My Hambleton Hall

[Shelagh]

I maybe wrong here, but I thought that if the parcel was labelled "GIFT" you are not charged customs duty. Worth looking into and talking to your seller.
Shelagh

[Gelfling]

Haha, yes, it might well be worth a try!

[coodencat]

HI I think Irene (Davids mum) has ordered items from the States she may have an idea.
tc carol

[Bluebird]

I don't know how it works, but I have noticed on ebay that some sellers state up front that they won't put 'gift' on the parcel. I'm not sure why.

What a disappointment for you. Still it's worth asking and explaining what has happened. Is there anywhere you can find what things attract VAT?

I hope this isn't rude to ask, but what proportion of the total cost was added on for VAT? We have GST (Goods and Services Tax) here, which is 10% although duties and things are probably different. I know when I have bought from Hobbys they have readjusted prices to remove an English tax because I am out of the country, so that might be worth asking about as well, the same items might be getting taxed at both ends!

[Gelfling]

It's pretty high. I think it's about 18%. Then, I had to pay £8 on top of the VAT charge for it to be delivered, even though I'd already been charged $30 for delivery from America! Crazy.

Anyhow, it's finally finally arrived so I can make a start on furnishing the baby house this weekend - yaaaaaay! I hope I don't break any of the parts as I can't afford for replacements to be sent

[Gelfling]

I've started working on the wee little dining room.

The furniture is just the cutest ever! I don't think I'll be going outside with the full scale people for a while - this is far too absorbing!

[coodencat]

Hi I was chatting to a shop owner about mini minis And she said oh don't bother cos the smaller the item the less it is finished off well, less detail
Well you have by your pics proved her very very wrong cos the detail is amazing on your furniture.
It maybe cos she didn't sell it herself
tc carol

[Bluebird]

Oh my goodness! That is amazing!

I wonder if everyone automatically looks at their finger when looking at that second photo because we all did here!

It's a pity about all the extra charges (how can something so little cost so much to post!) but now that you have them I bet the thrill factor must be worth every penny.

[jeanmtweddle]

Hi Gelfling - just caught up with this thread & love your photograph album. I plan to have pics of my parents in my 1950's shop - just trying to find the right photograph frames.

Also the miniature furniture is amazing.

[Gelfling]

The thrill factor is definately worth it!

I think the metal cast mini minis can look a bit bulky, but the laser cut wooden ones are great. The kits are made really well, everything is very delicate. I can't wait to see what the furniture looks like once I've stained it.

I'm just trying to force myself to do all of my boring jobs today before I can trot off to hobby craft for some more materials and get on with the cabinet