Parts through the post from friends/family

[Loose_Cannon]

Hi all. I'm trying to do up my old Firebird, but finding out that shipping costs for quite small parts can be utterly disproportionate. It's frustrating when a company advertises free shipping across a continent but then almost doubles the costs when a trip across the pond is required!

I have a couple of people who are willing to take advantage of free US shipping then just send smaller items across as "gifts". Has anyone had any hassle with this kind of thing, if larger items come across do customs get a bit shirty?

[irocfan]

speak with Ron @ STS Imports - brings a container across about once a month

[Loose_Cannon]

I would certainly see him for larger items like suspension kits or wheels or bulk buys etc etc, but I can't see how it would be cost effective on small to medium stuff once you add in UK postage as well?

An example - a pair of door hinges at $100 which the company ships for free US but want $69 to reach here plus import taxes. Can I realistically expect any savings on that?

[irocfan]

TBH I really don't know - all I know is that the Mustang guys (as well as other Yank owners) swear by him

[hidetheelephants]

Standard USPS international packets are not too pricy, so if it's marked as a gift it might evade HMRC but be prepared for the VAT hit if it gets spotted.

[Loose_Cannon]

Ah well, tried and failed that approach! Matey sent them from his local UPS depot and they ended up costing more than posting direct from the manufacturer and paying duty/VAT! Quite a bit more actually.

It possibly didn't help that he lives in The Middle Of Nowhere, Montana, perhaps postal charges are not uniform geographically over there. Anyhow, next parts will go via STS imports and we'll see how that avenue works!

[300bhp/ton]

If you aren't in a hurry, ask for a quote sending USPS. Most places will want to send it by courier like UPS, which massively increases the price. But some places won't do this sadly.