goodoldgold - international delivery charge/tax

[GemmaEdet]

Hi All,

Saw a diamond on GoodOldGold site, curious to find out how it works with international delivery and charges:

It says on its site:
Packages can take 2-5 business days for them to reach your country and can take even longer to clear customs.
The customer is responsible to pay any taxes and duties into their country.

Say the price quoted is $7000.00 including delivery fee, how much more I shall expect for the tax ? or this price already includes the 15% UK tax ?
How long does it take to clear customs ? and what actually it needs to do ?


Many thanks.

 

[GemmaEdet]

Please Advice needed !

 

[strmrdr]

I don't have time to hunt but do a search for uk tax this has been covered before in great detail.
The gog price doesn't include the UK tax you will have to pay it to clear customs.
The threads have more detail.

 

[Steel]

Hello GE,

I'm Irish so have similar but not idential Customs issues. Here are my thoughts...

1. Check the shipping rate with GOG with your exact address. Often the vendor quotes for US delivery (free or low cost) International is much more.
2. Customs rarely clears quickly - expect delays. You can usually expect hassle too but that is not the vendor's fault.

3. If FedEx is used they have their own customs reps in-house who will ring you to take credit card payment of the required fee.
4. This is calculated by them and is non-negotiable. If there is an error you are best to pay and contact customs later on for a refund. Which you should get.
5. Never argue with customs if you expect to receive your parcel within the year! They can make your life miserable so best to smile and nod!
6. Charges are % for VAT and % for duty.
7. This % is of the STG/GBP equivalent rate which THEY set. So factor a few extra quid in case their rate is higher than the current currency rate (always is!)
8. You get used to it and it is well worth the effort for more affordable better quality goods.
9. Keep all documentation in case the goods have to leave the country again - you will need to prove that you have paid all VAT & duties on re-entry.

ETA: The GOG price as Karl points out will not include the VAT or Duty charges.

Hint: Under the pricescope your diamond function is a search box. Type in 'customs' etc for threads on 'real life' customs issues and success.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 5/4/2009 2:22:23 PM
Author:GemmaEdet
Hi All,

Saw a diamond on GoodOldGold site, curious to find out how it works with international delivery and charges:

It says on its site:
Packages can take 2-5 business days for them to reach your country and can take even longer to clear customs.
The customer is responsible to pay any taxes and duties into their country.

Say the price quoted is $7000.00 including delivery fee, how much more I shall expect for the tax ? or this price already includes the 15% UK tax ?
How long does it take to clear customs ? and what actually it needs to do ?


Many thanks.

Hi, I'm in the UK and often have things shipped from overseas.

Basically you need to reckon on adding around 20% to the price - this will cover the 15% VAT plus import duty of between 2-5% and whatever Fedex charges.

Get the tracking number and when you see that the package is at Stansted, give Fedex a ring to check on things. Otherwise it can sit for days in customs and no-one will necessarily call you. You will either pay the charges before they release the package, or they may bill you a few weeks later (no idea how they decide which one to do...)

Hope this helps - no USA price will include UK VAT I'm afraid.

Re Delivery cost - check with GOG whether there is an extra charge for international delivery.

ETA: One thing to be aware of is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get insurance to cover the setting of loose stones in the UK. This means that if you get a jeweller here to set your stone it will be entirely at your risk (about 1% of diamonds chip or break during setting) - the way round this is to have the vendor set it in a cheapy temporary setting, then you can insure the piece as a whole and be covered for any work on it such as resetting (I have my jewellery as riders on my home insurance policy).

ETA: Just had a thought - you might want to think about contacting Diamond Geezer - www.diamondgeezer.com - they are based in the UK (so saves hassle on shipping, VAT etc). They did my BIL's e-ring and are currently doing some work for me. They definitely know what they are talking about and are well worth a call. Ignore the name and some of the bits on the website - on the whole UK consumers know bugger all about diamonds, so it's the Ladybird Book of Diamond Buying approach in action.

 

[GemmaEdet]

thanks Pandora !

This is very clear !. I just thought the site will have calculated the VAT already. It's really helpful !
Thanks a lot

I think i will just drop the idea of importing stuffss !! considering all the hassles !

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 5/4/2009 3:35:33 PM
Author: GemmaEdet
thanks Pandora !

This is very clear !. I just thought the site will have calculated the VAT already. It's really helpful !
Thanks a lot

I think i will just drop the idea of importing stuffss !! considering all the hassles !

It can be advantageous to import - I'm into coloured stones and just can't get what I want in the UK so have no real option. Prices can also be substantially lower depending on the exchange rate plus almost no-one offers the range of images and information that the USA online diamond dealers do.

All depends on how picky you are, whether you know exactly what you want and if you are likely to end up having to do returns.

ETA: The insurance/setting problem remains even if you buy from BlueNile UK - you still bear the liability. Personally I don't care for Blue Nile as they don't give enough information for my liking.

