|
|
PSYSHADOW Regular user England 196 Posts |
Here is a warning to U.K. buyers of effects from the States. Be alert to the high charges you are likely to pay when importing your latest effects.
I've just taken delivery of two orders from Hocus-Pocus who, for some reason, don't notify you as to what you'll be charged for postage but, instead, have a free hand to deduct it from your credit card. Nor do they send you a receipt with the goods. Here is a breakdown of my cost's for each item received within the last week : 'ZIBIT' Cash price $375. Weight of package : 2 LBS. Hocus-Pocus postage : $89. Import charges : $74. Total : $538. 'SPIRIT TELEGRAPH' Cash price : $450. Weight of package : 5 LBS. Hocus-Pocus postage : $90. Import charges : $106. Total : $646. Although delivery was fast and the products are great, you must bear in mind the actual cost's, hidden and otherwise, that you will encounter before you receive your cherished effect. Be careful and have fun.
Peace in the World - or - the World in Pieces
|
deadcatbounce Special user the Wilds of Ireland 863 Posts |
PSYSHADOW,
A lesson learned, heh? When dealing with suppliers, esp in the US, very often, they have an automated system which is tied into the weight and size of your packaged object, and this is calculated by software, sometimes tied into USPS or DHL, for example. On your items, you were charged a fair price - perhaps you hadn't reckoned on charges for customs clearance, handling, duty, VAT. Don't forget you pay VAT (15%) on the cost of the goods AND the shipping. $89 for 2lbs - $90 for 5 lbs - that doesn't look like a computer worked that one out tho'! There's not a lot you can do about customs charges, unless you resort to skulduggery, and you have to involve the sender in your skulduggery also. Larger, established companies are less likely to engage in skulduggery. If you have a relative, or contact in the US, it may be less expensive for them to purchase on your behalf and send the item on to you. If they get confused, and list the value of the goods as $90 instead of $900, its' likely you'll pay no duty. If you see what I mean. I just paid $50 shipping on the big Al Baker book - but it was still a better price than buying it in the UK. Incidentally - I'm no skuldugger - just passing the message on.... Regards, DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
|
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
If you are going to order from a company in the US, always call them to find out what the delivery charges are going to be.
Regarding receipts, I have always gotten big yellow receipts with my orders from Hocus Pocus.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
PSYSHADOW Regular user England 196 Posts |
Hi guy's,
Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately, deadcatbounce, I have no one in the States (or anywhere else for that matter) to buy on my behalf. Wish I lived that side of the pond, but there you go ! Yes, I had reckoned on the charges. The point of my posting was really to alert perhaps 'Newbies' as to what charges they can expect when ordering. So unless it is something they REALLY want, they'd perhaps be better to think twice. In my case, it was items I really wanted, and cannot fault them in any way. No Bill, there wasn't any receipts, yellow, polka-dot, or anything else. 'Makes it a bit difficult when adding the items to the insurance policy when there's no proof of purchase.
Peace in the World - or - the World in Pieces
|
deadcatbounce Special user the Wilds of Ireland 863 Posts |
You have an INSURANCE POLICY? For your PROPS? Or is it a general household and goods affair????
:) DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
|
PSYSHADOW Regular user England 196 Posts |
Household at moment DCB, but itemised specialities, and more valuable items, can be added as extra.
Peace in the World - or - the World in Pieces
|
deadcatbounce Special user the Wilds of Ireland 863 Posts |
Ok.. You think they'll cough up full whack for your Zibit, in the event of it being stolen by some degenerate?
And - how would you describe it, on the claims form, is what I'm wondering. A tool of your trade, perhaps? :) DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
|
PSYSHADOW Regular user England 196 Posts |
Yes DCB. Described as 'Magic Illusion' Covers everything.
Peace in the World - or - the World in Pieces
|
Faulkner Loyal user New Orleans 249 Posts |
Perhaps you could contact them and ask for a receipt, they tend to give them so there could have been human error. I understand your shipping costs being a problem but I am sure they will send you a receipt.
|
takeachance Inner circle 3764 Posts |
If they use UPS then you are going to be charged like a wounded bull. UPS have their own customs clearence division so they charge again as an agent for clearing your items through(and nothing will get past them as its more money to them). You are certainly going to pay more than top dollar using them. Before buying from the States ensure it goes by USPS priority mail or express (still sooo much cheaper than UPS)and the cost will be signifcantly less. Failing that, use the Mob, they are much more honest and straight forward to deal with than UPS
|
PSYSHADOW Regular user England 196 Posts |
LOL @ takeachance !
Love it ! Unfortunately, Hocus-Pocus don't offer such an option, so it's UPS with them or nothing. What a pity they don't consider their customers a bit more, we don't all have loads of money, but that's the world we live in. By paying vast amounts on postage ect, don't they realise that the extra money would have been used to purchase even more from them if they chose more sensibly priced carriers ? Knowing the postage before placing orders would also be helpful in evaluating whether or not an item is ultimately going to be worth it, or whether you're going to get creamed off in 'actual' charges. Oh well.
Peace in the World - or - the World in Pieces
|
Martino Special user Manchester, UK 928 Posts |
PSYSHADOW,
I had this issue with Hocus Pocus once. I felt the postage they had charged was unreasonable (especially when I could see the actual shipping cost on the envelope). I contacted them and complained, I presented my case for the actual shipping cost and got a refund of the difference to my credit card. Never used them since. Now I pretty much always use Denny & Lee's. Their shipping costs are fair and he always tells me in advance what the postage charge will be (when I ask). Regards, Martin.
"There's a difference between not knowing how something is done and knowing it can't be done!" - Simon Aronson
|
PSYSHADOW Regular user England 196 Posts |
Hi Martino,
It's so difficult to know where to lay your trust these days. Yup, that sounds good, I'll check out their site. Many thanks.
Peace in the World - or - the World in Pieces
|
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-11-21 05:17, PSYSHADOW wrote: I've done a HUGE amount of business with Hocus Pocus over the past five years. Call them and tell them that there was no receipt. Be sure to speak with Paul Gross. This is very unlike them, as far as the receipt is concerned.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Russell Davidson Inner circle Hampshire, England 1108 Posts |
Ok guys, here's the deal. Customs charges are a bit of a lottery in the U.K. Sometimes you'll get clobbered, other times the package can sail through & no charge is applied. That's just down to luck. However, if you request that the sender marks the item as a gift rather than goods then no charges will be incurred. Hope this helps.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The side walk shuffle » » Warning to U.K. buyers. (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |