Amazon - buying from a US seller

[egomeister]

Does anyone have experience of buying from a marketplace seller based in the USA?

I have spotted a couple of cds/books I want (sub £15) but I'm worried I'll get stung for duty when they are brought into the country, or more precisely that fee's that couriers charge for paying that duty...

Has anyone bought from the USA and did you get charged?

[o.versteer]

egomeister said:

Has anyone bought from the USA and did you get charged?

Yes, and yes. Not worth it unless you're happy to pay the charges. You may get lucky, but you're most likely to get charged, so only buy if it's worth it to you with shipping, VAT and import duty added on top.

[catso]

At that price you shouldn't be charged duty/VAT, I've bought books & CDs from Amazon USA either for the availability or to take advantage of the lower price/exchange rate and not been charged. Sometimes they ship from Europe anyway.

[chris watton]

I have bought books, CD's and DVD's from US Amazon sellers in the past (quite a lot, in fact), and have never been stiffed for extra duty of any kind. (Not sure if they get around this by stating the product is used, when in fact, it's new)

[egomeister]

Mixed experiences then!

One item is a CD that was only released over there, which I'm sure I could locate in this country, the other is a second hand book listed at £1!

I might give it a go and see how I get on....

[Incredible Sulk]

There is no VAT on books AFAIK (or at least they are Zero rated). Dunno about import duties though......

[Mutley]

All depends on weight/overall cost, books are VAT free, not CD's though.

I got caught once importing from the US, but was over the threshold for duty, think it was £50.

Would suggest checking Customs & Excise site for confirmation of level.