 

[GemmaEdet]

Date: 5/4/2009 3:22:40 PM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 5/4/2009 2:22:23 PM

Author:GemmaEdet

Hi All,


Saw a diamond on GoodOldGold site, curious to find out how it works with international delivery and charges:


It says on its site:

Packages can take 2-5 business days for them to reach your country and can take even longer to clear customs.

The customer is responsible to pay any taxes and duties into their country.


Say the price quoted is $7000.00 including delivery fee, how much more I shall expect for the tax ? or this price already includes the 15% UK tax ?

How long does it take to clear customs ? and what actually it needs to do ?



Many thanks.

Hi, I''m in the UK and often have things shipped from overseas.


Basically you need to reckon on adding around 20% to the price - this will cover the 15% VAT plus import duty of between 2-5% and whatever Fedex charges.


Get the tracking number and when you see that the package is at Stansted, give Fedex a ring to check on things. Otherwise it can sit for days in customs and no-one will necessarily call you. You will either pay the charges before they release the package, or they may bill you a few weeks later (no idea how they decide which one to do...)


Hope this helps - no USA price will include UK VAT I''m afraid.


Re Delivery cost - check with GOG whether there is an extra charge for international delivery.


ETA: One thing to be aware of is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get insurance to cover the setting of loose stones in the UK. This means that if you get a jeweller here to set your stone it will be entirely at your risk (about 1% of diamonds chip or break during setting) - the way round this is to have the vendor set it in a cheapy temporary setting, then you can insure the piece as a whole and be covered for any work on it such as resetting (I have my jewellery as riders on my home insurance policy).


ETA: Just had a thought - you might want to think about contacting Diamond Geezer - www.diamondgeezer.com - they are based in the UK (so saves hassle on shipping, VAT etc). They did my BIL''s e-ring and are currently doing some work for me. They definitely know what they are talking about and are well worth a call. Ignore the name and some of the bits on the website - on the whole UK consumers know bugger all about diamonds, so it''s the Ladybird Book of Diamond Buying approach in action.

Thanks a lot for this, especially the last bit !.
how does the insurance work ? we''re getting the setting locally ( from my old ring ).
Do i need to insure the stone before they set the diamond in ?.. or just no insurer insures it ?
Anyway to get around it with loose diamond ?

 

[GemmaEdet]

Date: 5/4/2009 2:52:32 PM
Author: Steel
Hello GE,


I''m Irish so have similar but not idential Customs issues. Here are my thoughts...


1. Check the shipping rate with GOG with your exact address. Often the vendor quotes for US delivery (free or low cost) International is much more.

2. Customs rarely clears quickly - expect delays. You can usually expect hassle too but that is not the vendor''s fault.

3. If FedEx is used they have their own customs reps in-house who will ring you to take credit card payment of the required fee.

4. This is calculated by them and is non-negotiable. If there is an error you are best to pay and contact customs later on for a refund. Which you should get.

5. Never argue with customs if you expect to receive your parcel within the year! They can make your life miserable so best to smile and nod!

6. Charges are % for VAT and % for duty.

7. This % is of the STG/GBP equivalent rate which THEY set. So factor a few extra quid in case their rate is higher than the current currency rate (always is!)

8. You get used to it and it is well worth the effort for more affordable better quality goods.

9. Keep all documentation in case the goods have to leave the country again - you will need to prove that you have paid all VAT & duties on re-entry.


ETA: The GOG price as Karl points out will not include the VAT or Duty charges.


Hint: Under the pricescope your diamond function is a search box. Type in ''customs'' etc for threads on ''real life'' customs issues and success.

Thanks for this Steel !! I love your profile picture !!! Your cat looks really cute !

This steps are really daunting me. I think i will just stick to what I have rather than going through all the hassels especially I am not a very generally lucky person in terms of dealing with all these paper/admin/procedure thingy, It will just drive me mad !.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 5/4/2009 3:46:33 PM
Author: GemmaEdet

Thanks a lot for this, especially the last bit !.
how does the insurance work ? we''re getting the setting locally ( from my old ring ).
Do i need to insure the stone before they set the diamond in ?.. or just no insurer insures it ?
Anyway to get around it with loose diamond ?

No insurer in the UK (that I have found and believe me I have looked) will cover a loose stone during setting. It is not normal for a jeweller to assume liability for your stone during setting (does not make commercial sense), so if your jeweller breaks the stone, it is your problem not his and if you have no insurance, you basically have no diamond anymore.

The way round this is to have the vendor of the diamond set the stone in a cheap setting - will cost you £100 or so, then you can insure the ring as a piece of jewellery. Then take the ring to your local jeweller and have him reset the diamond in the setting that you want. Or just get the vendor to do the whole thing in the first place - diamond geezer can do really nice custom work from what I have seen.

If you want to use an old setting, you could ask the vendor of the stone if they would set the diamond for you (some will, others won''t) - but check their policy on insurance for this.

