Hello from FL

[bubba]

Blu, therein is the problem, the taxes, duties, etc. I understand they get pretty steep, even on gifts.

[Kiltedmusiclover]

Miah,

Great to have you on the site. Sounds like
you are diving in with both feet.
This site is a great source of information which can help you
find great deals on kilts and it's accessories. Good luck and keep
us updated on you kilting experiences.

[Hamish]

...With import difficulties here in the United Kingdom, I don't have a wide experience of American kiltmakers...

Hamish... are you saying that you've had problems with getting merchandise from this side of the pond? I've purchased items from the UK in the past (but only through a dealer) and heard of no problems there. As long as all of the various taxes and duties get paid that is.

As Bubba so rightly points out, Blu, it IS the Taxes, Import Duties, Handling and Documentation charges, plus the usually high shipping costs for international mailing, that create the "difficulties"! These can often add up to 50% of the cost of the kilt to the total bill.

As an example: when I imported my leather Utilikilt last year, I was obliged to pay another £136 on top of the kilt price and the shipping charge, before UPS would hand it over - that's roughly US$245!!!

These charges are levied even if the garment is sent as a gift.

I should love to try the different styles of USA-made kilts, and to add them to my 'Kollection' (with the possible exception of SportsKilt(!!), but until such time as I can visit the USA again in person and stock up with them, I'll have to wait!

[bubba]

Hmmm. We should set up a Hamish Assistance Program. Anyone visiting the UK from the US take in a kilt or two for Hamish in their personal luggage.

[Graham]

Oh come off it Bubba, SURELY Hamish has enough kilts?

heck, I only have four, plus one on order and my friends are wondering why I need "so many" kilts!

how little they understand.

[Miah]

Are there still duties and taxes on items mailed over as gifts? say from friend to friend ?

[Rhino]

Hamish as I might have mentioned Sarah deals quite a bit with the US both buying and selling and has never had to pay tax and a friend of mine bought an Amerikilt and didn't pay any tax either.
I know Sarahs things are quite cheap but the kilt was around the £60 mark.
Any views why you seem to have pay Hamish Added Tax.
Is it perhaps items over a certain value.
Cheers Rhino