[Elecraft] Re: UK VAT!

[Dave G4AON]

Vic

When I ordered a non Elecraft item (Larry's LP-100 power meter), I 
thought I would save some money by specifying US Postal Service Express 
Mail International where the parcel appears to be sent air mail to the 
UK and then handled by Parcel Force. Unfortunately Parcel Force then 
proceed to slow the process significantly, the initial delays may have 
been a backlog created by the earlier postal strikes, however Parcel 
Force sent a request for payment via Royal Mail 1st class post which 
took 4 days to arrive (no weekends or disputes involved) upon paying the 
vat and £13.50 handling charge via the P/F web site the item would then 
be delivered next day, or the day after (at a further cost of 50p) if 
the item was requested to be left at a local post office for collection. 
The value limit on US Postal Service Express Mail International is $650 
which means it's not suitable for a K3 unless you want to take the risk 
and not have it insured.

UPS Worldwide Express delivery on my K3/100 kit was $171 and much 
faster. The driver wanted payment on delivery with either a credit/debit 
card (and the use of your phone to call UPS on an 0845 number), he gave 
up waiting on the phone and accepted a cheque. It appears they may have 
asked for payment up front from Vic for some reason. The charge for a 
K3/100 kit with accessories ($2488 including shipping) resulted in a 
vat/handling charge of £224. The handling charge was £11, which is 
cheaper than Parcel Force who charge £13.50.

I hope that is useful for those biting their finger nails awaiting a K3 
delivery in the UK.

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80