Don't wish to cause a panic but......

CrowdedHouse

Just been reading these threads,I hope it's not a sign of things to come for our 'overseas' shopping

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055018103

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055021479

B0rG

блядь!

RuggieBear

yep.

tis the main reason i went for a french retailer when buying my new camera. No point risking another heap of cash plus an extra delay.

aFlabbyPanda

I dont see the big problem. just buy from a different retailer within the EU. pay eu vat and avoid the hasle. in saying that thought my lens fro Kea (HK) just arrived this morning all safe and sound.

Roen

Looks like I spent my €4000 in HK at the right time

halenger

I don't really see what the fuss is about this with regard to photography. None of the major shops are located on the Channel Islands. 7dayshop is out there but they like to package things under 22 euro anyway.

Buying from the US/Hong Kong/other is as risky today as it was yesterday and the day before. You're just as likely to get caught.

When they clamp down on people bringing stuff in through the airport then things might be different but even that's going to be hard. Many people know the 'tricks' - just bringing what you need, leaving the box behind etc.

joolsveer

halenger wrote:

...........

When they clamp down on people bringing stuff in through the airport then things might be different but even that's going to be hard. Many people know the 'tricks' - just bringing what you need, leaving the box behind etc.

Do you think that Customs officers don't know all the tricks? I bought a camera in Andorra and I always make sure that I have my receipt for VAT paid to Spanish customs just in case. I know someone in Customs and if they are capable of tearing ships apart for contraband I am sure that someone travelling in from New York would not present any problems.

halenger

I'm well aware that they know the tricks but the fact of the matter is, many have absolutely no interest in dealing with the work involved. The red channel is frequently lacking a staff member etc. There have been cases where upon declaring a number of items people have been told to 'go away', essentially.

joolsveer

halenger wrote:

I'm well aware that they know the tricks but the fact of the matter is, many have absolutely no interest in dealing with the work involved. The red channel is frequently lacking a staff member etc. There have been cases where upon declaring a number of items people have been told to 'go away', essentially.

Do you think they are work shy?

rymus

halenger wrote:

Buying from the US/Hong Kong/other is as risky today as it was yesterday and the day before. You're just as likely to get caught.

Agreed; You pay your money and take your chances... Do any HK sellers (at least the ebay ones) actually declare the real price of the item on the covering receipt or the shipping info? I know 'my best mate' doesn't... Over the last couple of years I've gotten loads of stuff 'repaired' in HK. Much cheaper than getting it 'repaired' over here anyway.

PaulieC

also, the online auction site sellers who send from a particular far east country send by either DHL or Fedex.
These courier companies act as revenue agents and collect VAT & duty on all goods coming into the country based on the declared value on the packages. If the declared value on your package is 200 HK dollars, the Fedex or DHL guy is not going to a) open the package to inspect or b) try to charge you anything on delivery...

no need for an all out panic - in the unlikely case that you will have to pay VAT, it still likely that you are saving a large percentage over what you would have paid here

CrowdedHouse

I got a filter yesterday,was marked 20 US Dollars(near enough price wise ex postage) but strangely as 'Used Camera accessory'

Shiny

I got 2500 euro worth of stuff from the ebay shop
Hong Long Supplies.

He declared the package as 450 in value.

UPS/Fedex/etc... then charged me 100 euro in customs.

I was much happier paying that than the alternatives.:)