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Would shipping a 15" across from USA be cheaper?
- Thread starter Zakoth
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Do you mean from one US coast to the other or from the USA to Europe/Africa/Asia/South America/Oceania?
As you would have to declare it at customs, it wouldn't be cheaper.
And it wouldn't be damaged during transport, unless it is carelessly packed.
As you would have to declare it at customs, it wouldn't be cheaper.
And it wouldn't be damaged during transport, unless it is carelessly packed.
The base cost (i.e. the amount you pay to the vendor) will be lower. Essentially you have the base US price ($1800 for the base 15'') instead of the UK price that includes UK VAT and some 10%-20% premium that Apple puts on the prices abroad.
To the base US price you have to add:
- shipping cost (depends on the vendor)
- UK VAT (unless you know a smart way how to avoid paying it - usually you will have to pay it when the product is delivered, and the postal service will collect the money)
- postal service fee to collect the VAT
- other possible fees for importing electronics
- foreign transaction fee on your credit card (1%-3% I would guess)
- a small loss on the exchange rate
Then, you will a) have to wait longer for the product, and b) have a very complicated return process in case there is a problem with the product.
Potential savings:
UK price: 1549 pounds = $2450
US price: $1800
US price + tax (20%) + cc fee(2%) + $50 misc fees: $2250
Not sure if that's worth the hassle.
good explanation
and thats generous too he could pay even more
when i buy stuff online from the States, im in Canada ive paid as much as 37% for duty
But then you can also get the VAT off of a purchase in the UK. Don't forget that the US prices do not include VAT!
The savings will remain marginal I think, less than 10% of the total cost. And there is always an uncertainty in whether they will charge you any duty fees that could be substantial.
No import duties on computers into the EU. Information taken from http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en
I decline responsibility for the accuracy of the above information!
There can still be handling fees.