I've previously bought various items from the USA and depending on the UK courier, sometimes I get asked to pay a £10 surcharge for customs clearance, and sometimes I don't. It appears to depend on the courier used in the States and who they contract in the UK to make the delivery.

Can anyone advise on who I should tell the US seller to use to ship to the UK so as to avoid the UK delivery fee? I wouldn't mind so much on a $2,000 lens, but it's a bit much on a $100 item.

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Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

If your dealer is prepared to send the parcel as a GIFT, there will be no charges.

Agree with that. I bought a Simms G3 guide vest from these guys Home Page - Stillwater Outfitters and paid £9 postage. Overall I saved about £80 compared to buying the vest from a UK dealer.

They posted it as GIFT and that aside their customer services was just absolutely amazing. 2nd to Ian Woods I reckon.

All you need to do is ask the US dealer to post it as gift and you will never pay a surcharge.

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The best way to a fisherman's heart is through his fly.

http://www.gardeningleave.org

Yes, the gift move is correct.....but illegal as far as I know, and some retailers state specifically that they will not do it No harm in asking though

Private sale/trade of secondhand tackle between two individuals.

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Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

Basically correct. The 'check box' is on the Customs Declaration form. Even though the 'gift box' is checked you still have to write down a contents description and 'value.'
Fred

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"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a
living are now outnumbered by those who vote for a living." -- Anonymous

You are correct, and from what I gather there are fines for those caught, but it's sometimes the case of take the chance and win the sale, or let someone else take the chance and win the sale.

---------- Post added at 07:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------

That's spot on as well. Little label on the package tells wee white lies.

Or is that wee white flies

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The best way to a fisherman's heart is through his fly.

http://www.gardeningleave.org

I think it,s really down to the jobsworth who runs the package through the x-ray machine as these machines are now so good they know exactly what,s being sent. There again if you,re lucky enough to have it checked by a fellow angler.... ?

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The scenery in the Grand Coulee area of eastern Washington was worth the air fare on its own!

Maximum gift value for items coming through UK Customs is about £38 anything above that value will be charged vat on the total value of the item including the postage cost.

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A Bad Days Fishing Is Better Than A Good Day At Work