>> The vast majority of computer and photographic gear that I buy makes >> the trip across the pond to me. >> >> Always on the lookout for couriers. Must be able to swallow 3 or 4 lenses >> stashed into condoms..... > >I can almost sympathise with smugglers having just been gouged twice >this week by HM Customs & Excise. It really seems unfair to be charged >duty + vat on a secondhand lens for my own personal use. And what the >hell is that 'agent fee' that ParcelFarce nick off you?? Gits!
Chris, Tell me about it! I always try and get the seller to send via USPS air mail. It should then end up on the doorstep less than a week later, no Parcel Force nonesense (US readers: Parcel Force is a bit like FedEx opr UPS, even though we do have UPS over here...) and as long as the customs label is marked 'USED photographic equipment', in theory there should be little to pay. Private eBay sellers should not have an issue with ticking the 'gift' box - after all, if they are a private seller, then they are not handling 'merchandise' (the only other alternative), but I have had some refuse. I point out that if they tick the 'merchandise' box, then are they also declaring their income from the sale of their goods to the appropriate tax-collecting authority? It concentrates the mind. I don't mind paying tax on an item, but not when it has already been paid when bought new.... .02 Cotty ____________________________________ Oh, swipe me! He paints with light! http://www.macads.co.uk/snaps/ ____________________________________ Free UK Macintosh Classified Ads at http://www.macads.co.uk/ ____________________________________
