Hi David, I'm not entirely sure what personal goods value you are allowed these days. As regards recouping the cost of travel, etc., much depends on what you are looking for, and where you shop. Computer accessories from places like CompUSA are usually good value. For example when I was in the Boston area last year, I got 2 Gigabytes of memory for my Toshiba Laptop and saved almost =A3200 on the Misco price. A 300 Gigabyte USB external hard drive cost me a fraction over =A350 - at least half what they cost here at the time. I save another =A370 on an iPod thing my wife wanted compared to the Argos catalogue price. And while I was at it, I had an eye examination, and bought two seriously good pairs of glasses for half of what I would have paid at SpecSavers. Clothes, books and CDs were also on my shopping list, and again prices are at least 25% less that over here. Hotels and eating out in that part of the States is also way less than over here. In fact my hotel room was half the price of a comparable room in the UK, and came with an unlimited broadband connection in the price. Although I was on a business trip, doing the arithmetic, I did actually save the cost of my air fair and accommodation, which allowed me the luxury of hiring a car for the week. George. -----Original Message----- From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David W Wood Sent: 17 March 2007 06:42 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Re: Not quite so George! George< all very true. However, what is the value of personal goods which customs permit you to bring in nowadays - I bet the savings don't outweigh the costs of travel and accommodation? David -----Original Message----- From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of George Bell Sent: 17 March 2007 01:59 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Re: Not quite so George! Hi Christine, I've been 20 years importing equipment from all over the world and have what I'd believe is a fairly good grasp of the UK VAT laws. I'd never claim to be an expert, but preparation and paperwork is vital. Get the paperwork right beforehand, and it saves a bomb. I absolutely insist that any shipping documentation includes the phrase "ARTICLES FOR THE BLIND". So it does not matter if it comes from a private individual, or a huge company. The facts are stated, and AFB gives the import guys the message. But remember, you can only claim Zero Rate of VAT if it is adaptive equipment, such as a Braille display for example. And yes, you are quite right that it's often cheaper to buy in the USA and cover your air fare. (In fact I plan to go to Boston with my wife this year Christmas shopping for the very same reason) So I agree, go there yourself. But then if you were in my position, how much are you paying yourself for 2 or 3 days out of the office? George. -----Original Message----- From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Christine Weetman Sent: 16 March 2007 23:41 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Not quite so George! Hi george, this sounds good in theory, but its a bit dicy, with the right form you may be VAT exempt, but they have the right to open up the package and charge you an opening/packing fee, also a holding fee. Guess they'll get it out of us Some how. George, maybe its easy cut and dry for a business like yours? We worked out that if hubby and son went to the states for a holiday and brought back everything I needed, they would save the airfair so get a free trip! lol Christine W. ----- Original Message -----=3D20 From: "George Bell" <george@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 10:02 PM Subject: [access-uk] Re: Assistive tech and VAT Hi Dean, If you import adaptive technology from the U.S. you can claim zero rate of VAT on import. It takes a little planning, but VAT exemption forms are available. Contact me privately if you need help - george@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx George. -----Original Message----- From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dean Wilcox Sent: 16 March 2007 21:45 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Assistive tech and VAT Hi, I live in the UK and find most assistive tech listed on Ebay is from=3D3D20 the US. Is it treated as standard electrical goods and is there a=3D3D20 max price I can pay? I'm just looking at a few *cheap* Braille=3D3D20 displays but am unsure whether its worth it. I saw a Braille Lite=3D3D20 that went for a decent price the other month but daren't bid! =3D3D20 =3D3D09 ___________________________________________________________=3D 3D 20 Inbox full of spam? Get leading spam protection and 1GB storage with All New Yahoo! 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