Some outlets on USA eBay completing customs charging at point of sale.

[karlfer]

[quote name='Stacker' timestamp='1377692511' post='2190410']
VAT is only paid on freight, for some weird reason.
Seller got back to me and is happy to avoid the GPP.
[/quote]

That makes sense because freight on that item is a "new product".

[Stacker]

I've paid it on second-hand kit from the 'States as well, Karlfer. Still, I've dodged HMRC's Pound of flesh many times by getting geetars taken back from ther USA by friends and holidaymakers. That balances things out.

BTW, watch out for them getting the commodity codes wrong. Always check your charges. It will take you weeks or months to get them back if they are erroneous but if you persevere you will!

[karlfer]

Sod that. Shell pink in avatar, is that the one that was in a certain Edinburgh shop????