Importing from the US! HELP!

[Spittlez]

Hi all
I'm looking into importing a marker from the US. The marker is currently priced at $800 Around £540 by today's exchange rate.
What fees am I expected to pay when it hits the UK?
20% VAT, and duty charges?
Are there any things I can do to reduce the rate I pay when it get's into the UK. For example declaring a lower value.
I also believe you can pay the Tax in advance, so it'll sail through customs?
Any help is appreciated

 

[The Artful Dodger]

When you work out total cost see if a local company can compete.customer service is worth so much more than minimal savings

 

[Spittlez]

When you work out total cost see if a local company can compete.customer service is worth so much more than minimal savings

Thanks for the response.
The marker is question is a second hand one. So no companies would be willing to complete

 

[Tom]

It will either come through with no charges or be picked up for charges

If picked for charges then the import duty is 20%
The courier who delivers to you will charge a fee on top, somewhere between £8 and £20

20% is £108 so allow £130 including fees

However the customs valuation could be based on:
Value on the declaration
Value on the invoice inside (yes people do get fake declarations that are contradicted by the paperwork)
Value of an equivalent item in the UK

So the valuation may not be the price you paid for the sale

 

[Spittlez]

It will either come through with no charges or be picked up for charges

If picked for charges then the import duty is 20%
The courier who delivers to you will charge a fee on top, somewhere between £8 and £20

20% is £108 so allow £130 including fees

However the customs valuation could be based on:
Value on the declaration
Value on the invoice inside (yes people do get fake declarations that are contradicted by the paperwork)
Value of an equivalent item in the UK

So the valuation may not be the price you paid for the sale

Thanks for the reply Tommika.
Sounds like even if I was able to pay the Tax up front, customs might declare it as worth more and demand more money for it?

 

[Sid Sidgwick]

I imported a limited edition mask about 6 years ago (cost around £100) and I got stung with nearly £50 import duties

 

[Spittlez]

I imported a limited edition mask about 6 years ago (cost around £100) and I got stung with nearly £50 import duties

Bloody hell

 

[BOD]

On the other hand you may get it through with no charges at all, if you're lucky.

 

[Sid Sidgwick]

I've had a few smaller items, barrels, spares and triggers through with no added charges. Think I just hit unlucky on that one

 

[Narkadox]

I ordered clothes from the US before Xmas and I paid the duty and handling charges at the post office when I collected the package.

When you import, most courriers will only deliver as far as their international depot in the US. From there it will be handled by Royal Mail once it enters the UK. I think the only exceptions are if you pay for international shipping with FedEx or UPS. From my experience Royal Mail are very thourough when it comes to processing import tax.