Have you bought something xEbay from USA - how does it work please?

[MaggieW]

I've seen something I'd like to buy but not sure how it works with paying any charges when the items arrives in the UK. What am I likely to be charged at this end please? The value of the item is around £45 .

If they mark the customs label as 'gift' I dont think you pay customs charges.
I have bought quite a bit of stuff from America on eBay and theres never been a problem with extra charges other that that stated on the listing.
I buy a lot from America and China and the only item I pay UPS charges on is boxes of fabric from a wholesaler (then the charges are quite high:(.
I buy a lot of buttons and beads from ebay from a seller in China for free delivery and there are never any extra charges.
When I post stuff I make and sell to America I always mark the customs label 'gift'.
hope this helps

I used to buy a lot from the states and tbh it varies. I lived in the countryside and it didn't seem to attract the attention of the PO/customs. Especially small packets via the US postal service. However, on a few occasions I had big boxes come via a courier and they nearly always got stopped.

It really seems to be luck of the drawer, I live in the EU and I know that some American "ghettos" get hit all the time, I think it's seen as an easy mark for the taxman!