Should i risk it?

[Mark_T]

I have bought 2 heli's from flying hobby (using UPS) and never got hit by customs.

You sure about the UPS bit?

They use normal air mail or 'Speedpost' rather than a courier according to their web site.

If UPS had done the import you'd have paid VAT/duty for sure, if UPS were contracted for the UK leg only then that might explain it though.

Just so nobody misunderstands, you do realise that evading VAT/Duty is an offence

Yes, lots of people do it but it is still wrong and it does make it harder for our legitimate retails to survive in the current climate which is why I don't do this sort of thing.

[trillian]

On a related note; I got a card today that I am 99% sure is the K & S swash leveler I bought from the states. It has 11.16 due in charges. £8.00 of that is Royal Mail's 'custom clearance' handling fee. I'll go to the collection office tomorrow and get it but I'm almost certain that's what it is.

The shipping was only $6.00US and the total should have been about £24.00 but now it will be about £35.00. But in this case I looked everywhere and just could not find this item at a shop in the UK. The thing is, on several hundred pounds the 8 quid handling fee isn't such a big deal but it really stings on such a small item, basically adding 30% to the total cost.

But back to your question Dannyyy, the ideal situation would be if it is a good enough deal even if you do pay import duties. If not then it's a gamble.