Question for UK residents

[Trethowan]

I have a friend who lives in Manchester who is interested in dolls. I recall hearing that there are customs issues for shipping in and out of the UK? Are there any UK based dealers I can give a referral to?

[Vetinari]

There's angelesque: http://www.angelesque.co.uk/

I've bought from her a couple of times, the stuff's always arrived in good time/condition and she's a friendly dealer who's happy to answer questions.

(Though tbh - it's wise to compare her prices to dealers like jeeryama/buying direct. Sometimes you're better off even with the threat of customs.)

[Trethowan]

How bad are the customs fees for you guys?

Ha... I bought a Mirodoll, it was around 200, and the box was marked "plastic artist model" and was priced at 30 bucks. I thought, well, that's one way of doing it.

[ShortNCuddlyAm]

I've just got hit £29 for customs (£15.83 VAT and Parcel Farce's ridiculous handling fee of £13.50) for something form Japan that cost around £126 (doll plus shipping) I also then got stung an additional amount on top for Saturday delivery as that's the only day I could guarantee I'd be around when they delivered . That was for an Obitsu 50cm from Parabox (which worked out the cheapest place as they gave me a discount on the price because the order was over a certain amount...). Even with the customs and redelivery fee it was cheaper than buying it from a European dealer (Think Pink in this case, as Angeleseque don't do Obitsu) - by about £35.

But it depends on the seller. None of my Fairyland orders so far have been hit for customs, for example. If my next one comes through without charges, I'll have to see if they've marked it down.

And I'd also recommend Angelesque. But not for a few more days as she's off on holiday til the 18th...

[victoriavictrix]

How bad are the customs fees for you guys?

Ha... I bought a Mirodoll, it was around 200, and the box was marked "plastic artist model" and was priced at 30 bucks. I thought, well, that's one way of doing it.

Oh man. Treth, you got hosed.

You should NEVER pay US Customs on a doll. Dolls (yes, even BJDs) are toys, and toys are US Customs free. Art supplies, however, are not.

[Trethowan]

How bad are the customs fees for you guys?

Ha... I bought a Mirodoll, it was around 200, and the box was marked "plastic artist model" and was priced at 30 bucks. I thought, well, that's one way of doing it.

Oh man. Treth, you got hosed.

You should NEVER pay US Customs on a doll. Dolls (yes, even BJDs) are toys, and toys are US Customs free. Art supplies, however, are not.

Ah, I'm so sorry. I wasn't being clear. That's what they priced the value of the package for. I'd assumed they did this to avoid paying any fees. I didn't have to pay anything so I guess it was marked 'toy' somewhere.

[victoriavictrix]

How bad are the customs fees for you guys?

Ha... I bought a Mirodoll, it was around 200, and the box was marked "plastic artist model" and was priced at 30 bucks. I thought, well, that's one way of doing it.

Oh man. Treth, you got hosed.

You should NEVER pay US Customs on a doll. Dolls (yes, even BJDs) are toys, and toys are US Customs free. Art supplies, however, are not.

Ah, I'm so sorry. I wasn't being clear. That's what they priced the value of the package for. I'd assumed they did this to avoid paying any fees. I didn't have to pay anything so I guess it was marked 'toy' somewhere.

They probably did. In future, you need to tell them "please mark full value" because otherwise if something arrives broken, $30 would be all you'd get.

[Britaneachgohanasha]

Where to get dolls on web site for free

[Greyhaunt]

Where to get dolls on web site for free

I'm not certain what type of doll you are asking about - but none of them are free. Prices for a ball-jointed doll in resin range from $100 to well over $1000