Just a quick check

[toanjuice]

Iv read at multiple places that tells me different things concerning ordering in abroad. I wanted a tm high cycle Aug that seems to have disappeared everywhere in the UK. I may have to resort to ordering it internationally. However, assuming I have ukara membership, would I have to pay for anything else apart from shipping cost?

 

[Alex The Destroyer]

you could get a customs charge which can run from £5-over £100 and it just takes a long ass time.

 

[toanjuice]

But I could get charged nothing? Is it possible to find out beforehand

 

[TPI]

No it's Impossible to say if it will be checked that's more than likely especially if it's from the US

 

[Hibernator]

It'd probably be more expensive from the US, and I find every parcel I order from the US gets stopped and charged! My orders from Hong Kong rarely get stopped, but I mainly just order parts/accessories so the value is low.

A big chunky box like an AEG is almost certain to attract HMRC's attention If it does then there are plenty of threads on the subject, but expect to pay 20% extra on the value of the parcel including shipping plus a handling fee from the courier of around £10 - £15. So on a $350 AUG and guesstimating $50 shipping you'd be potentially looking at an extra £60 - £80 depending on the exact figures.

 

[Airsoft-Ed]

I remember once importing a specialist hop rubber for my gas blowback M16 a few years ago, it was only $15, but with shipping, VAT and "freight duty" or some bollocks, it ended up costing me about £60, it was just shameless day light robbery.

I've never ordered anything from the US since. I tend to get lucky when I order from Hong Kong though, I've never had anything from there get stopped and charged, ended up saving about £50 on an ACOG replica, listed as £150 in the UK, I got it for about £95 in total from HK, including all the shipping costs and everything.

 

[ScoobySnacks]

Ordering from the US can be expensive, also Hong Kong. However, if you order in from the EU/EEA then you are not liable for any customs charges. That's where the real savings are to be made.

There are good bi-lingual airsoft sites in Poland, where good prices can be had. Postage isn't cheap, but still cheaper than any purchase from the States.

 

[Airsoft-Ed]

If you're a member of the UK Airsoft Player's Union (UKAPU) then you can get 18% off at Greekairsoft, if I remember correctly.

Only costs £5 a year to sign up too.