Alternatively... just keep your fingers crossed...

 

[Steel]

Date: 5/4/2009 3:55:19 PM
Author: GemmaEdet

Thanks for this Steel !! I love your profile picture !!! Your cat looks really cute !

This steps are really daunting me. I think i will just stick to what I have rather than going through all the hassels especially I am not a very generally lucky person in terms of dealing with all these paper/admin/procedure thingy, It will just drive me mad !.

Thank you. Lissey (kitty) is my heart, she was diagnosed with feline leukemia earlier this year but has bounced back from the grave. Every day with her is a blessing.

Sorry to have been a debbie downer. I have had nightmares with customs but still buy from the US. I will not stop. So I am sorry if I have put you off. Please consider the alternative problems you may encounter at home - poor quality product, low information levels etc. Customs issues are a pain but gazing at your sparkly jewellery makes up for it...tenfold.

One tip I have is to send the vendor a cheap (silver/plastic) ring in he perfect size. Vendors can differ in their appraisal of sizing and it does not help that we use letters not numbers. If you send a cheapo ring you will be sure to get the prefect fit. (and avoid having to send the ring out of the country for sizing)

 

[oldmancoyote]

Just one quick note on custom charges: EU-wide rate on import of loose stones from the US is 0% (VAT and admin charges still payable). Duty on mounted or set articles is 2.5% (plus VAT at 15% on top of price + duty, so the cost of duty adds up to 2.875%).

Another UK-based vendor that you could consider is Dr Indira Marchant at bestdiamonds.co.uk (she posts on PS too - check her out).

 

[Steel]

Date: 5/4/2009 5:22:11 PM
Author: oldmancoyote
Just one quick note on custom charges: EU-wide rate on import of loose stones from the US is 0% (VAT and admin charges still payable). Duty on mounted or set articles is 2.5% (plus VAT at 15% on top of price + duty, so the cost of duty adds up to 2.875%).

Another UK-based vendor that you could consider is Dr Indira Marchant at bestdiamonds.co.uk (she posts on PS too - check her out).

Very good point. I often think I will import my next stone unmounted and then send it back out for setting straight away.

When I think of the €€€€''s I handed the Irish gov...for nothing

 

[GemmaEdet]

Date: 5/4/2009 4:10:07 PM
Author: Steel

Date: 5/4/2009 3:55:19 PM

Author: GemmaEdet

Thanks for this Steel !! I love your profile picture !!! Your cat looks really cute !


This steps are really daunting me. I think i will just stick to what I have rather than going through all the hassels especially I am not a very generally lucky person in terms of dealing with all these paper/admin/procedure thingy, It will just drive me mad !.

Thank you. Lissey (kitty) is my heart, she was diagnosed with feline leukemia earlier this year but has bounced back from the grave. Every day with her is a blessing.


Sorry to have been a debbie downer. I have had nightmares with customs but still buy from the US. I will not stop. So I am sorry if I have put you off. Please consider the alternative problems you may encounter at home - poor quality product, low information levels etc. Customs issues are a pain but gazing at your sparkly jewellery makes up for it...tenfold.


One tip I have is to send the vendor a cheap (silver/plastic) ring in he perfect size. Vendors can differ in their appraisal of sizing and it does not help that we use letters not numbers. If you send a cheapo ring you will be sure to get the prefect fit. (and avoid having to send the ring out of the country for sizing)

AA. .... i am glad to hear Lissey''s doing well !!!. We''ve a cat and love him to bits !.. he''s now 3 yrs old, big and grumpy.. always love his kitten time

Resize is a good tip !. I will just drop the ideal this time. Maybe for my next upgrade

 

[GemmaEdet]

Date: 5/4/2009 3:58:30 PM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 5/4/2009 3:46:33 PM

Author: GemmaEdet

Thanks a lot for this, especially the last bit !.

how does the insurance work ? we''re getting the setting locally ( from my old ring ).

Do i need to insure the stone before they set the diamond in ?.. or just no insurer insures it ?

Anyway to get around it with loose diamond ?

No insurer in the UK (that I have found and believe me I have looked) will cover a loose stone during setting. It is not normal for a jeweller to assume liability for your stone during setting (does not make commercial sense), so if your jeweller breaks the stone, it is your problem not his and if you have no insurance, you basically have no diamond anymore.


The way round this is to have the vendor of the diamond set the stone in a cheap setting - will cost you £100 or so, then you can insure the ring as a piece of jewellery. Then take the ring to your local jeweller and have him reset the diamond in the setting that you want. Or just get the vendor to do the whole thing in the first place - diamond geezer can do really nice custom work from what I have seen.


If you want to use an old setting, you could ask the vendor of the stone if they would set the diamond for you (some will, others won''t) - but check their policy on insurance for this.


Alternatively... just keep your fingers crossed...

Many thanks !.. i think we''ll just pray for the best, and our local jeweller will do a good job