Do these items attract duty on delivery?
Thanks
Debbie
I would like to order something, clothes from Marks
Yes. VAT and an admin charge from DHL (who m&s use for posting).
VAT is chargeable when the total costs of the goods PLUS postage exceeds approx 62 chf. Watch out as DHL make up fantasy prices for postage .. so despite my last M&S shipment showing postage clearly at £20.20, DHL converted this into 48 chf worth of postage for the purposes of the total value for VAT charge. Needless to say, I had a "word" with them about this.
That's weird because all my orders from Marks and Spencer have been delivered by 'La Poste'. I've never had anything from them that's been delivered by DHL.
You do have to pay the tax though if you exceed the limit and they choose you package for inspection. It's pot luck with the post office and so you may get away with it or you may not.
But the real scam with Marks (unless they have very recently changed it) is that whilst they "don't charge VAT" they leave the price the same as if they did. Apparently this profitable sideline for them is down to not having the right software able to cope with this.
Their response "Thank you for your email about VAT on international deliveries.
All our prices for orders delivered within the EU include VAT where applicable. The VAT rates will vary by country but our prices remain unchanged. For orders delivered outside the EU, VAT is not charged although the price shown on the website remains unchanged. "
So UK 'VAT' equivalent on top of Swiss import duties and handling not quite so attractive.
This was the first time DHL delivered .. but then I hadn't ordered something for perhaps 10 months or so, so thought in the intervening time, they must have changed courier. Never had a problem with Swiss post - and infact a couple of deliveries slipped through that should have carried duty.
But with the cheapest pair of hold ups in Manor starting at 23 chf, you're still winning hands down even with VAT, MWst and admin fees (2 pairs for £6 at good old M&S)
I've ordered many times from Marks and Spencers and paid duty when it was over £40 (including postage). We tend to place large orders and pay the duty as it still works out far cheaper then here (and despite what they say on their website I have had books, toys, sheets, wrapping paper, cards etc all sent).
The one exception was when I ordered two duvets which arrived within 2 days and were delivered by DHL. The cost of the duvets and postage was £35 and DHL charged me £18 in a bill which was sent two weeks later. Again this was still cheaper than buying here and I got the correct size.
This is my philosophy too. I usually make a couple of big orders per year and pay the duty on what I order. It's still worth it to me to have nice stuff that fits well and still works out cheaper than buying the equivalent items over here.
Well I just love to visit the UK, grand-children, friends and all - so I just buy when I am there Or I order via my French friend who lives very close.
Next time BM we could do a joint order and order via my French friend
I have ordered a few things from M&S. Delivery by post and have always had to pay duty. it irritates me a bit about the VAt but it is still better than buying the poor quality, ill fitting stuff here. I also go back to the UK a least twice a year for 'a big shop' . and to visit family and friends of course.