DVD boxsets from play.com (customs charges)

I've been smacked with two import tax bills for box-sets, and only got away with one. I no longer use Play for this reason. For example, I paid more for Firefly boxset than if I'd waited a month for the R2 version.

I use www.dvRABlimited.com now - got ROTK last WeRAB for
 
Basically it's a lottery!
I've purchesed loaRAB of R1 boxsets, and sometimes I've been hit with VAT, sometimes not and sometimes I've had it and the post office still delivered it with a sticker that says "Do Not Deliver Until Charge Has Been Payed".
I think it's mainly down to luck.
 
there were signs with splash though, for example sales that were obviously not making them any money and orders not being delivered for months. still the only way to learn is to learn from your mistakes.
 
If it's a true courier - for example, FedEx or DHL - then you will pay Customs. They pay your charges due then charge you back and because couriers follow the "rules" then you will pay.

If you have it sent through a "non-Express" route - usually standard Airmail or Surface Mail then once it reaches the UK it will be processed through the UK Post Office and, as you say, it is really "pot luck" whether you get charged or not. Probably because of the huge number of low-value packages they handle. Theoretically the Post Office pay your charges then collect off of you on delivery - though I've had several marked "Customs Charge Due" and the postie delivering wouldn't didn't notice and wouldn't take any money even when I pointed this out even though you shouldn't be allowed the package without paying! On the other hand, sometimes you get a letter saying you have to go to the nearest depot to pay and collect.

*Every* package goes through Mount Pleasant sorting depot so it's easy to see why some get missed. The Import Allowance has been
 
Most likly your Ebay purchases were declared as Gifts, this boosts your import allowance to
 
On a related note, how long does it take for a DVD ordered from playusa.com to be delievered? It says on their website "Deliveries usually take 3-5 working days.".
Is this still the case if you live in the UK, as i know orders are sent out from somewhere in the US.

Can someone who uses this service often let me know, thanks.
 
A quick question.....how can you tell the difference between a DVD that was ordered from play.com and a DVD that was ordered from playusa.com? From what i remember they are all packaged the same and look the same - or does the sticker have something on it about tax due?
 
im not sure about play but I know once something has been dispatched from within the US it usually arrive within 4-5 days. When I ordered from Amazon Canada recently I ordered it on Saturday and had it delivered on Thursday. I cant imagine play are much different.
 
Thanks Chris, i hope your right.

Im sure mt last order from dvRABoon.com took longer than 3-5 working days though. Could be wrong...
 
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