Buyer beware when ordering from UK
Apr 4th 2021 | 6:21 am
#1
Thread Starter
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,984
Buyer beware when ordering from UK
I thought I'd share with you a cautionary tale! Last year I bought a radio from the UK and had it delivered to Belgium. Of course we were in the Brexit transition period and and there were no duties involved. The radio has a problem and I need to get it fixed under guarantee that can only be done by sending it back to the UK factory. No problems with the manufacturer. There are no authorised repair centres in Belgium.
You'd think it would be easy to do that but with the new customs regulations it is a real problem. I contacted the customs service and to cut a long story short this is not easy. Even though it's not being imported permanently into the UK and just being fixed and sent back to me, where Ive had it from the start.
However they say it is still an import and various forms and procedures have to happen. Including a potential wait for an application for paperwork to come back which could take at least 4 weeks. Do that then this can be attached to the parcel to be examined by the customs.
​​​​​​Th en there is a problem, of it coming back through Belgian customs!!
The result is I'm not sending it - it's just too much hassle and potential cost.
I figured out a way to fix it myself.. but now I think buying from the UK (even if you've paid the duty) is a problem if you ever need guarantee work.
So be aware....
Jon
You'd think it would be easy to do that but with the new customs regulations it is a real problem. I contacted the customs service and to cut a long story short this is not easy. Even though it's not being imported permanently into the UK and just being fixed and sent back to me, where Ive had it from the start.
However they say it is still an import and various forms and procedures have to happen. Including a potential wait for an application for paperwork to come back which could take at least 4 weeks. Do that then this can be attached to the parcel to be examined by the customs.
​​​​​​Th en there is a problem, of it coming back through Belgian customs!!
The result is I'm not sending it - it's just too much hassle and potential cost.
I figured out a way to fix it myself.. but now I think buying from the UK (even if you've paid the duty) is a problem if you ever need guarantee work.
So be aware....
Jon
Apr 4th 2021 | 5:56 pm
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,759
From: Land of no recession
Re: Buyer beware when ordering from UK
I thought I'd share with you a cautionary tale! Last year I bought a radio from the UK and had it delivered to Belgium. Of course we were in the Brexit transition period and and there were no duties involved. The radio has a problem and I need to get it fixed under guarantee that can only be done by sending it back to the UK factory. No problems with the manufacturer. There are no authorised repair centres in Belgium.
You'd think it would be easy to do that but with the new customs regulations it is a real problem. I contacted the customs service and to cut a long story short this is not easy. Even though it's not being imported permanently into the UK and just being fixed and sent back to me, where Ive had it from the start.
However they say it is still an import and various forms and procedures have to happen. Including a potential wait for an application for paperwork to come back which could take at least 4 weeks. Do that then this can be attached to the parcel to be examined by the customs.
​​​​​​Th en there is a problem, of it coming back through Belgian customs!!
The result is I'm not sending it - it's just too much hassle and potential cost.
I figured out a way to fix it myself.. but now I think buying from the UK (even if you've paid the duty) is a problem if you ever need guarantee work.
So be aware....
Jon
You'd think it would be easy to do that but with the new customs regulations it is a real problem. I contacted the customs service and to cut a long story short this is not easy. Even though it's not being imported permanently into the UK and just being fixed and sent back to me, where Ive had it from the start.
However they say it is still an import and various forms and procedures have to happen. Including a potential wait for an application for paperwork to come back which could take at least 4 weeks. Do that then this can be attached to the parcel to be examined by the customs.
​​​​​​Th en there is a problem, of it coming back through Belgian customs!!
The result is I'm not sending it - it's just too much hassle and potential cost.
I figured out a way to fix it myself.. but now I think buying from the UK (even if you've paid the duty) is a problem if you ever need guarantee work.
So be aware....
Jon
Apr 4th 2021 | 7:16 pm
#3
Thread Starter
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,984
Re: Buyer beware when ordering from UK
Of course you know these problems in Gib. I'm in the learning phase...
Ive bought stuff this year internationally from laptops to Bluetooth earphones to...... Soft close toilet seats!
The ebay global shipping programme works well - one knows up front what the cost is going to be. (Even though I sometimes question the amounts, I suspect some profit is being taken here). So I only buy from their suppliers if they participate in this. It is a smooth process, delivered at home - all sorted no surprises (Its something Ive learned - so is a similar requirement for me for other companies like e.g Amazon. Get costs and paperwork sorted up front - if the supplier doesn't do it, avoid them IMO )
I often buy from the UK as the price is often cheaper than 'the continent' even with the delivery charges. (I dont know why). Lately Ive bought stuff from the UK and still got a better price, even with delivery plus duty charges.
However anything technical where I want guarantee support, means that I will check if there is a non-UK and in-EU service centre that honours the international guarantee. The second learning this year. Its not worth the hassle IMO without these 2 requirements covered. Im sure there's more in 'the woodwork' to discover.
Just sharing these experiences...if anyone has had similar experiences and have tips, please let us know.
Jon
​​​​​​
Ive bought stuff this year internationally from laptops to Bluetooth earphones to...... Soft close toilet seats!
The ebay global shipping programme works well - one knows up front what the cost is going to be. (Even though I sometimes question the amounts, I suspect some profit is being taken here). So I only buy from their suppliers if they participate in this. It is a smooth process, delivered at home - all sorted no surprises (Its something Ive learned - so is a similar requirement for me for other companies like e.g Amazon. Get costs and paperwork sorted up front - if the supplier doesn't do it, avoid them IMO )I often buy from the UK as the price is often cheaper than 'the continent' even with the delivery charges. (I dont know why). Lately Ive bought stuff from the UK and still got a better price, even with delivery plus duty charges.
However anything technical where I want guarantee support, means that I will check if there is a non-UK and in-EU service centre that honours the international guarantee. The second learning this year. Its not worth the hassle IMO without these 2 requirements covered. Im sure there's more in 'the woodwork' to discover.
Just sharing these experiences...if anyone has had similar experiences and have tips, please let us know.
Jon
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Last edited by Jon-Bxl; Apr 4th 2021 at 7:23 pm.
