Buying bits from the USA

[sabre]

Just wondering if anyone has had any problems buying equipment from the US.
I am thinking of buying a few bits such as a bolt and regulator for my marker (which are unavailable over here). Will it be a cert that i will have to pay import tax and VAT on top of my purchase cost. What do you think\your experiences?

 

[IanC]

There's no real certainties either way buddy, unless your purchases plus shipping fall below the import tax limit of £18 for bought goods or £36 for a gift.

Somethings will make it through if they are over the limits but very small or light as customs won't bother with them.

I've heard that people have had some success with getting the vendors to under write the values of the goods or mark them as samples, sponsorship gear or warranty returns. Whether this works or is strictly legal and wouldn't like to say.

Laterz

Ian

 

[Dark Warrior]

if you pay customs and tax you would probably end up paying just a little less than it would retail for over hear, but the clincher is that the are not sold here, therefore what is the problem. Whether you have to pay duty or not, you've got what you wanted.

 

[KingAl]

I'm bought a ton of stuff more so for my motocross bike than my paintball gun from here there and everywhere, i've had overnight parts from japan, week long bits and bobs from the US and ickle things from the continent, and i can't remember once paying import tax on anything, i quite honestly wouldn't worry about it unless you are looking at having 12 markers sent over you'll be fine. I actually brought a marker, goggles and CO2 system back with me when i went over and i got it over without a call from customs so run the risk and if worst comes to worst you can pay a couple of quid extra to get it over the boarders,

 

[sabre]

Cheers, i am going to get some bits from over there, just gotta find a place that wants my hard earned cash via visa now. The place i tried dont like it, just amex.

 

[drsamlove]

I moved from America to the UK and they tried taxing me a ton when I shipped some paintball gear over. I said it was personal property and they let me off. If you have a friend or relative in america you can have stuff shipped to them and they can send you the goods by labelling it "personal property". Good luck.

 

[Mr_Toads_Wild_Ride]

Maybe you can help drsamlove im doing a trade with a guy in the states just a straight trade marker for marker no cash involved will labelling the box "personal property" avoid any import/vat?