Online ordering from the States - any advice?

[toky]

Never done it before and a bit nervous - also worried about extortionate shipping costs, although I know a lot of people do it so it can't be that much of a rip-off, can it? Thought I'd choose a vendor who sells via amazon.com. Any pitfalls?

What is it you're getting?
If it's worth more than ...£14 about $25 you used to have to pay VAT/import duty on it. I have been stung for this many times when relatives sent me gifts (and the limt there was $50... )
Bit obvious, but don't get anythign electrical, either!

A hair product (see this thread ) - $4.17. Sound ok?

Should be OK as long as you don't order too much, too big a parcel etc. I've ordered from amazon.com loads of times and only got caught out once when I ordred about 6 DVDs together Also ordred melatonin from USA on internet, no problem.

shipping costs are high and you can get stung for duty so you need to be sure your goods are worth it even if you have to pay the extra. however shippers are canny and I have had stuff through without any bills.

a hair product would be below the duty limit but shipping might still be high. can you ask a friend to bring it back?

just made a big party for over 100 people and bought loads on the net from america, because of the xchange rate alot of good worked out much much cheaper, invitations, balloons, personalised chocolates, etc etc each company was really good but in the main we did speak to the companies on the telephone first to ensure they were bone fide. Good Luck

I was going to get this product too but when I got to the checkout it said shipping $49.30. Can this be right, anyone?? Sleepless, is this the kind of shipping you paid???

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RnB. What was the cost of your order?

I'm always hearing people say they've ordered stuff online from the States - had no idea it was so fraught with danger!

dh orders cds from amazon but the supplier is a shop in the states....he hasnt had to pay anything yet...

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popsycal, what kind of shipping costs does your dh have to pay? I see the product toky's looking for is also being sold via amazon.com - is $49.30 shipping for a $4.17 order normal? How do people save money with these kind of deals? I'm puzzled.

erm...as far as I know, it is pretty standard postage and packaging charges

i will double check with him tonight if you would like me to...

Thanks popsycal - I'm just intrigued - surely with P&P that high, it cancels out any savings you might make?

he buys one cd.....
dont think he would get them though if postage was more than afew quid....

That's what's confusing me. Let me know what he says!

right i have just tried to order 2 cds through amazon from the states
total cost around £10
p+p £3.99......

That sounds more reasonable. Maybe you just need to find a site that doesn't charge so much p&p - I guess that's the vendor's price rather than amazon's. Then again, using an amazon vendor gives you a bit of peace of mind, as you said toky.

we have had no problems ordering through amazon at all.....
and dh uses them A LOT!!