Customs charges from UK to US

[rumble-chicken]

Hello,
I have an upcoming trip that will require a visit to London and I was thinking about purchasing a new festool tool & some accessories from axminster (https://www.axminster.co.uk/) when I am down there.  The big item on my list is  Festool 500177 KB-KA 65 SYS Edge Bander Trimming Set and some smaller accessories.

Any idea on customs/taxes you have to pay when bringing back to US?  I see on their site something called VAT tax which seems to apply to European Union, so not sure if that applies to US.

Thanks!

 

[Nat X]

That's available in the US, and even if it wasn't, shipping from Axminster is probably worth saving yourself the hassle of getting that on a plane.

 

[Roseland]

VAT is a Sales Tax, and is 20%.  Goods shipped overseas are not covered by this tax.

I reckon you're better off having Axminster ship to you at home.

Andrew

 

[Stone Message]

Andrew and Nat are right. Shipping from Axminster is a good way to go. You will not have to pay the 20% European sales tax (so take that off the price when you look at their web site) and the US$ is very strong so you have that advantage as well.

Remember that the UK are 240 volts 50 Hz. Some 110v machines are available.

You can shop in US$ on their web site too.

Peter

 

[DB10]

I was under the impression that Axminster or any other UK Festool dealer, were not allowed to ship Festool products outside of the EU, have things changed.

 

[toolfest.co.uk]

I was under the impression that Axminster or any other UK Festool dealer, were not allowed to ship Festool products outside of the EU, have things changed.

Me too, have things changed.  [eek]

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Warren and DB10

I was forgetting that - I have been used to advising people about their non Festool range.

Cheers.

Peter

 

[andygiddings]

I've purchased items from Axminster and Amazon UK - Festool accessories and other items can be significantly cheaper even after shipping to TX from the UK. Amazon UK will give you an instant calculation of the shipping costs. Axminster will supply this info via email within one working day of your order (order is not confirmed until you agree to the shipping)

 

[Svar]

Regardless whether it makes financial sense or not, one thing is certain - bringing a tool from abroad will VOID your warranty. Moreover, Festool USA may even refuse to service it.

 

[jeh]

You get a rebate at the airport for the VAT, but it takes some work and patience. I do think your purchase has to be over a certain amount.

 

[Birdhunter]

I would question if the tool would work on USA electrical standards.

 

[Dane]

On the US electrical compatibility point- I've brought UK tools over and never had an issue.  Universal motors seem to do fine at 50 or 60 Hz

 

[yetihunter]

Once you take out the VAT, GBP to USD is 1:1. 
$224 vs $500 for an edge banding accessory kit?  [smile]
So tempting, but the airline is gonna want their baggage fee...

 

[Birdhunter]

Re electrical stuff. I thought the UK standard was 240 volts.

 

[amt]

Many of the tools are available in 110v, which works fine on NA 120v.
Some tools are only 240v, but that works on NA 240v.

My latest track saw is from the UK (Mafell), at about 1/2 the cost of USA sourced one.  At half the cost, I'll take my chances with no warranty.

 

[amt]

Also, thought I would mention:  you should be able to import from UK to USA up to $800 value with no import tax.  Shipping can be anywhere from 3 to 5 days, about as fast as the stuff I buy in the USA!

 

[antss]

First - chicken is not looking at a TOOL that has any power requirements, electronics, ect.....to worry about power compatibility. 

Second - it's unlikely that there'd be a warranty claim on the stuff he's looking at.  Even so, the savings buy you a nice warranty policy thru self insurance.

Third, you guys really should take discussion of importing festool stuff into private mail IF you'd like to be able to continue having access to these avenues.  A multi-national that has STRICT sales areas and pricing policies doesn't cotton to people circumventing their rules.  Some might even consider it poor form to publicly discuss it on their own website.  [unsure]  It's certainly waving a red cape at the bull at the very least !

Fourth- the VAT refund scheme is up to the retailer.  A place like Harrods has it's own department with a dozen or so staffers that just deal with the paperwork.  Ma and Pa Kettle's widget shop in the High Street aren't really gong to be interested in the hassle if you only buy a 100 pound widget.  Most shops will fall somewhere in between. 

Fifth - even companies that have ultra tight territorial/pricing policies have no control over you going into another country, buying a product and sticking it in your suitcase or mailing it home yourself.  The sale still went to the local dealer to a customer on site paying in the local currency. 

 

[Svar]

Third, you guys really should take discussion of importing festool stuff into private mail IF you'd like to be able to continue having access to these avenues.  A multi-national that has STRICT sales areas and pricing policies doesn't cotton to people circumventing their rules.  Some might even be considered poor form to publicly discuss it on their own website.  [unsure]  It's certainly waving a red cape at the bull at the very least !

That's a very good point! We are discussing how to break company's rules on the company's own website. Not nice.

 

[rumble-chicken]

Third, you guys really should take discussion of importing festool stuff into private mail IF you'd like to be able to continue having access to these avenues.  A multi-national that has STRICT sales areas and pricing policies doesn't cotton to people circumventing their rules.  Some might even be considered poor form to publicly discuss it on their own website.  [unsure]  It's certainly waving a red cape at the bull at the very least !

That's a very good point! We are discussing how to break company's rules on the company's own website. Not nice.

Agreed,  that is a good point.  My apologies as I had no nefarious intent or desire to disrespect festoolUSA as my checking account would attest.  I do appreciate all the good information though.