Stung by Royal Mail

[m_c]

The handling fee is always the same, regardless of the actual customs cost. I think my last DHL one was about £20, of which £15 was their handling fee. I don't mind the fees, but some of them in no way reflect the true cost of the involved processing.

I've noticed customs getting a bit more thorough in their checks, as I had a couple parcels opened and resealed by customs last year, which I'd never seen before.
And I'm aware of somebody who got a revised customs bill for a shipment for the full RRP of an item, despite the fact he got it at a discount, however the CN22 (customs declaration) was for an even lower value. He never appealed it, as it would cost him more in time and effort for all the money he'd of gotten back.

It just shows customs are using their brains a bit more. Pick some random parcels, find out what's in them, google the contents, and see if the stated value is realistic. They won't impound any parcels, unless there's something illegal in them (i.e. counterfeit goods), just revise the customs charges.

[magicniner]

And I'm aware of somebody who got a revised customs bill for a shipment for the full RRP of an item

It's based on value as assessed by customs, not cost.

[m_c]

It's based on value as assessed by customs, not cost.

RRP was maybe the wrong term, as it was the full price if buying it as an individual from the company's website.

[Robin Hewitt]

I had 20 boxes arrive from China via Royal Mail. All from the same place, all together, all to me at one address. They treated it as 20 separate imports and charged me £10 per box. Luckily they graciously allowed me to pay in one installment of £200 so I didn't have to give my card details 20 times.

[cropwell]

It's based on value as assessed by customs, not cost.

HM C&E have a high handed approach, at least they did when I worked for them in Southend in the 70's. I can't imagine their attitude changing much !

On a gratifying note, I got this email from Micro-Swiss :-

Rob,
Oh wow, this is how much Customs and even Royal Mail added to the cost??? I never knew that Royal Mail adds their charges on the top.
I can offer to split the extra cost. Let me know if you would like that.

Thanks

I won't be taking up the offer, it would amount to less than £8.

Gary, About your comment - I do buy from British businesses, but if a company rooks me, then I am no longer a customer. I will give you some examples -

A 3D printer company that sold me a 'special heated bed tape' for £17 that turned out to be £6 of Scotch blue masking tape.
A company in Devon that sells high priced, poorly engineered CNC machines and then give no worthwhile customer support.

On the other hand, some companies go beyond expectations, like Amadeal, who just put the small part I needed in the post FOC.
There is another company in Dorset, that has given me good advice and I have only spent about £400 with them, but they are on my major purchase suppliers list, should the need arise.