International couriers - into the U.K.

[muffins78]

Hi I hope someone can help please?

Has anyone ordered something from the US but organised your own shipping? Similar to Hermes in the U.K., who do collections/deliveries! I'm going to ask if they've got a US partner.

I've seen something that i can't get here and shop is being very helpful, but believe the shopping costs will be costly and are looking into now for me.

It would be great if someone here went through the same process and can help/advise.

[Siduhe]

I use MyUs.com - basically the shop sends the package to them in the US and then MyUS send on. It works really well, but is designed for online shops who won't ship outside the US. You can probably get shipping cheaper if the shop will deal with an international shopper direct.

[IlonaM]

Usually I have had things sent via USPS (US Postal Service) who offer various services including a signed for service, but DHL and other international couriers would do it.

How big is the item you're bringing?

Remember to factor in potential customs duty etc.

[keano77]

Good point about customs/import duty IlonaM.

I ordered a copy of a document from the US recently. Cost me US $80 including mailing costs. The post office put a note through my door that customs duty was payable. I had to pay another ?16.90 at Silvester Road to collect it because it came from outside the EU for what was effectively an A3 photocopy.

[Rosetta]

keano77 Wrote:

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> Good point about customs/import duty IlonaM.

>

> I ordered a copy of a document from the US

> recently. Cost me US $80 including mailing costs.

> The post office put a note through my door that

> customs duty was payable. I had to pay another

> ?16.90 at Silvester Road to collect it because it

> came from outside the EU for what was effectively

> an A3 photocopy.

You need to ask anyone posting from the US to put a low value figure on the declaration form, or no monetary value. Under ?20 is usually fine, and you won't get charged anything on top. You can check online to see what the limits are.

[keano77]

Unfortunately it was from an official body. Customs had opened the package and there was an invoice receipt inside.

[Rosetta]

keano77 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Unfortunately it was from an official body.

> Customs had opened the package and there was an

> invoice receipt inside.

What something cost you and what it was worth are different things. Too bad the invoice was inside.

[muffins78]

That's all really helpful - thank you so much!

Apparently the warehouse is out of stock now and I think I've googled too much and lost track of what I'm looking for.

The prices varied between 100 and 300 $ - so based on the customs charge above - this could get pricey (but maybe worth it ) :)