Questions for UK Script Book Buyers

[Jan]

I got an email last night from somebody in the UK who wants to start buying the script books but I want to make sure I've got the answer right before I say anything.

It's my understanding that, since they're books there's no VAT tax, is that correct? What about any duty? Does it make any difference how many there are? What about if they order any quote merchandise along with it?

Or is there some definitive authority I'd be able to ask all this? I remember the issues back when the books first started coming out but that was two years (!!) ago now.

Thanks!

Jan

[Garibaldi's Hair]

You are correct Jan, there is no VAT chargeable on books so as long as Cafepress correctly mark the items as books on the customs declaration there should not be a problem.

However ...

I recently ordered the latest volume, along with a mug from my own store and unfortunately Cafepress completely ignored the book and just declared a single mug as the contents of the package ... but gave the correct total value of around $40. Needless to say I was hit with a VAT charge, which I am currently taking up with them.

Ordering a book and something else should not be an issue (in theory) unless the value of the other items is greater than £18, in which case they would be liable for a customs/VAT charge.

Problem is that Cafepress cannot be relied upon to correctly label goods to ensure that they come correctly through customs at this end.

Incidentally, due to postage delays and a reshipped order, I have ended up with a spare copy of the latest volume (12) which I will happily sell on to a UK based fan for £15 (the same as the first week discount price) and no postage charge if anyone this side of the pond is interested. Just drop me a PM if you are.

I can guarantee no customs problems on this one!

[Jan]

Thanks, GH! Sorry to hear that CP still sometimes has labeling issues.

Jan

[Jan]

GH, I let the Scripts Team know about the VAT issue popping up again and they've asked me to have you write to [email protected] with your order number and explanation of what happened. Put Att: Jaclyn in the subject line and she'll look into it personally. It's important to let them know these things whether it's quality of merchandise or quality of shipping.

Jan

[DeMonk]

Here in Belgium I've always had to pay 10 euros extra for VAT and custom charges (except once, they must have been sleeping).
Any shipment from outside the European community is hit with this tax, even educational books. It doesn't matter what the CP label says. When I complained they said there were NO exceptions.

[Garibaldi's Hair]

Customs charges I can live with ... but in the UK books have always been exempt from VAT, and I object to paying VAT on them just because CP were too lazy to put the book on the label.

That said, Jaclyn at the Scripts team has done an amazing job in getting things resolved for me, so if anyone has any problems do not hesitate, e-mail her straight away ... do not pass Go, do not collect ú200 etc.