Ordering from Amazon.com, or from the US

I ordered 2 DVD's from Amazon.com which cost £45.00 inc p&p.

A note from the Post office dropped through my letter box at the weekend. There was an additional charge of £15.00 to pay, £7 being the Customs and Excise Duty, and £8 was the Post Office charge for informing me, and keeping the parcel.

As it happens, the DVD's are not available in the UK, so I don't mind paying it, but if something is available in the UK, but looks cheaper from the U.S., be aware of the charges that could be incurred.

 

"the post office charge for informing you and keeping the parcel"

WTF?!? Sounds about as legal as the bank charges which were found to be excessive. I'm no expert, but I would have thought you would be able to challenge those costs as being unrealistic.

 

RE: "the post office charge for informing you and keeping the parcel"

Can't swear to the exact wording, but that is the jist of what the card said.

I suppose the Post Office are charged with collecting the Duty, and this is their charge for doing it.

 

RE: "the post office charge for informing you and keeping the parcel"

I seem to remember someone saying that it's a bit of a gamble, they examine some parcels and charge you for them but others just go through uninspected.

 

Probably been unlucky

I have had stuff from the U.S. before, and there have been no problems.

Just thought I would alert BBS'ers that this can happen.

 

a tip

split the order into 2 so the individual cost is less than £25

 

Cheers - I'll remember that one. nt