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Parts arbitrage if bought in the UK
- Thread starter tdskip
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Scott_Hower
Luke Skywalker
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I've done this a bunch of times. I think you have the choice of paying VAT (17.5%) and collecting in the UK or paying shipping to the US, VAT exempt.
In general the folks I've dealt this (Rimmer, Moss, Owen Lloyd) must charge VAT if the goods are shipped within the UK. An APO might be exempt from VAT, not sure; interesting idea that. I've never tried to claim the VAT back at the airport for MG parts, but I have done this for high-end handbags bought for SWMBO. The retailer needs to participate in the scheme and you need to present the goods at the VAT desk at the airport. After fees, you get about 10% back.
I carried a full set of interior panels for my Spit back from London; they checked/scanned them by hand and I had to pick them up at the "irregular items" desk. No damage at all and no questions asked. I took packing tape and bubble wrap in my luggage on my way over. I was travelling first class, so that may have helped. Although I was probably still within the coach weight limit.
I'm moving to Europe for an international assignment in a few months; I get a shipping container for my stuff, which I'm planning to FILL with parts on my return, subject to the 1500lb limit
The airfreight alone on the container is $4500.
In general the folks I've dealt this (Rimmer, Moss, Owen Lloyd) must charge VAT if the goods are shipped within the UK. An APO might be exempt from VAT, not sure; interesting idea that. I've never tried to claim the VAT back at the airport for MG parts, but I have done this for high-end handbags bought for SWMBO. The retailer needs to participate in the scheme and you need to present the goods at the VAT desk at the airport. After fees, you get about 10% back.
I carried a full set of interior panels for my Spit back from London; they checked/scanned them by hand and I had to pick them up at the "irregular items" desk. No damage at all and no questions asked. I took packing tape and bubble wrap in my luggage on my way over. I was travelling first class, so that may have helped. Although I was probably still within the coach weight limit.
I'm moving to Europe for an international assignment in a few months; I get a shipping container for my stuff, which I'm planning to FILL with parts on my return, subject to the 1500lb limit
The airfreight alone on the container is $4500.vettedog72
Jedi Knight
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If you can carry the parts back in the suitcase, go for it. Freight is just too costly, and possibly unreliable, to be a positive economic adventure.
vettedog72
Jedi Knight
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I sure would like to get some of those shiny, bright, forged, redesigned, 9:1 pistons for my 3.4L Jag. How big is your suitcase? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif