10-11-2012, 09:38 AM
I know what you all say, and it has happened to me in the past.
In most cases, and particularly when it involves a professional seller (train store etc) they will put the real value on the box, and you get stung. If it is a private shipper (as in many cases with stuff from e-bay) ask them if they instead of the real value, could write down 'gift', or 'sample without value' on the box. Although it will mean you have absolutely no leg to stand on if the item goes missing or damaged (it hasn't got any stated value afterall) and cannot be insured shipping, you might be able to circumvent the tax man , at least for lower price items. However if the Royal mail / customs start to think you just seem to receive too many 'gifts' or 'commercial samples without value' they might get suspicious.
Use it sparingly.
Koos
In most cases, and particularly when it involves a professional seller (train store etc) they will put the real value on the box, and you get stung. If it is a private shipper (as in many cases with stuff from e-bay) ask them if they instead of the real value, could write down 'gift', or 'sample without value' on the box. Although it will mean you have absolutely no leg to stand on if the item goes missing or damaged (it hasn't got any stated value afterall) and cannot be insured shipping, you might be able to circumvent the tax man , at least for lower price items. However if the Royal mail / customs start to think you just seem to receive too many 'gifts' or 'commercial samples without value' they might get suspicious.
Use it sparingly.
Koos
Be sure to visit my model railroad blog at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.namrr.blogspot.com">http://www.namrr.blogspot.com</a><!-- m -->