Rapala plugs

[richard lawrence]

I've been looking at Rapala plugs on the internet trying to find a bargin or two and have noticed that in the States they are much much cheaper. Does anybody have any idea why we are expected to pay so much more for the same product. I can't believe that it's just postage.

e.g. Rapala Sliver 13 UK price about £12.99
price in the States about £3.90p!!!!!!

More to the point has anybody got any experience of ordering plugs from the states e.g. good web sites etc.

Cheers.

[sallysludgebucket]

I ordered a load of hooks that were not yet available in the UK, I asked for the seller to mark the package as "GIFT" which means that it may not be considered for import tax. I know if its electrical or its expensive etc they are pretty hot on it, but I have never had any bothers.

I cant remember the weights and prices exactly, but if its a certain size package it just goes in a one price envelope, next weight bracket is around £15, I always ask for goods to make up the weight.

Fleebay is OK if you really check out the feedback and places the seller is prepared to post.

[smiley73]

i used to buy optics (hunting scopes) from the u.s... and even with the duty, which you wont miss if the item is of high value, you can make huge savings!

e.g weaver grand slam 4-20.. u.k £360.. u.s import (with duty and postage) £250

most stuff comes in on containers and customs just scan the bill of contents.. a bill will arrive at some stage, mine always did. but.. it always worked out cheaper!

the trick if you are spending over £30 is to e-mail the comany/seller and ask them to send via u.s postage.. this comes through as normal mail via royal mail. you may get hit with a couple of quid from royal "snail" to handle it from the import depot to your door, as no contract (or fee) is made to royal mail if you pay for postage from the states to your door. hence the fee.

most u.s small comanys will allow you to requiest u.s mail postage. customs and excise caught on to the "gift" label yonks ago, and these stick out like a sore thumb heading throught customs.

if its off e-bay your laughing as the seller will be using u.s postage.. which is missed/overlooked much less than courier. if its a private sale, ask them to lower the sale price of the items. most are symapthetic to us getting stuffed in the u.k.. no one likes tax.

you can get some real bargans on the u.k ebay though.. have a look for jersey and guernsey sellers.. i just bought 10 yo-zuris (all around 1-1-1/2oz) for £60 posted. £5 a lure!

or, befriend someone from the states on here. most u.s postage is free and they can send it onto you via a paypal payment to include postage to the u.k, with a note saying "second hand" lures, sold $5. you can help them out the sameway with imems unavailable in the u.s.

been doing this with a couple of guys stateside and its working out well for each end

h.t.h, al

[Superged]

Sorry to be the dull financial adviser but you are discussing tax evasion in an open forum.

[richard lawrence]

Thanks for the replies. I'm trying to get in touch with Bass Pro in the states to give me some postage rates. They seem geared up for international sales.

Regarding the tax, for me it's not really an issue. VAT on £20 worth of lures is only about £3.50. That still results in pottentially £60 worth of lures at UK prices for less than £25.

The real point is why are certain items of fishing tackle so much more expensive over here. It's not just the VAT and postage!

We are being taken for a ride me thinks!

[smiley73]

Sorry to be the dull financial adviser but you are discussing tax evasion in an open forum.

i wont tell em if you dont....

a hand full of lures is slightly different to £5000 worth of hooky "flea bay" memory sticks me thinks, but i see your point.

only three things certain in life.. tax,death, and fishing.

[fargo]

I could be worng, but I was told the amount on the customs for should be the manufacturing cost - not the retail cost - can anyone confirm whether this is true or complete rubbish ?

[Superged]

rubbish its based on the retail

[bil]

Ooooh yes, must make sure that you pay well for everything. Going abroad has opened my eyes to how badly we are gouged for the priviledge of living here.

After you have been taxed white, businesses get to charge you outrageously for goods that are a fraction elsewhere.

There is no great risk to ordering from overseas. I've just got together with a mate to get some Tasmanian Devils from Australia. MUCH cheaper that way, even with all the associated taxes and postage.

You asked why this is. My personal opinion is that they figure they have us trapped here, so they can gouge us as they wish.

My son in law goes to France for cheap booze, and he tells me it is now worth your while to drive there, and fill the car with nothing but mineral water!

Personally I want out of this country as fast as I can.

[richard lawrence]

The answer has to be vote with your keyboard!

Bass Pro (www.basspro.com) in the States seem to offer the following as far as I can gather:-

Rapala Sliver 13 about £3.60p
Post per lure if you buy 12 is 40p. (cheaper if you buy more!)
VAT on lure is 63p (in the event that customs find your package and claim the VAT.)

Grand total £4.63p

Rapala Sliver UK RRP £12.99

Get your bargins now while exchange rates are good.

Need I say any more?