joby Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 (edited) Hi all, I am looking at a M2M sale from the US to be shipped to the UK - have searched and read a load of stuff about options but nothing clear from recent times. Using USPS Priority International seems popular, but this seems to cause problems once it gets to the UK with ParcelForce customs checks and additional fees. I wonder if the size and declared value is small then it would go via Royal Mail once it hits the UK rather than parcel force making things easier? Needs to be fully trackable really (talking about a $400 watch) so I don't fancy risking USPS First Class. Also seems an option to use FEDEX or DHL. Also be interested to know what the best options for the content/value for the customs declaration are. Anyone with some recent experience be so kind as to offer some advice? TIA Edited July 30, 2014 by joby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernow Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I've had several packages sent US to UK over the last six months. I've never requested a particular service but left it to the sender. The only thing I've asked is that they declare it low value and a broken watch/watch parts. I've had DHL, UPS and even USPS from memory. The tracking is hit and miss once it leaves the USA but should tell you when it's been delivered. It's usually the Royal Mail postman than brings my broken watches. I've only had to pay customs once - when it was declared about £150 value. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joby Posted July 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Thanks kernow - that's useful. When you say low value - do you mean under £15 as a commercial transaction (which seems a bit too low - might attract attention), or under £36 as a gift? From reading it seems that below both of these thresholds avoids duty and VAT, and hence the Royal Mail/Parcel Force fee. I'm thinking maybe a $50 (£30) value as a gift for a watch case and bracelet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernow Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I generally ask for around $30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joby Posted July 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Thanks - slightly worried that would look too low but good to know - anyone else care to comment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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