B & H international shipping / import stuff

In light of recent post "Don't forget your Canon rebates! " I'm wondering if any UK residents have ordered internationally from the USA's B&H Photo? (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/)

Due to the big price differences and the reasonable shipping charges, I'm think I should just bite the bullet and order... however I'm wondering what extra charges are likely to be slapped on at this end.

Relatively small packages are quite easy to get away with I think, as they're not always opened.

Anyone have any experience of buying new internationally?

Shipping is what I do; and I ship quite a bit of stuff internationally.

If they use a carrier like FedEx, they should create a commercial invoice at the time of shipping. This goes with the airbill and lets customs know exactly what is in the package and what the value is. It speeds things along; otherwise customs is more apt to opening the package.

You might get import fees; it depends on how they specify that when they ship. We always bill those fees to sender (us) but of course B&H would always have the option to bill the receiver (you) instead. You may have to pay fees when you pick up the package. Might be worth checking in to.

Recently bought a lens from BHPhoto (I am in Italy). I can't tell for UK but in Italy you need to add VAT to the item cost and shipping (it is calculated as a percentage on total cost). I think it is very unlikely to be able to get it without VAT from BH.
Anyway there are several threads about this.
Good luck.
DDS

Usually in the UK you need to add VAT and also import duty at 5%

I have purchased a lens or two from a hong kong vendor and because it was sent ems speedpost and was not labelled as a new product I was charged no import duty or vat.

I think they call that "smuggling" :P

Might not be best to admit to it on an open forum....

Smuggling?

I was more than prepared to pay the various duties on the item, but I was never charged them because the declaration on the packaging was illegible to anyone!

but hey, I like the sound of being called a smuggler, kinda has a bit of a ring to it

Cheers and grazie guys. Useful stuff

Thinking I might join Richard in the realms of smuggling.
Was it HKSupplies by any chance?...

I've ordered a RC-5 remote for my 300D at a bargain price (£7 something exc. shipping - Dabs.com want over £40 for it!!!) because
a/ I'd like one
b/ to see what the packaging is like and if I'm likely to get away from customs with a higher order...

I got a 17-40f4 L in January from B&H. Cheapest UK price I could find was £580. I saved £58 on that with a full legal import + carriage etc. You can do better but B&H is rock solid - sometimes the others not so....

That decides it

I *need* a 550EX speedlite
I *need* a 50mm EF f1.8 lens..

UK prices (Amazon most reasonable)
550EX = £267.30 + shipping
50mm = £76 approx + shipping

now the bit that makes me smile BIGLY;

B&H
550EX = $333.70 ($299.95 +$33.75 shipping) = £180.38
50mm = $91.20 ($64.95 + $26.25 shipping) = £49.30

Now the totals...

UK (both) = £343 approx (+ shipping)
US (both) = $424.90 = £229.67

!
Speechless...

ok,
but guys, you leave out the warranty issues.
Totally agree about the BH, but you must add some for
their International Warranty, right?

I'm pretty certain the warranty is world wide.