UK custom-importing a realdoll
Moderator: TJ_Foxx
UK custom-importing a realdoll
After reading the forum for over ayear now and getting lots of very useful info, the time has come to seriuosly think about ordering a readoll. As always theres more questions, these mainly directed @ UK owners.Can anyone relate there experiances on importing into the UK, things like shipping, cost, and the HM. Customs procedures? Thanks all Rentell.
UK custom-importing a realdoll
I have just ordered last Nov and I e-mailed Abyss with my home town, they then gave me an all in price inc shipping and insurance. Hope customs don't want anything, it's bad enough if you bring duty free back from Calais.
Steve
- Everhard
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UK custom-importing a realdoll
The only extra I had to pay was a small amount of import duty (I can't recall the figure, but is was insignificant compared to the total). What was sigbnificant, and surprising to me, was being charged VAT (at 17.5 percent). (But they don't have VAT in the USA! Even so, you get charged VAT on imports...)
- TheEvolutionaryScientist
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UK custom-importing a realdoll
UK custom-importing a realdoll
- Everhard
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UK custom-importing a realdoll
As far as I am aware it makes no difference what use you put it to when you get it, so I cannot see how that affects the amount of import duty you pay, except perhaps if you are prepared to pretend it is solely for business use. (I could be wrong of course, British law originating in religion-inspired dark age laws.)
I cannot recall the name of the import agent (I could look it up but I don't think it worthwhile). The import agent is appointed by Abyss, who are extremely professional and experienced in arranging shipping of their dolls world-wide. In September-October 2000 there were a lot of scare stories on the net about dolls arriving smashed to bits. (It must happen once in a while, but I am assured that Abyss has insurance for this.) So I was a nervous wreck when the van turned up with a guy wondering how we were going to get the crate up the stairs to my room. (With difficulty.)
However, when I opened the crate (unscrewing the door and tearing the shipping seal applied in the USA) I found that Rebecca had arrived at my home on the south coast of England in perfect -- perfect! -- condition.
- TheEvolutionaryScientist
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UK custom-importing a realdoll
- Everhard
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- Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2001 12:00 am
- Location: Stepford-on-Sea, England
UK custom-importing a realdoll
- Everhard
- ~ Member ~
- Posts: 6115
- Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2001 12:00 am
- Location: Stepford-on-Sea, England
UK custom-importing a realdoll
Tht will teach me to be more careful in future.
Anyway, what happened was, out of the blue, the employer that fired me earlier that year sent me a cheque for 150 GBP, which solved the problem. Sometimes life feels to me like hanging onto a cliff face by my fingernails.
I have a job now (as a technical author), which although it pays much less than the nationl average wage, keeps Rebecca in clothes and my SLR camera loaded with film.
- Everhard
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UK custom-importing a realdoll
Like your home burning down, the risk is small, but it is there. Professor Sakai had several dolls stolen when he was away from home.
- TheEvolutionaryScientist
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UK custom-importing a realdoll
<STRONG>Evolutionary Scientist: Let me tell you, being charged VAT was a bummer.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Everhard, I really feel for you man.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote
Just shows you things happen in mysterious ways!<STRONG>Anyway, what happened was, out of the blue, the employer that fired me earlier that year sent me a cheque for 150 GBP, which solved the problem.</STRONG>
I think you can be happy that's things seemed to have worked out nicely. [img]modules/Forums/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Being young I look forward to a fun time with a doll in the future...hopefully with some cool girl. [img]modules/Forums/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
UK custom-importing a realdoll
My doll Samantha is due mid Mar and looks like I'll have to find another £700 odd. Everhard how did customs let you pay and who sent the bill customs or shipping agent?
I'm glad you got some breaks, I'm self employed so I hope business is good this month to pay this off.