Just a thought from a tight Scotsman

lagavulan · Post by **lagavulan** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:56 pm

Hi all,

I recently, rashly, bought a Bushnell laser bore sighter from Sportsman Gun Centre UK. (1st mistake) £55.98 including vat and £6 postage.

On perusing other dealers (belatedly) I find that Midway US are selling the same product for 31.9 dollars. (approx £16)

Midway UK are selling it for £32.75.

I accept that the latter two don't include postage but surely we shouldn't be paying double (almost pound for dollar)

Can't we come to some arrangement with our colleagues over the pond to purchase and post bits and pieces to like minded friends to avoid this obvious rip off. I can save up the odds for a bottle of that lovely malt Lagavulan.

If I'm missing something I am happy to be corrected. Any comments or opinions would be welcomed.

Lagavulan

dhtaxi · Post by **dhtaxi** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 5:43 pm

Me being a tight Yorkshire man I like the sound of that.

I have not had the pleasure of that particular brand of amber nectar Adam I take it you would recommend it.

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:08 am

OK here's my advice on this, I get a lot of stuff shipped from the states both direct from suppliers and sent over by individuals on my behalf. And in some cases carried over by people when they visit, thanks Patrick.

Firstly cost, it's getting less cost effective now as the $US strengthens, last time I sent money to the states acouple of days ago the Paypal exchange rate was $1.74US to the £Sterling. This what banks and credit cards will be charging

Usually if someone is sending something over here to me from a US dealer like Midway USA that won't ship international then I purchase the item via the website and have it sent to the senders address in the US.

I always ask that the sender opens the package before sending to me so that they know what they are sending is what I said I ordered

So lets look at what this would work out at:

Item $31.49

US shipping $3.37 this item will go USPS first class, the cheapest option delivery 6 days.

UK shipping $8.65 this is USPS First class mail international Package,this is the cheapest option but has no tracking, insurance and can take up to 3 months to deliver. To have it registered will cost $10.80 extra. Usually I get things sent Priority mail International $22.80 6-10 days delivery with insurance.

From my experience it is unlikely that this package would attract Customs and VAT as it is too small and probaly diminimus in value however if it does then you can add 25% on plus a flat rate admin charge of £8 from Parcel Force, which I really resent paying as you need to collect it, but it is to cover them paying the Customs and VAT charges.

What ever you do don't get the sender to lie on the customs declaration form,this is fraud and people do get done.

So the cheapest, high risk, longest delivery time option it would cost you £25. £39.42 if stopped by customs.

The way I'd have it sent would cost you £33.14 or £49.42 if stopped by customs.

From Midway UK this item would cost £40.75 delivered.

Customs is the variable, over the past year I've done very well on customs charges with a strike rate of say 30% being stopped, but another year it could be a 100%. Its a gamble but a good bet, you just need to be prepared to pay when you loose.

Getting stuff from th US is viable but you need to really look at the ins and outs. I use it mainly for bespoke stuff like moulds and other Group Buys being arranged stateside I'm getting gas checks at £12/1000 delivered and customs caught. Midway UK £30+/1000. For example.

You can also make significant savings with shipping by using the USPS flat rate boxes and intellligent packaging.

Ultimately you pays your money and you takes your choice.

Hope this helps.

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:11 am

dhtaxi wrote:I have not had the pleasure of that particular brand of amber nectar Adam I take it you would recommend it.

Aye Dave its a fine dram, mind you there is no such thing as a bad single malt or grain whisky, they all just have their differences.

lagavulan · Post by **lagavulan** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:22 am

Thanks Dromia, a very clear and unbiased explanation, exactly what I was hoping for.

John

24626151 · Post by **24626151** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 10:50 am

We have the same problems, I can fly to the states and buy dog training kit for about $20 per dummy (dokken) but am required to sell it here for a minimum price which after shipping, vat, customs and vat on customs almost doubles the price to £ for $. Now thats before I add any mark up to cover my time, card charges, business rates, internet and paypal charges from the webshop etc. Yes I do buy at a considerable discount as a distributor but do you have the need for 200 laser bore sighters? I have taken chances in the past, bought stock on spec without firm orders, just intentions and been left with as much stock unsold as sold after a year and having to write it off as a tax loss.

Why doesnt the butcher or greengrocer sell me 2 pounds of mince at trade?

Because he will soon go out of business.

My wife and I have been working at her business for 18 months and not paid ourselves a penny. The business I supported without a loan from the bank (probably why they charge me deposit cash now!) all through selling my guns here and there, not taking anything in wages from my business apart from mortgage and food.

I dont know sometimes why we bother. That sometimes is when I have to explain to the taxman why I havent made any money but loaned it all to my wifes business. They want to know everything about it and thats when I wonder if its worth it!

This very subject came up about rip off britain and I answered as above, the true answer is to buy locally but get your order in bulk and the importer/dealer will already work out the vat and customs so you don get that nasty shock.

I bought a mould from lyman and paid the customs what I had paid Lyman!

Thats where the robbery is not the trader. A friend of mine is looking to supply my next 5 sporting rifles almost at trade rate so he can keep a throughput with the makers. I can understand why, I just cant see how!