U.S. customs

[Baldybrown]

The answer, of course, is to go over there and bring it back in person! At least I think it's more fun that way.

[Paul Henry]

The answer, of course, is to go over there and bring it back in person! At least I think it's more fun that way.

See this reply earlier in the thread, perhaps you missed it

Actually not, unless you are also in the EU somewhere. Goods shipped outside the UK/EU are discounted by 20% as you do not have to pay the EU VAT of that percentage on finished goods. So even if you flew there to pick the outfit up, they would then have to charge you the sales price plus the VAT, and then you would still have to technically declare the goods when you entered into the US, and with that amount being over the typical daily allowance for a US citizen you would probably have to then pay the duty due on top of that. Double whammy that way.

It can really be a wash when ordering something like a kilt or jacket set or even bigger package. US vendors have to pay duty if they source the items from the UK, even on the raw tartan material if they sew it up themselves, although they avoid VAT. UK vendors give US buyers the VAT break compared to UK buyers, but then you have the issue of paying the duty yourself when it comes to the US, unless, as Steve pointed out, you can get it imported via Royal Mails or ParcelForce and it happens to pass through their system without getting dinged by duty, usually best for lower value items, although a single kilt or jacket set can be small enough package and valuation to sneak though. Just remember before you buy from whoever you decide to shop with to factor all the potential costs into the deal. Generally less hidden cost potential from a US vendor for a US buyer, but you can still find a deal from a UK vendor if you shop smart and insure that shipping is via Royal Mails. But it can really all be a wash in the end. Working directly with your kiltmaker is IMHO the best way to work, especially if you find one you like whose products meet your needs and whose prices fit your budget. If you work with one local, the added benefit of personal service, accurate measurement, and easier fix with any problems with the final product.

[creagdhubh]

I hope people remember this when they wonder why kilts imported by US retailers are sometimes a higher cost than from UK sources. It is because your US retailer has paid the cost of shipping and customs fees (and brokerage fees) on that kilt and therefore has added the cost into the retail price. BUT the up side is that YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR KILT WILL COST. Especially considering that many US retailers offer free shipping on kilt purchases. The cost you see listed for the kilt will be the cost you pay, no surprises.

Whenever you import something into this country, it is always safe to assume you will have to pay customs. That way you can be pleasantly surprised if/when you don't have to.

Well said, Matt!

[Moski]

After reading this thread i re-checked my Tartan order through Scotweb and notd it was listed as "priority courier". i called them up and specified Royal Mail-USPS. We'll see if I get whacked when it gets here. It's still listed as "awaiting stock".

[Peter Lowe]

Earlier in this thread there were some hard words for Customs Officers and Excisemen.

While understanding the frustrations of the writer can this retired Exciseman just point out that the our elected representatives make the rules and even that highly revered Exciseman Robert Burns had to enforce them! After all the Law is the Law.

Peter

[tundramanq]

Peter, we arent picking on the honest agents - I think.
It, is the dishonesty that "protective" tarriffs create.
A NAFTA type global trade system would end all the under the table games.
It would allow us all to purchase the best product at the best price without having to worry about hidden fees tacked on by dishonest go betweens.
The current system makes the price of a goods an unknown.

[unixken]

Any company doing the brokering (such as FEDEX) is providing a service. They, as a business, have a right to charge what they want for that brokerage service. Whether they charge a flat fee, or a percentage of the value of the shipment, is something you the customer need to research before you place your order.

The problems here, are two-fold. First, some think that FEDEX charges a very high brokerage fee. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. If I were to open "Ken's Import Brokerage", and charged a flat $25 as my fee, no one would have anything to say if I charged that fee for a shipment valued at a thousand dollars. But if I charged that very same fee, for that very same service, for a package valued at $1, would everyone scream that my fee is excessive? Me, I'd scream that people's expectations were unrealistic. If I charged "3%", would you accept a charge of 3 cents on a shipment valued at $1, but scream at me for a $30 charge on a shipment valued at $1000?

Second, sometimes things slip through the customs/import-duty cracks. Instead of silently being thankful when their's is an order received through such cracks, there are those who's expectations are that THEIR shipments should ALWAYS slip through the cracks... and then they get angry, upset, and vocal when they don't.

Countries collect taxes on imported goods, and companies charge fees for their services. If you manage a free ride on either point, keep quiet, and be grateful.

But go in to your purchase EXPECTING taxes to be collected, and brokerage fees to be charged. Make purchase absent research, or set expectations unrealistically, and you WILL get burned by taxes and fees eventually.

Before placing your order, it's ok to ask who the vendor uses, for shipping. Then ask the shipper what they would charge for fees. THEN decide if you're going to buy.

[creagdhubh]

Well, I did hear a wise man say, "If it's not Scottish, it's cr@p!"

Hahaha! Quite right!

[madmacs]

Well it looks as though you could calculate the duties due yourself if you were brave enough...

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/tra...etermining.xml

[artificer]

A Canadian commissioner of mine just receive their product and got dinged for $60Can in fees, despite NAFTA siting that, for personal use and if the product is labeled "Made in the USA" there should be no duty.

I'm still trying to figure this one out. I'm waiting to hear back as to whether it was a tariff or a Provincial sales/use tax.

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