

One consideration I have not heard was setting up a US based web-site---dot com instead of dot co uk . Some other retailers dealing internationally do this with great success, although I do not know if they benefit from having international based overseas shipping/distribution centers.

I hope my opinions help, and am sorry if I stirred up a hornets nest with my previous thread. I will not re-stir that pot, however, as we can agree that discussion has been had and laid to rest.

jeff

[Riverkilt]

I'm with Matt - I thought the customs charges came to the buyer. I don't buy much from the UK, but I buy some. Never had a customs charge added. So why pay for something that may not actually be there?

I can see overpayment possibilities if your company diligently determines what customs fees should be, charges for them, but then is never asked to pay them by customs.

Would rather see the cost of the goods from you with a note about what customs fees a US buyer could expect to be asked to pay. Sort of like catalogs note estimated extra shipping charges for heavy products that must be shipped by truck.

That way, the US buyer would know how much a product "could" cost them with customs fees, but if the customs fees are missed, or not charged after all, then they haven't overpaid.

[ohiopiper]

Maybe a good option would include customs tax in the price and allow for shipping options? Pay more for faster delivery, less for slower delivery?

The few things I've ordered from the U.K. have been from Scotweb and have been delivered timely, even though i opted for slower shipping. They've all been small items, though, such as neckties and such.

[jhockin]

Nick ( and any others that missed it):
- in case you missed this post, you should read about how ( at least those in Canada - which is north of USA, like Scotland is to England ) one can import with out paying import taxes:

"http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f100/success-re-duty-free-kilt-importation-58653/"

- always good to know these little ways of saving our hard earned pennies - s'why I bookmarked it!

[AKScott]

Nick,

I think average Americans who just need a kilt for their wedding next week and want " the Scottish jacket" and white hose to go with it are going to prefer the all up front price in US$. They'll be ordering one of everything with their clan crest on it too. These are the folks who are probably never going to go kilted again except for maybe a Halloween party or two.

Personally I have several packets of swatches on the way to me (one of them from you), my fiance and I will look them over as they come in and pick a pattern. Once the pattern and source mill is settled I'll call and email around to see who has the actual cloth in stock, and order from the place that has it. I would personally opt out of the 20% upfront upcharge and take my chances.

The homepage to track Royal Mail items sent internationally is here:
http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw...?catId=7500082

[lethearen]

As a whole, I'd say that most people are going to want to know what they're paying in one go. On one purchase I made from your fine establishment, I got three separate charges. One from you (which was different from my original invoice because of forex), one from my bank for currency conversions, and another from the courier. I realise the latter two and a half aren't in your control, just wanting to illustrate. If you have some magick way of telling us up front exactly what we're getting charged, brilliant! I don't pretend to understand, even after your explanation, how you are able to prepay the duties, but if you say you can, I'll trust you.

Personally... I don't really object to your current model. I understand it's part of doing business overseas. Besides it's kind of fun - Scottish Roulette! Will I slide by, or will I be charged? How strong is the quid vs the buck? Sometimes that's all the excitement I get in a day!

If it's possible, a shipping option like the one proposed by another gent further up might be good. Check out and have a one price guarantee choice... and then the other choices with something saying "please note that you may incur additional charges of up to XX. these charges will be from customs and/or the courier, not Scotweb."

So long way of saying... your general American consumer would be very keen on your proposed change. I don't personally see the necessity; I'd probably continue to use your "in the know" workaround, anyway.

I don't think you'd lose business by changing, even despite the immediately visible price hike -- especially if you make it clear and obvious that it covers all shipping and duties charges. Even with all that included I think your prices would be pretty competitive with other vendors' prices sans shipping. And you're likely to actually gain business from people who are savvy enough to know that there are often other hidden costs to ordering from the UK. People like transparency when it comes to parting with their cash.

[OC Richard]

I think that most Americans are more concerned about "hassels" than they are about the price.

I myself work with the public in a retail setting and it makes one jaded, I suppose, but my experience is that it's best not to confuse the public with a lot of choices/options. They'll pay more if the process is quick and easy and they don't have to think about it.

The public loves the words "free" and "fast".

Such-and-such kilt $400. Free shipping! Guaranteed three day delivery! They'll like that.

Now it's true that some Americans are suspicious about "hidden fees" and some would prefer knowing all the details... the kilt costs X and this form of shipping costs Y and this form of shipping costs Z and customs could be whatever and the exchange rate is whatever... But I deal with "the public" every day and I firmly believe that this sort is very much in the minority.

Keep it simple! Make it easy! Make it fast! And Americans will pay the money.

[JerseyLawyer]

It doesn't bother me ordering from overseas. We're spoiled today. Remember back when rocks were soft, and kilts all came from Scotland, and took six months to arrive? When pipe makers aged their wood for generations and bagpipe drones weighed roughly a metric ton? ;)

I think the average American consumer, with the modern trend in online purchasing, would rather see an all-inclusive "free shipping, customs included" price.

[Sammac]

Whenever an ad says free shipping or shipping included it is a plus for alot of buyers. Knowing exactly how much something cost is easier to budget for and havine no suprises is comforting.