USA trains GP7/9 Need help!

Re:USA trains GP7/9

Just ordered a GP7 from RLD in the USA. Even with postage it was ALOT cheaper than here, as was pointed out on here with the discount in the USA at the moment.
Just to sit and wait now.....
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Ah, while out getting the kids it suddenly hit me! What about vat and other taxes when importing this loco? I've never bought anything from the USA before, can anyone let me know what actually happens and what may be payable once something arrives on our taxed shores?
The total, with postage, was $323. (I got some rail clamps too).
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Hi Tim

Well the import duties are charged on the value of the item AND the shipping cost. so expect to pay about 25% on top of the USA price plus shipping. Sometimes it can be less. Also if the seller has used USPS from the the States, ParcelForce take up the delivery over here and charge you £8 for the priveledge (they say it is for their work in getting it through customs!)
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Ok, so about another 50 odd quid. Whereabouts do these charges happen and how do I get notified?
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

ParcelForce will send you a letter informing of the costs and then you phone them and pay before delivery takes place.
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Ok, thanks Beavercreek. The costs still come in lower than buying in the uk, but only just!
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

You maybe lucky and have no duty!! Some seem to get through unscathed with duty. I have had a couple of biggies do that. In which case it will be time to celebrate a great deal!
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Fingers crossed then :D
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

You should be able to watch it go through the system. I think RLD give out the tracking number and all you have to do is enter this into the postal service used. I have something on the way through at the moment. This one is not good news though - landed in the UK and straight into customs as shown below. So far as USPS is concerned UK customs is foreign customs.

Detailed Results:
Into Foreign Customs, June 21, 2011, 11:09 am, GREAT BRITAIN
Into Foreign Customs, June 21, 2011, 11:08 am, GREAT BRITAIN
Arrived Abroad, June 21, 2011, 11:04 am, GREAT BRITAIN
International Dispatch, June 18, 2011, 6:32 am, ISC SAN FRANCISCO (USPS)
Arrival
Electronic Shipping Info Received, June 16, 2011
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Its been said before but for the record I will repeat it here.
There should be no duty for importing model trains.
You will be charged VAT at the going rate on the purchase cost AND postage.
There is usually a 'handling fee'. £8 for Parcelforce.
and - sometimes you get away with it for nothing.
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

VAT or duty its all money to the government although it is just VAT on "toys". Duty is in addition to VAT where applicable.

I resent the parcelforce charge for collecting the tax.
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

To you?
I had a further look around RLD's website and found out they're away until the 27th, so a little longer before I get my mits on it :admire:
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Chris M said:
The above mentionedGrfeat Northern 44 tonner has now been sold from Tennents shop.
Click to expand...

To me:bigsmile:
It arrived yesterday in a very tired box but the loco looks in good nick and runs well. My next decision will be whether to put a decoder in it, convert it to battery power or just run it as is on analogue. My first choice would be battery but it's my first USA trains loco and I believe they are not the easiest to convert, especially for an inexperienced oppo like me....has anyone done one?
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

I've done two other USA Trains loco's, three if you count a SW drone. I have a very simple method, and that is to completely Gut them of all of the USAT electronic boards just leaving the motor and lighting tails for reconnection to the decoder of choice along with a battery pack. I'm not sure of the 44 Tonners interior, so can't help you any further, sorry.
I'd be very interested in your progress and method when you have done it.
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Hi all, right, managed to get a GP9 from RLD, eventually it started it's journey here last week, here's the shipping info;
Oh poo!!!! Don't worry, was going to put the shipping info in here, went to the page to copy and paste and it had been updated! I've been checking the usps site all week, all it was saying was sorted through Chicago, so was going to ask for some advice here, in that few mins it turned up in the UK, straight into customs. Well actually it says customs clearance, does that mean it's been stopped for checking or does it mean it actually got through customs and may be on its way to me?
Tim
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

:@ :'( Ok, thanks Steve
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

Parcel force will soon be sending you a letter giving the total charges that you need to pay before they deliver it to you. The charges are VAT on the value plus shipping and also their own £8 charge for the privilege of delivering it to you!
 
Re:USA trains GP7/9

I have some money put aside ready for them. Not very happy with Parcelfarce already today, as I've been waiting in all day for a wagon that was due, only to just find on their website that they made an apparent 'attempted delivery' at 18:10. A nice polite phone call will be made tomorrow morning, and a claim for refund of postage from them.
 
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