Customs charges

[Angelus Lupus]

(This is further to a discussion Bescherman and I had in the LED hilts thread.)

So I got a letter from customs today, they've got my saber and... yup they want me to pay extra for it. :evil: I have no idea why, but its effectively added over *does currency conversion* $35 to my shipping fee. If I'd wanted them to deliver tomorrow (saturday) it would have cost even more.
Its a shame really, cos it puts a bit of a downer on any future orders from the US, and makes it all the more neccesary to find 1.5" OD tubes this side of the pond.
Still, on the plus side, I'll have my very first saber by monday :D

[vortextwist]

why do they do that to shipping? that sucks. post pics when you get your saber done.

[ti-el_terall]

I live fairly close to Tim, Im just across the border, and I still pay$20-$30 for customs!

[vortextwist]

on top of shippping? that's crazy!

[SaberGirl]

Unfortunatly, customs happens. Its something we all have to deal with. I try and do what I can to keep them down and often they slip through without fees, but I dont have control over when customs decides they want to charge you.

[james3]

Sadly that is pretty much just greedy Bullsnitz on their part.

Bummer for sure.

[supertrogdor]

it is all about tarriffs, free trade within the states, but if other country residents want our products, they have to pay. This is elementary history... why do you think we had a tea party in boston?

[vortextwist]

It was tea time. :lol:

[supertrogdor]

bah, hang the tea, give me a cocoa anyday. As far as i am concerned pitching the tea overboard was definately a good choice

[Angelus Lupus]

post pics when you get your saber done.
I'm not getting parts, I bought one of do-clos sabers off ebay

[vortextwist]

ah cool, which one did ya get? i seen them, I can't beleive his obi mhs one didn't sell.

[ti-el_terall]

Im not complaining. Its better to have it then have no customs at all.

[Angelus Lupus]

ah cool, which one did ya get? i seen them, I can't beleive his obi mhs one didn't sell.

This one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280071090352&rd=1&rd=1)
I liked the fact that it's a heiland, and the colour swung it for me, called lime green, but I prefer to look at it as a darn close match for the 'viridian' from KOTOR II

[vortextwist]

nice one.

[Lord Maul]

that one was one of his cooler sabers. great work on them all do clo :D

[Angelus Lupus]

Best thing is, it should arrive tomorrow :D

[Marsupial]

it is all about tarriffs, free trade within the states, but if other country residents want our products, they have to pay. This is elementary history... why do you think we had a tea party in boston?


Canada have a free trade agreement with the States...

the problem isn't the states holding the saber, its the receiving country's customs asking for fees.
Technically, electronics goods being imported to the country have to be taxed. Also, anything that costs more the 60$ is taxed as if you'd have bought it within the country you'd have taxes added to it.

I had my share of dealing with US saber makers in the past, and can tell you paying extra 15$ on a 40$ driver sucks...

[Angelus Lupus]

So electronics worth more than $60 would get hit twice? That would explain the cost, man that sucks :(

Edit: The saber arrived as promised by customs, but with dead batteries. One quick change later and I get to see what all the fuss over luxeon sabers is all about.
I love it! :D It's the perfect colour, a far more 'earthy' natural green than the 'neon' greens. The heiland handle is in wonderful condition. I even enjoyed reading the funny pages that Do-Clo used as packing in the box (very securely wrapped, no chance of damage in transit at all)
Do-Clo, I thank you.

[vortextwist]

that is awsome, I hope you get the chance to buy or make more, It's addicting.

[Angelus Lupus]

Certainly is! I've only had this thing in my hands for a few hours and already I'm getting ideas. :D