Ordering online from England. Any hidden costs?

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<p>I found some stoneware in England for much cheaper than in the US, and they only charge $50 for shipping.
Question is, are there going to be extra fees for importing it into the US? Is there anything else I should be worried about?
A well known china shop here verified the place exists, and said the prices are cheaper than they get wholesale to US.</p>

<p>Thanks for any advice you can give.</p>

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<p>I’ve been ordering books from Amazon.co.UK for years and never had any problem. Go for it.
(Is it Denby? Love the stuff.)</p>

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<p>How are you paying? If by credit card you might get hit with a 3% (or more) foreign exchange fee from your credit card company. I am not sure about duties.</p>

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<p>Dmd77 - yes, it’s Denby Azure Coast. Do you know any cheap places to get it in the US? Smith’s in California is cheaper than most places, and occasionally it is on oVerstock, but t a place called John Lewis it’s much cheaper than here.</p>

<p>Njres - I think I will call my card company to see if they charge extra fees.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>I’ve ordered mugs and tea from England. With shipping they were kind of pricey, but there were no surprise fees.</p>

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<p>I just learned that on cardhub.com, you can look at lists of credit cards and see which charge foreign transaction fees - see if a card you have is on there and use that one. :)</p>

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<p>Capitol One and Schwab are among the ccards without foreign trans fees I believe but safest to double check. Would also check with the UK store about customs to US. They should know and share info with you. Also ask about whether there are any other fees or charges and get written response.</p>

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<p>You will have to pay duty, if there is any.</p>

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<p>You can import goods worth up to $2500 without having to make a formal entry with Customs. You will have to pay duty if the goods are dutiable (and stoneware from Great Britain is dutiable). If the shipment arrives in the mail, CBP will prepare the paperwork and the USPS will collect the monies owed. If the shipment arrives as air cargo or as part of a consolidated sea cargo shipment, you will have to make informal entry with Customs at the port of arrival. </p>

<p>Here’s a link to a Customs FAQ site about mail entries.
<a href=“https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/126/kw/mail%20entry/sno/1[/url]”>https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/126/kw/mail%20entry/sno/1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>And here’s a link about informal entries.
<a href=“https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/215/kw/informal%20entry[/url]”>https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/215/kw/informal%20entry&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>John Lewis is a very reputable department store.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone. It looks like the duty is only about $65.
From what I understand, I can get the VAT rate back, and that’s $170.
Does anyone have experience with getting VAT back from the UK?
It sound like it will be simple.</p>

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<p>I’ve ordered Denby from here: [url=&lt;a href=“http://www.denbyusa.com/?utm_source=Denby+USA+V.I.P.+Club&utm_campaign=23b1064b50-HALLW3_BOGO_Accessories10_17_2012&utm_medium=email]Home[/url”&gt;http://www.denbyusa.com/?utm_source=Denby+USA+V.I.P.+Club&utm_campaign=23b1064b50-HALLW3_BOGO_Accessories10_17_2012&utm_medium=email]Home[/url</a>]</p>

<p>You should also check prices on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk … I’ve found good prices both places.</p>

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<p>I would have no hesitations on ordering from John Lewis. Very dependable, quality store.</p>