Shipped from the US to UK

[Cgill1982]

Anyone had a preowned watch shipped from the US to the UK from a watch dealer, if so what were the draw backs if any??

Thanks

[JSolution]

About thirty per cent in taxes

[twotonetommy]

as well as a couple of weeks stuck in customs, and if its not what you were expecting it could be an absolute nightmare returning it

[TheGuvna]

Originally Posted by twotonetommy

as well as a couple of weeks stuck in customs, and if its not what you were expecting it could be an absolute nightmare returning it

Also heard all costs for importing has gone way up.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by twotonetommy

as well as a couple of weeks stuck in customs, and if its not what you were expecting it could be an absolute nightmare returning it

I’ve had to return before. Make sure the seller will cover shipping charges and also he would have to be responsible for paying the taxes on the return aswell, which he’s not likely to accept in most cases.

[Max 66]

If you take into account the Import costs and associated risks / costs  (shipment, return if any etc), I personally would buy from US only something that is not possible to get directly in UK (i.e. a Mustang Shelby GT350)  

[Tuma]

Would i be taxed if a family member sent me a gift from the US?

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Cgill1982

Anyone had a preowned watch shipped from the US to the UK from a watch dealer, if so what were the draw backs if any??

Thanks

Best just buy from the UK

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Tuma

Would i be taxed if a family member sent me a gift from the US?

I am under the opinion that you would have to pay tax, I dont think there is an exemption for family members.

[stewester]

I've bought multiple watches from the US without issue. You need to really trust who you're buying from and be sure you want the watch as returns could be troublesome as others have said. The watches I've bought have been vintage where equivalent examples either aren't available in the UK or are priced much higher if they are. Don't think it's worth it for modern watches.

[Freshly206]

Originally Posted by Tuma

Would i be taxed if a family member sent me a gift from the US?

The IRS has a maximum allowable annual gift amount of $15,000 before it is taxed. Not sure if this is applicable to your exact situation but something to look into.

[Cgill1982]

Originally Posted by stewester

I've bought multiple watches from the US without issue. You need to really trust who you're buying from and be sure you want the watch as returns could be troublesome as others have said. The watches I've bought have been vintage where equivalent examples either aren't available in the UK or are priced much higher if they are. Don't think it's worth it for modern watches.

Thanks it’s Vintage I’m looking for.

[VintageVagabound]

Originally Posted by Freshly206

The IRS has a maximum allowable annual gift amount of $15,000 before it is taxed. Not sure if this is applicable to your exact situation but something to look into.

It’s the not the IRS that would tax him. It’s her majesty’s royal customs :)

However if the roles were reversed and you were receiving a watch from the UK the IRS still wouldn’t be involved. These are customs duties collected by Customs and Border Protection under DHS. They don’t care if your uncle in Birmingham is sending you a new GMT because you’re his favorite nephew - everybody pays

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by Max 66

I personally would buy from US only something that is not possible to get directly in UK (i.e. a Mustang Shelby GT350)  

There are at least 2 Mustang Shelby GT350's for sale in the UK at the moment.

But, I woud NOT get a watch shiopped from the US.

the taxes are a minimum of 30% annd then shipping and charges in addition.

What ever the watch you can get it in the UK unless its a Red dialled Original Daytona

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Best just buy from the UK

Indeed!

[Nickn]

I bought a gmt recently from a us dealer
I had them put in an estimate for repair
And mark as being returned
It came through with no problems or tax

[robinmgb]

I’ve done it once and was lucky it came through without me having to pay any import taxes as I don’t think they used to check every parcel.
I have a friend who has done it many times, he gets the seller to list as watch parts with £50 value, it’s risky though as of course it’s then only insured for £50, he still continues, uses DHL and not had a problem yet!

[emtee]

Originally Posted by Nickn

I bought a gmt recently from a us dealer
I had them put in an estimate for repair
And mark as being returned
It came through with no problems or tax

This sounds appealing but would it present issues with insurance? Would they ask for proof of ownership and refuse to pay out if you hadn’t paid UK duties?

[Goochy]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I’ve done it once and was lucky it came through without me having to pay any import taxes as I don’t think they used to check every parcel.
I have a friend who has done it many times, he gets the seller to list as watch parts with £50 value, it’s risky though as of course it’s then only insured for £50, he still continues, uses DHL and not had a problem yet!

Be very careful about doing this, it’s technically fraud and the tax man and Customs take a very dim view of being defrauded.