bankz5152 Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Hey chaps, Quick question for those who import from HK. When using UPS as the courier is anyone ever stung on customs charges (VAT) for one and more importantly does UPS have a ransom fee like Parcel Farce? I usually use EMS though their UK counterpart is Parcel Farce and I dont fancy paying their £13.50 ransom fee on a relativley small order. Link to post Share on other sites
NonEx Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Not in the UK but in my experience UPS always charge VAT and customs charges and yes they do add their own handling fees on top. More so than normal EMS post, there it is kind of hit and miss if I get hit by fees. Link to post Share on other sites
bankz5152 Posted March 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 hmm cheers man. The shipping quote was $10 less but wanted to know about fees. I know with parcel farce by going to the depot you can outright refuse to pay their ransom charge. Link to post Share on other sites
TheFull9 Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Used both a few times, same end results for me personally. Link to post Share on other sites
DrAlexanderTobacco Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Big name couriers such as UPS, DHL, FedEx etc all have special customs officers that inspect all packages, calculate customs fees, and pay HMRC direct. They then charge you (Plus fees). You might have better luck if shipping through postal services rather than courier services; to the best of my knowledge they don't have that level of automation and your package could easily slip through. Link to post Share on other sites
hitmanNo2 Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Indeed. You either go to courier for speed. Or postal service for a greater chance for slipping through unmolested from customs charges. Link to post Share on other sites
richwuk Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 I think UPS is a little easier to deal with (the driver can collect payment too vs a postcard in the post unless you keep an eye on the pf website), I've think the random customs fee is long gone too. Link to post Share on other sites
bankz5152 Posted March 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Hmmm. I expected as much, main thing is if they have a ransom fee. Plan was to ship via hk post anyhow Cheers chaps On my phone, my spelling will suck. Link to post Share on other sites
Aitch Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 HK post will arrive via RM who'll wabt their handling fee if the item is caught, and the days of not paying the handling fee are over, that loophole was filled last year, I've not read of anyone getting off without paying the fee for sometime? it's just one of those accepted pitfalls of importing. Link to post Share on other sites
bankz5152 Posted March 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 I read some info on Money Super Market where people had done recently. Its far less likely to be caught via HK Post through RM than it is from EMS through PF On my phone, my spelling will suck. Link to post Share on other sites
Skarclaw Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 If you are worried about the ransom fee with PF you can make them aware of the package and pay them (or customs, I forgot) beforehand. I think its on their website Link to post Share on other sites
steelfallenangel Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 Don't know why but I just ordered some gear from a supplier in germany and was told by them that since i was buying abroad that I didn't have to pay the VAT fee. Maybe I was just lucky but the packaged arrived safe and sound without any issues. Link to post Share on other sites
Squad 701 Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 I recently received a small package from WGC valued at approxamately $93 including the UPS shipping charge, and I had to pay €47.76 UPS custom fees, VAT, surcharges and more Tax etc. So yes it is quite extortionate at the moment, maybe they are hoping to buy a new fleet of Aircraft. Link to post Share on other sites
Skarclaw Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 Don't know why but I just ordered some gear from a supplier in germany and was told by them that since i was buying abroad that I didn't have to pay the VAT fee. Maybe I was just lucky but the packaged arrived safe and sound without any issues. EU Link to post Share on other sites
bankz5152 Posted April 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2014 Right chaps work this one out for me. I ordered some spot lights for my Defender about 10 days ago. Massive things (yet light) the box it came in i expect you could fit at least 2 Vectors Boxed. Shipped via FedEx from Shanghai at a cost of $19.00. Arrived yesterday no fees, no tax, no extra charges. Total travel time door to door 7 days. Now why is it shipping for anything airsoft is so god damn high? I mean HK Post that will take 20 days for some gas mags and a stock is $60.00? And will probably get stung for tax etc... $73.00 via EMS and definately stung via parcel farce. On my phone, my spelling will suck. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.