Import duties rapped me!

[HankMcSpank]

Gary, whilst everything you say is completely right ...I'm talking here of the guy in the street (not a business) who has tried to save a few bob by importing a 'one off' off his own back.

Who hasn't ever muttered the immortal words "any discount for cash?" (& the thinly veiled implication that asking carries) ....or paid a tradesman 'cash in hand'.....that's essentially in the same category. Folks will have to use their own moral barometer as to how they approach!

3) importing costs money, you've got the part VAT and duty free till it enters this country, so expect to pay it, if you dont, its a bonus.

How can it be a "bonus" ...the receipient should clearly contact the tax authorities & offer up the due money they've overlooked ;-)

[Gary]

I have absolutely no problem with trying to get a better deal or save some money and i can see why joe blogs on the street would do this but my point was that by insisting on getting the seller to give a lower value on the invoice can actually cause you to loose the goods to hmrc, or seriously delay the delivery.