unexpected expense added to kilt price

[skauwt]

deleted

[auld argonian]

As they used to say in the old neighborhood: once burned, twice learned.

Thus far, I haven't had the displeasure of getting stuck for fees. Considering the relative...i dunno what the word (or words) is (would be)...uniqueness? specialty nature?...of the kilt items that go back and forth, I'd think that there'd be exceptions to tariffs and duties owing to the cultural significance of them...but I'm not the customs man...

Best

AA

[Lallans]

Hey come and move to Canada - mine came in duty free.

But I think that's a much a matter of good luck as good policy. It helps if the item is shipped by post as opposed to by private courier, ie UPS or whatever.

[Tartan Tess]

I agreeded to make a kilt for a gentleman who had the tartan woven thru Scotweb and when it was done shipped to me. special weave order was 10 meter minimum at $80=$800 for tartan alone.
after they delivered it,Fedex contacts me to say that I have to fill out a importer ID form from the u.s. department of Homeland security bureau of customs and border. I am not a business, but I figured it was because the tartan was worth so much money a red flag went up. I told them I was not a business and they said that because of some "Threat" that certain size packages are not being shipped via air but over sea on boats, there reasoning for long waits and this unexpected paperwork.
I filled it out and they promply sent a duty/tax bill for $181 with my name on the bill.
The gentleman getting the kilt paid it (which he said he had only been billed from Scotweb for $620) so that made the total originally quoted to him.
Heads up to new "Homeland Security" excuses

[Father Bill]

But I think that's a much a matter of good luck as good policy. It helps if the item is shipped by post as opposed to by private courier, ie UPS or whatever.

Oh absolutely; I'm just teasing, (and bragging, I guess.) You're 100% correct.

[kilted hillbilly]

I agreeded to make a kilt for a gentleman who had the tartan woven thru Scotweb and when it was done shipped to me. special weave order was 10 meter minimum at $80=$800 for tartan alone.
after they delivered it,Fedex contacts me to say that I have to fill out a importer ID form from the u.s. department of Homeland security bureau of customs and border. I am not a business, but I figured it was because the tartan was worth so much money a red flag went up. I told them I was not a business and they said that because of some "Threat" that certain size packages are not being shipped via air but over sea on boats, there reasoning for long waits and this unexpected paperwork.
I filled it out and they promply sent a duty/tax bill for $181 with my name on the bill.
The gentleman getting the kilt paid it (which he said he had only been billed from Scotweb for $620) so that made the total originally quoted to him.
Heads up to new "Homeland Security" excuses

Thats what happened to me,there was a page in the packet that fedex sent me that had all that homeland security bull. The charges were quoted on it, and they seemed to originate from homeland security, and not duties,tariffs, etc.

[clanciankent]

We in Europe get hit with big import duties when we buy American,my Sportkilt ended up costing me about 50 dollars extra in duty/tax.

[English Bloke]

I have bought three sporrans at differing times from the States which are just not obtainable here.

Everytime I was stung heavily for tax and handling fees via the UK Post Office. Add to that the extra cost of shipping in the first place and it makes the reasonably priced article more than prohibitive.

As a result I'm unlikely to buy from the States again, which is a shame.

So much for free trade eh?

[auld argonian]

So much for free trade eh?

Check Adam Smith's grave...I'll bet he's spinning like a lathe.

It's not like any of these things are exactly what I'd call big ticket items...

Best

AA

[Tartan Tess]

Funny how there isn't any type of tax or duty from Indonesia.......