Advice Needed please

blkbag25 · Jul 13th, 2008, 12:40 PM

I purchased a handbag from a seller in California, I live in the UK, she recently emailed me this message:

Thank you very much for the payment. Please let me know if you want me to put a lower value on the custom papers for your bag so you avoid paying taxes. Please let me know how much you want me to put as the value.
Thanks,

Can someone please advise me of what this means and what I should write back, I've bought items abroad before and never had to pay customs tax, in fact I was never even asked about customs papers by previous sellers. Thanks in advance

SusanMargaret · Jul 13th, 2008, 01:30 PM

She is being very thoughtful and kind. In Canada when we buy from the US we are sometimes (not always it seems a bit random) charged customs duties on the value of the item declared by the seller - who has to completed a customs form when the item is mailed. So, if you paid $500 for your bag and she states it is valued at only $100, on its arrival in the UK you would, hopefully, not pay any customs duty or pay only a very little on the $100.

I don't know if goods imported to the UK from the US normally incur customs duties, but I suspect that they do.

Alidoll · Jul 13th, 2008, 01:40 PM

Anything over about £25 is subject to taxes on arrival at the UK (whether it's got "gift, used clothing" whatever. By putting the item at less than it's worth you may pay less BUT if the item were to go missing or there was anything wrong with the shipment, you would only be able to claim up to the value of the disclosed costs. e.g. if the item was £500 worth and the seller valued it at £50 on the customs form but it were to go missing, you'd only be able to claim up to £50 NOT the £500. Most sellers will send the item with a tracking number though so in theory you should be able to check where the item is at any time (the system is usually updated every evening). It will tell you when it's in customs and when it's cleared and en-route.

If it's sent via parcelforce and there IS customs to pay, you'll also be asked to pay a "processing fee" by Parcelforce (basically to hold the item till you arrive and send you a letter). This will be about £12!!

US items usually always attract Custom charges..as does items from Hong Kong and Canada. Singapore is hit and miss as is Japan.

Also, if the seller undervalues an item (and it's opened by customs), the buyer is liable for any fines etc NOT the seller.

So I guess it depends on the item...if it's expensive then you might want the actual value declared so you can claim back if it goes missing. If it's under £100 then you might want her to lower the value thus saving you...it's up to you.

Hope this helps!

blkbag25 · Jul 13th, 2008, 01:50 PM

Thank you very much for your replies

Jul 13th, 2008, 12:40 PM	#1
blkbag25 certified newbie Location: London	Advice Needed please I purchased a handbag from a seller in California, I live in the UK, she recently emailed me this message: Thank you very much for the payment. Please let me know if you want me to put a lower value on the custom papers for your bag so you avoid paying taxes. Please let me know how much you want me to put as the value. Thanks, Can someone please advise me of what this means and what I should write back, I've bought items abroad before and never had to pay customs tax, in fact I was never even asked about customs papers by previous sellers. Thanks in advance __________________ Counting down to Pleated Stams

Jul 13th, 2008, 01:50 PM	#4
blkbag25 certified newbie Location: London	Thank you very much for your replies __________________ Counting down to Pleated Stams

Jul 13th, 2008, 01:30 PM	#2
SusanMargaret Member	She is being very thoughtful and kind. In Canada when we buy from the US we are sometimes (not always it seems a bit random) charged customs duties on the value of the item declared by the seller - who has to completed a customs form when the item is mailed. So, if you paid $500 for your bag and she states it is valued at only $100, on its arrival in the UK you would, hopefully, not pay any customs duty or pay only a very little on the $100. I don't know if goods imported to the UK from the US normally incur customs duties, but I suspect that they do.

Jul 13th, 2008, 01:40 PM	#3
Alidoll Member Location: Bonnie Scotland	Anything over about £25 is subject to taxes on arrival at the UK (whether it's got "gift, used clothing" whatever. By putting the item at less than it's worth you may pay less BUT if the item were to go missing or there was anything wrong with the shipment, you would only be able to claim up to the value of the disclosed costs. e.g. if the item was £500 worth and the seller valued it at £50 on the customs form but it were to go missing, you'd only be able to claim up to £50 NOT the £500. Most sellers will send the item with a tracking number though so in theory you should be able to check where the item is at any time (the system is usually updated every evening). It will tell you when it's in customs and when it's cleared and en-route. If it's sent via parcelforce and there IS customs to pay, you'll also be asked to pay a "processing fee" by Parcelforce (basically to hold the item till you arrive and send you a letter). This will be about £12!! US items usually always attract Custom charges..as does items from Hong Kong and Canada. Singapore is hit and miss as is Japan. Also, if the seller undervalues an item (and it's opened by customs), the buyer is liable for any fines etc NOT the seller. So I guess it depends on the item...if it's expensive then you might want the actual value declared so you can claim back if it goes missing. If it's under £100 then you might want her to lower the value thus saving you...it's up to you. Hope this helps!