Buying from abroad & customs charges - how does it work?

[perceptionreality]

I don't fully understand this but someone told me if the seller has paid VAT you won't have to pay when you receive the item. Is this true or not?

Hmm, I'm not sure. For instance, I bought textbooks from a major company in America directly for $500, and they shipped them to me with no customs charge. They will have to pay the customs charge in order for you to have no charge to pay.

However, customs are pretty random. Some packages they will check, some they will not.

I warn you though, customs charges can be hefty depending on the item and where it's from.

Yes I have heard of people paying almost as much as the item cost.

It is quite random. Sometimes you get stuff through without a charge being applied and other times they apply the wrong charge and make you fight them!

I have ordered stuff from the states and other places around the world it has come through without a charge being applied. Then when i was pregnant with my DD my sister sent me a bundle of baby clothes she had bought as a present and sone knobhead at customs tried to apply VAT to them. Unfortunately i couldnt get the parcel released until i paid it so i did (nearly £80!!!!!for AUD $200 worth of clothes). I then had to write a bollocky letter to the customs supervisor in my area pointing out that the parcel contained childrens clothes as the examiner must have seen (the parcel had been clearly opened), and that as such they were VAT free which as customs experts they also must have known. I got a letter back eventually stating they concede nothing but there was a refund cheque attached. I think someone had a quota to fill that day.

Am currently contemplating purchasing a Baby Jogger City Select from the US. If it were to get through Customs without a charge it would be a bargin but if it were taxed, it would be about the high street price. Tempting, so so tempting.

how it is when buying something (i need invoice, company use) within europe? can i claim the vat back? any experience?