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Member since 3/4/03
Posts: 2634
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Posted on: 12/6/10 9:53 AM ET
I want to order a sewing item from a russian site. OK the postage is fixed but there is the little blurb about custom, duties,import taxes being the buyer's responsibility. I would be using pay pal so that part is ok. I do not want to get a $$$ surprise on the blurb part about the tax custom part. Anybody have experience with this. Should I just find other entertainment and not do this?
  
Member since 12/28/07
Posts: 20238
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Posted on: 12/6/10 10:17 AM ET
In reply to mssewcrazy

Would need to know the value of the item.. if not of high value there would be no customs due.. Paypal doesn 't collect customs btw.. You would get an invoice from USA customs I believe.
Be aware that it will take a long time to get your shipment.. thats why I hate to buy from overseas buyers I do not know.. Often paypal time limits for filing a claims for goods not received are expired before you get the item.. That is not the sellers fault.. It just naturally takes more time to receive a shipment from overseas.. Tracking these items can be impossible too btw. Be sure and research the site you are buying from..
  
Member since 3/4/03
Posts: 2634
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Posted on: 12/6/10 11:15 AM ET
In reply to poorpigling
The value is under $10 for a used magazine excluding shipping fee which is a bit over $10. If the trade does not work out I would not pursue for such a small amount. I was afraid I would get some sort of exorbitant fee tacked on. The item is coming from Russia. I am ok with slow delivery as I have lots of other things going on for with my extended family. Thanks for the information-I am swimming in unknown waters here. I have ordered things from Canada without issue. Obviously I am out of my league ordering internationally.
  
Member since 5/27/09
Posts: 1175
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Posted on: 12/6/10 12:24 PM ET
I ordered internationally unintentionally.... it wasn't posted on the site that it was out of the USA.

When I got my credit card bill, there were several extra charges... for taxes twice & another for customs. Sure added up. Now I will find out where the site is before ordering & won't order is it's overseas.

My credit card said I couldn't contest all those charges cause it's law & not fraudelent.
  
Member since 3/4/03
Posts: 2634
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Posted on: 12/6/10 12:46 PM ET
In reply to NM gal
Thanks for telling of your experience. I was hunting the turtle neck issue of burda style but have now decided I have an old pattern simp 9320 hoax by Mary Duffy that would probably work better for me.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56590507/no-9320-simplicity-pattern-full-figure
The neck is not as high and it probably wouldn't be as fitted which for my everyday use around home, not showcasing some lumps and bumps in cheap knit muslins would be fine and I already own it unused. Besides someone may list the burda issue at a later date. I am not sewing the top right now just thought I might like to try it at some point and would stash it. Thanks for the advice. I am skipping the russia purchase.
  
Member since 9/3/06
Posts: 8552
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Posted on: 12/6/10 1:50 PM ET
In reply to mssewcrazy
I've ordered dvd's, books and cd's from Amazon UK and had no extra charges. I just received a Knipmode from Germany and I'll double check my statement, but I don't believe that incurred any extra charges beyond the shipping costs. I ordered it and a Butterick pattern on the same day and they arrived the same day, but shipping from western Europe is probably a little faster than from eastern areas.
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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 3/4/03
Posts: 2634
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Posted on: 12/6/10 2:31 PM ET
In reply to jannw
Nice to know that UK and Germany would be ok for buying small items. I usually don't look outside the US for items but have bought some burda and a few popular oop patterns from a Canadian seller and have been very pleased.
  
Member since 12/10/05
Posts: 1221
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Posted on: 12/6/10 3:30 PM ET
If you are in the US you might want to watch out for extra postage charges for security scanning of parcels. These extra charges just came into effect in late November, so not everyone selling stuff online may know about them yet.

From Australia any parcel going to the USA that weighs more than 450g (1 pound) has an extra $9 postage added to it because of extra scanning that the US is insisting on. I presume other countries have added similar charges. Here in Australia the charges don't apply to businesses that have postage accounts, but they would apply to private individuals posting items you purchased through Ebay, Etsy or the like.
  
Member since 3/4/03
Posts: 2634
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Posted on: 12/6/10 9:48 PM ET
In reply to Vireya
This is new to me the scanning fee. I am glad I asked about the customs and fees on here. Something new and unexpected always seems to be adding on.
  
Member since 4/24/02
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 12/7/10 0:07 AM ET
It might be easier to post a wanted ad in the PR classifieds if you change your mind and want the Burda issue.

Penny
  
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