nick212 Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Hello to all . . . I need to ship 5 ipods from NY to the UK and Europe (2 to italy and 1 to Spain) to family members. While i have some experience with US customs through our dear hobby, i have no clue what to expect shipping abroad. Any and all advice is appreciated, here are some specific questions i have . . . 1. Should i mark as GIFT, USED, or Repaired . . . ? 2. Any preferred shipping method, like UPS vs DHL vs USPS? 3. Should i open the ipods and remove from shrink-wrap,any difference? 4. What happens if they get "stuck in customs"? I appreciate all your advice . . . Thanks Nick212 PS To old friends from RWG1, hope all is well, still lurking, but no posting much . . . wear your watches in good health!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Use air mail. Any courier will declare them and you'll get slapped with tax. All in all, you're taking a chance, so ship them separately. You will most likely get done for the duty/tax, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMK000 Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 US to Spain via UPS, DHL, etc... is a bad combo. Customs will stop it. No matter how you flag it , Gift, used , etc.... they will ask taxes. Use Pug's advise. is the only way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2222 Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 yes, agreed in 100%, regular airmail is the best option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicale Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Italian customs is a nightmare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narikaa Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 When will people learn.... The courier firms pre schedule customs duty and pay it automatically by account as consignments arrive at destination country (then raise swingeing 'handling fees' on top for the recipient) Post do no such thing...customs want any duty they have to raise it from scratch....which is why small sized low value packets seldom get a look at. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) Hello to all . . . I need to ship 5 ipods from NY to the UK and Europe wouldn't worry about UK customs, prob the weakest in the world... u could label it as "Cocaine" value $10,000 and it would prob still get through (with no tax!) Edited January 29, 2008 by Homer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antonio_Montana Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 wouldn't worry about UK customs, prob the weakest in the world... u could label it as "Cocaine" value $10,000 and it would prob still get through (with no tax!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 u could label it as "Cocaine" value $10,000 and it would prob still get through (with no tax!) Every time I've had something electronic sent by courier, I've been humped for tax. Every time it's airmail, it's been fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w.genzo Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 I've had 3 items sized and opened by italian customs even if they were shipped registered airmail. 1 Joshua watch, sent back to him by customs, it was tagged as "not allowed". 1 noobmariner, they opened it and asked the fees as if it was genuine. They still have my noob. 1 ETA spare movement, it was opened and fees paid. It was labeled as "personal gift" On the other hand, Joshua sent me another one, writing "watch gift" on a box full of chinese writings, and It came safetly. Never, never, never use the word "gift" anymore if you're shipping to Italy or stricht countries, to their eyes it means that you don't want to pay duties. It's better to put a value of 30$. You won't pay anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Every time I've had something electronic sent by courier, I've been humped for tax. Every time it's airmail, it's been fine. ye i shuda been more specific AIRMAIL only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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