Buying from America

[RoyB]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me of their experience of buying from America? I am thinking of purchasing a 120 mm model but am wondering if there are any drawbacks. What's the cost of (if any) postage, import duties and anything else.

I haven't a clue!

All the best

RoyB

 

[Chrisr]

I can only speak from Australia, but in recent years the sharp rise in postage now makes purchases from the US prohibitive.

Chris

 

[OldTaff]

In my experience, it can be quite high, but if you want the model badly enough, those costs have to be factored in..........The seller should be able to inform you as to his charges.

Alan

 

[Helm]

It's the import you really have to watch for the P&P will be a set price but customs add in vat and the thieving Royal Mail charge you for the privilege of paying the import duties as a "collection fee" or some such
Steve

 

[Tecumsea]

Us mailing costs are quite high and you maybe hit for 20% vat on arrival here plus the £6 minimum the royal mail illegally charge you for collecting the duty. Plus the 15% drop in value vs the dollar makes purchases from the USA abit of a no go area. Trump looks like making things a lot worse.

 

[tomifune]

As owner of Time Machine Miniatures and Mike Stelzel of Michael Roberts Ltd., we have been aware of the ridiculous postage costs to Europe and the UK. We have both been giving relief in that area in proportion to the size of the orders. So as Alan pointed out, contact your dealer first as to the actual charges and what they can do.
The biggest jump for packages was the end of Jan 2016 by USPS. They raised domestic priority as much as 33%, International even more but they are still under UPS and FedEx. USPS is losing 5 billion, yes, billion dollars a year. They actually make money on their packages but lose money on 1st class domestic postage. So the solution: Raise the package rates and lower 1st class postage. Great business acumen!
The cheapest postage to the UK from the US would be International 1st Class at $12.50 under 8 oz. As the weight goes up so does the postage incrementally. Can't do anything about your countries fees but isn't the VAT an EU fee that Brexit would get rid of?
Not really sure what Trump has to do with the Post Office's huge deficit. Since he won the election, the stock market here set a record high. But thanks for mentioning him as his name hasn't been on Planetfigure for a few days.

Bob

 

[peedee]

Sadly I just don't....like many modellers.
it hurts my pocket too much.

Shame really.

Paul

 

[Tecumsea]

My comment about Trump was to do with the Dollar strengthening as is the stock market which will put further downward pressure on the Pound vs Dollar and make US exports even more expensive here -sorry if I hit a nerve it wasn't intentional.

As an observer from outside the US the rise of Trump is very interesting as is the Brexit scenario here and the rise of the right wing in Europe, Politics has never been this much fun

Keith

 

[Blind Pew]

Sadly, as others have said, it's the postal costs which render things prohibitive. I am fortunate in that my in laws are in the US.
Shame - it must be hurting UK/US business in all kinds of ways.

 

[RoyB]

Hi

Thank you all very much! This is my very first thread!

I don't think I shall be buying. As has been said above it must kill a lot of trade - not only our interest but others as well!

Cheers

RoyB

 

[Tecumsea]

Roy, it might be worth putting an advert in the market and commissions part of the forum, someone may have one in their grey army they are willing to part with.

Keith

 

[Mirofsoft]

As an observer from outside the US the rise of Trump is very interesting as is the Brexit scenario here and the rise of the right wing in Europe, Politics has never been this much fun

Keith

Are you quoting Chamberlain ?

 

[Tecumsea]

Bit before even my time....lol