Advice needed

Bachs · 14-01-2006, 11:23

I was about to buy the Tamron 28-200 commercially and received an offer of a second hand one from a friend in New York.
Like me, he hasn't a clue how to go about it so I need some advice.

He has a Paypal account so that bit is easy, but what would a sensible shipping cost be from New York to Scotland and are there any issues with customs charges etc?

Thanks in anticipation

CT · 14-01-2006, 12:00

I've no idea what the shipping charge should be, but if your friend marks the package 'GIFT' somewhere prominently on the front, you have a good chance of avoiding the custom charges.

I've never bought from the USA, but in my experience of buying from other counties, it seems to be a bit of a lottery as to whether you cop for the customs duty or not.

jkovasc · 14-01-2006, 12:11

I have bought quite a few things including memory cards from ebay and have found Hong Kong a good place to buy from as i never get charged tax as long as the sender marks the package as gift.

***Steve*** · 14-01-2006, 12:11

It might also be worth writing that the goods are worth less than they are, that way if you do get caught for customs the amount will be less.

Bear in mind though that should it go missing or get damaged, then you may not be able to claim the full amount...its a bit of a gamble.

Bachs · 14-01-2006, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

It might also be worth writing that the goods are worth less than they are, that way if you do get caught for customs the amount will be less.

Bear in mind though that should it go missing or get damaged, then you may not be able to claim the full amount...its a bit of a gamble.

Thanks all..wer'e only talking £100 or so which means I won't have to sell the house.
It's a genuine friend to friend sale so nothing dodgy!

MyPix · 14-01-2006, 12:49

i'm hoping that i dont get stung on my 50-500 lens,
he insured it for the purchase price, so had to declare how much it was worth...

MyPix

Matty · 14-01-2006, 16:22

i bought a battery grip from the US, no idea how much the shipping was but i got stung by customs, had to pay extra on top though as the sender put the full value on the ticket....

**Sonsey** · 14-01-2006, 16:57

I think the cut of point is £18... anything valued over that and you risk getting charged.

14-01-2006, 11:23	#1 (permalink)
Bachs Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Montrose NE Scotland Posts: 919	Advice needed I was about to buy the Tamron 28-200 commercially and received an offer of a second hand one from a friend in New York. Like me, he hasn't a clue how to go about it so I need some advice. He has a Paypal account so that bit is easy, but what would a sensible shipping cost be from New York to Scotland and are there any issues with customs charges etc? Thanks in anticipation

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Advice needed - possible paid shoot	fingerz	General photography questions and answers	27	02-03-2006 11:37
help needed with this image	Boon	Photo Sharing	26	30-12-2005 11:26
Hardware monitor calibration: advice needed	fingerz	General photography questions and answers	19	28-11-2005 17:04
Selling through your website - advice needed	Steve	General photography questions and answers	28	25-11-2005 18:47
URGENT!!! Advice needed!	Gandhi	General photography questions and answers	13	07-11-2005 07:17

14-01-2006, 12:00	#2 (permalink)
CT Feet under the table Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Mids UK Posts: 3,500	I've no idea what the shipping charge should be, but if your friend marks the package 'GIFT' somewhere prominently on the front, you have a good chance of avoiding the custom charges. I've never bought from the USA, but in my experience of buying from other counties, it seems to be a bit of a lottery as to whether you cop for the customs duty or not.

14-01-2006, 12:11	#3 (permalink)
jkovasc New here Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wickham, Hampshire Posts: 25	I have bought quite a few things including memory cards from ebay and have found Hong Kong a good place to buy from as i never get charged tax as long as the sender marks the package as gift.

14-01-2006, 12:11	#4 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,467	It might also be worth writing that the goods are worth less than they are, that way if you do get caught for customs the amount will be less. Bear in mind though that should it go missing or get damaged, then you may not be able to claim the full amount...its a bit of a gamble.

14-01-2006, 12:49	#6 (permalink)
MyPix Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gloucester UK Posts: 745	i'm hoping that i dont get stung on my 50-500 lens, he insured it for the purchase price, so had to declare how much it was worth... MyPix

14-01-2006, 16:22	#7 (permalink)
Matty Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: kings hill Posts: 5,269	i bought a battery grip from the US, no idea how much the shipping was but i got stung by customs, had to pay extra on top though as the sender put the full value on the ticket....

14-01-2006, 16:57	#8 (permalink)
Sonsey Pixalo Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 7,259	I think the cut of point is £18... anything valued over that and you risk getting charged.