Was wondering if anyone could shed some light with these when it comes to watches.
Seems like many times when you are surfing around different watch websites, or are
on ebay, that Customs, and VAT taxes come into play, along with various shipping costs
also. Just basically wanted to know how all of this worked, and if any of you have had
experience with the different taxes ! Also how do the various VAT taxes differ around
the world ? For instance, they have them in Germany, but are they also in the U.K. or
in Asia ? ..In addition, how do customs, and even shipping come into play ?

Just thought this was interesting to think, and talk about everyone.

this is a good question tom, i just sold a watch to a guy in sweeden and he told me the sales tax would be 25% of the selling price!! i know prices are diferant in other countries. as far as customs goes, the only dealings ive had with them was my benarus megladon. which was held in custom for close to 3 weeks due to the value benarus put on the watch ($150.00) soon as they looked at the watch they knew that was b.s. so they went to there web site and saw the price was a $1,000 so they wanted me to pay tax on that even when i had proof i only paid $650.00 it was a big fricking mess, finally i had to pay $50.00 to customs and got my watch. that is why to this day benarus will not ship from the factory. well thats all i know tom maybe someone else can be more helpful. steve

i never buy from overseas due to this....

VAT is only in Eroupe, if you have a US address the VAT is not charged correct?

I have never paid customs or taxes on anything shipped from overseas. I think only certain carriers charge this? It just never comes up.

I have bought from Germany on 2 occasions. No VAT but I did have to pay FedX a fee after delivery. Each time it was around $35.00-$45.00. The price was based on the cost of the watches. I believe it covers the delivery and import costs. Not a big deal but a fee you need to be aware of.

Awesome info guys ! Have been curious about all of this for a while now, and much like
Eric, didn't want to have to worry about running into any problems at some time down the
road. That scenario with your Benarus was really something there Steve. It's the kind of
thing that can definitely cause some stress. Even hearing about the taxes that other people
have on their watches, like when you shipped that watch to Sweden was extremely interesting
to know also. Wow ! Definitely will have to keep all of this in mind if ordering something in the
future.

Gary, seems like you have had a pretty good experience so far. VERY interesting sir !

John, and Chris..those FedEx fees are good to know about as well. Never knew about any
of this to be honest with you guys !

Thanks again for shedding light on all of this everybody. It's really good to know imho !

As far as I know the VAT is just a European Union thing. Each country there has a different rate at which items coming into their counrty are taxed. The VAT is waived for buyers in the US as far as I know. Buying or selling a watch from or to Europe can get a little dicey though. One guy joined this forum to try and buy a vintage watch I have. It would have been shipped to Italy and he would pay tax based on the value of the watch. The guy tried to lowball my price (remember, the watch was'nt listed for sale-he inquired about buying it from me). On top of that he wanted me to list the item as watch parts with $25 value. I told the guy to pack sand, it kind of pissed me off. I have received a couple import duty bills from the shipper, but they were'nt more than about $30 bucks or so, (both instances were watches purchased from dealers in Germany.)

Because my wife is from Greece, we ship quite a few things outside the USA. Usually shipping kills us, but always declare the minimum amout for a particular item. A neighbor of my wife's family wanted to buy a guitar from a shop in Maryland that has an ebay store. We bought it and shipped it to him. He had to pay some tax, but much less since it was labled as a gift and the price set to the minimum possible (or max before being subject "all that VAT/tax crap".

I sold my TAG Heuer Monaco to a guy in the UK. I put on the customs form that it was a spring mechanism valued at $25. No problems on his end.

So effectively I'm telling you that I am a liar to avoid taxes. SCREW THE MAN!

Buyer and/or possibly Poli is screwed, he must have agreed on the 25 dollars! If shipping out of country i put what the watch is worth just in case its lost, if its someone i know then we can work a deal! But if the buyer has paypal or his credit card used through paypal stop payment for never receiving the watch you get you're 25 bones back on a SOH! Always insure it for the value and if the person doesnt want to pay for it sale it in the states but still insure the watch!

TREMENDOUS information Poli, Alan, and Trevor !!!! Thank you very much for your feedback,
as well as different answers, solutions, and tips with this. It's extremely interesting, AND helpful in my
opinion !!!! ..Thanks again !

Insurance is for the shipper, so that's up you as the seller. I am always clear in my transactions so there is no problem later on.

Do what you feel is right for your circumstances.