Minstrels87

Whilst browsing last night I clicked on the ad on the side bar for the "British Corner Store", for a while I allowed myself to be in heaven browsing and filling a box for goodies for xmas. However, before I press send and spend way too much money on bitter lemon and crisps I would be interested to know if anyone else on here has had experience using their service, either positive or negative.

I am wondering if clearing customs / extra handling charges have been an issue. I know I can expect customs charges, I do a lot of shopping from the UK but have never ordered "food" items and am cautious about filling a box full only to face huge extra fees at this end (aside from customs fees).

I am rather hoping folk out there have good experiences as I would so love a box of goodies under the tree to amaze the family with!

Thanks

Former Lancastrian

Is it this website? British Corner Shop (not store).
http://www.britishcornershop.co.uk

Its 30 quid just for delivery taken from the website
A new flat rate of £29.99 for up to 30Kg, means you can now order much more, for a lot less!

Yes the items shipped to Canada would be subject to any duties, taxes (GST,PST,HST) where applicable.

Siouxie

Would you not be better ordering from a Canadian based British store - there are many - and saving on the shipping costs? There are lots of 'Brit' stores you can go into as well.

Which Province do you live in - I am sure people could recommend a local store...

Simon Legree

Bulk Barn also carries a reasonable selection of Brit products.

BristolUK

I have used Canada based "A bit of Home" and some other site that had flowers in the name (flowers and more?) and I have Simply British Foods bookmarked too, although I don't recall using them.

I usually order leading into xmas making up a package and then tinkering with it to get best value, seeing what can be ordered extra that doesn't increase the delivery charges, or what can be taken out that takes a chunk off the overall cost.

Then do something on a different site and see which looks best.

We don't have a British shop here, just Bulk Barn that has a Brit selection and a handful of Brit stuff within the 'world' selection in Superstore and Sobeys.

Don't rule out Amazon either. Things like whisky marmalade may be cheaper from one of the sellers there.

Jingle

My son has just done my 'shop' for me at Waitrose. All the goodies are on their way - should take three days. Cost of goods: £45 Courier: £50 GST will probably run around $8.

Last year I worked out how much it would cost to buy the same things (if they were even available) from British stores in either US or Canada but the (very) inflated cost in British shops in Canada cancels out any savings in shipment. Plus my son gets everything with the longest shelf life and throws in a few surprises!

Yes, in reality it's probably relatively expensive but it's our Xmas treat and it's worked well so far!

J

cheeky_monkey

Many Walmarts have a British section now which stocks more variety than Bulk Barn..and its all bonfida British products shipped in from the UK

Minstrels87

Thanks for the replies, I too have become an adept at sourcing goodies from Bulk Barn and British Stores whenever I come across them, but something about a bulk order of an enormous array of goodies appeals to me (may have been the glass of wine and wallowing in "I'm a Celebrity" on YouTube when I noticed their ad who knows!). I shall take BristolUK's advice and check out some online canadian stores to see if they have what I fancy at better prices.

I think the flat fee of 29.00 GBP for up to 30kg's with "British Corner Store" sound reasonable enough, my concern is being gouged by the courier at this end for "handling charges" (not the customs duty). I have been bitten a few too many times now on this end of things with extra delivery charges that are in addition to the charges at the UK end, and of course once the guy is standing at your door cradling the long desired parcel all you can do is pay, or at least i always do!

I would still love to know if anyone on here has used "British Corner Store" as they advertise on here, hence I noticed them.

Little D

I have used them once and it was great! Great service and didn't have any duty to pay when it arrived.

I will be using them again!

BristolUK

I don't know who it was but I checked out a UK based Brit store and I was surprised by something that was available as I didn't think it was allowed. It wasn't and it's the customer's responsibility to check.

But they (the supplier) should be the experts, after all, it's what they do. But it would still be tempting and ultimately disappointing if it fails.

The advantage of Canada based suppliers is the stuff is already here and, therefore, okay.

One of the things I've missed is the convenience of Colmans cook-in sauces. Most cook-in sauces here are marinades, Thai, Indian and Chinese. Hardly anything French or Italian (aside from pasta sauce).

They do have mixes for pouring sauces - including a Chasseur mix. I experimented with it the other day, mixing it and using it as a cook-in sauce.

It worked very well. So don't rule out the alternatives that are available.

nativenewyorker

A friend has used them and found them really good. She didn't have to pay anything when they were delivered. She said they often have buy one get one free offers as well