Amazon.com vs. Amazon.co.uk

[bluraymaniac]

In had ordered some on BDs from amazon.co.uk on 20th Feb showed expected delivery date as 1 March but still not received, should I wait for another 15 days?

contact them they should give u bonus expected date after that date if it still doesnt come they will send again

 

[hellraiserpop]

Ordered some blu rays in both UK and US in December last year. Got everything from UK within a month.
Got my first shipment from US yesterday. Standard shipping in both. Thankfully got full refund from AmUS. So no complaints.

 

[just4kix]

Repeat post ... (please excuse) ... thought that it may be helpful here also.

How many did you order and what was the total damage including customs ?

Is Amazon calculating the customs in the checkout area ?

I bought Lost on Blu-ray which costed me 38.57 including the shipping charges. This was a steal...

Customs duty is not calculated by amazon, they are charged once the shipment arrives in India. Amazon only charges the product cost (minus) VAT (16.66%) + shipping costs.
Your postman will collect the customs duty from you if you are charged. People here have paid as high as 45% of duty, but many a times you may be lucky and not charged a single penny.

You can mark the item as "Gift" when checking out your purchase and may be you are lucky.

No customs at all !! I didn't order these items in bulk, but in separate orders; just to keep a single order cost below than 50 GBP.
However, one order 'Mad Men season 1-5' costed me around 62 GBP, that too came without any customs from Amazon UK.

Generally Amazon US calculates custom charges in the checkout itself, but Amazon UK doesn't...at least for more than 100 Bluray items I have ordered from Amazon UK, there was no custom charge mentioned in the final order amount.

As I mentioned, items from Amazon US were brought by my friend from US, so no extra shipping and custom charge.

If you wanna check more on individual cost of the items I purchased...just look at my signature - My BluRay Collection link. I have updated cost of each item including shipping and everything..just to keep a track on my expenditure on these Bluray discs.

It is different for Amazon.com (US) and Amazon.co.uk. Here is how it works:

Amazon.co.uk (mostly explained above)

• You select items (BDs and DVDs) and place them into the shopping cart.
• At the time of checkout, you can mark the entire set as "gift" (even if to yourself). By marking it as a gift and if the merchandise value is less than INR 5000, you may escape customs duty (but MH people won't).
• When checking out, as per EU laws, you are refunded the VAT when goods are exported. The VAT in UK is 20%.
• Shipping charges are added. These are 1.49 per item plus 2.09 per delivery/package. So if you order 5 BDs via one single delivery, the shipping charges will be 9.54 (1.49x5 + 2.09).
• Customs duty and other charges are not calculated or charged.
• The total amount (base cost + shipping) is charged to the credit card. The Indian Banks charge a 3.5% surcharge on the total converted exchange value as FOREX charges. For example, if the total package value is 35 and exchange rate is 1 = Rs. 85, then your credit card will be charged INR 3079.13.
• Shipment is via Royal Mail till point of entry into India and there on by Indian Postal department.
• There is no shipment tracking available.
• The package arrives at the local head GPO (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkota, Chennai, etc.). The GPO will assess the package for customs and charge roughly 43% as the duty (on basic value + shipping cost). A further charge of Rs. 30 is added for local delivery. But as stated earlier, sometimes you may be exempted from duty.
• When the package arrives (the local postman brings it), and there is duty to be paid, the postman collects it from you.
• Delivery can take anything from 15 days to 45 days - depends on how long the package is stuck in GPO for customs assessment and clearance.

Amazon.com - US Site

• You select items (BDs and DVDs) and place them into the shopping cart.
• At the time of checkout, you can mark the entire set as "gift" (even if to yourself). This makes no difference for customs duty but it is better to do so anyway - customs duty may be refunded as explained later.
• There is no VAT or Sales Tax. So whatever is the website listed price, that is the price you pay. If shipping to US address, a 7% sales tax will be charged extra.
• Shipping charges are added. These are S3.99 per item plus $4.99 per delivery/package. So if you order 5 BDs via one single delivery, the shipping charges will be $24.94 (3.99x5 + 4.99).
• Customs duty deposit is calculated upfront and charged. This is roughly 26% of the base cost + shipping.
• The total amount (base cost + shipping + import duty deposit) is charged to the credit card. The Indian Banks charge a 3.5% surcharge on the total converted exchange value as FOREX charges. For example, if the total package value is $75 and exchange rate is $1 = Rs. 55, then your credit card will be charged INR 4269.38.
• Shipment is via courier companies such as Aramex, DHL, UPS, Fedex, etc. Aramex is the default. The import duty deposit is credited to the courier company for customs clearance. If the package is marked as gift, the customs officer at the airport may waive the customs duty. In that case the amount will be credited to your account (credit card) after 60 days.
• Full delivery tracking is available - from warehouse till the package reaches your home.
• Courier delivers the package to your home. Under most exceptional circumstances, there may be excess customs duty to be paid - basically the difference between the import duty deposit and the actual duty levied. But this is rare and if the courier demands payment, insist on an orifinal customs receipt before paying.
• Delivery can take anything from 3 days to 8 days. Aramex usually takes 7 days, DHL/UPS 3, etc. But the main difference is that, on Amazon.co.uk, the order is shipped within a day or two after placing it while on Amazon.com, they take 3-6 days to prepare the shipment and finally ship it.

Hope this helps all. Expecting "Thank you's". He! He! Just kidding.

 

[technobhatt]

Thanks for your time and efforts just4kix. You really rock !!
Your post is going to be helpful to many people

 

[just4kix]

I have, for the time being, switched to Amazon.com for the following reasons:

a) Better control, known upfront costs
b) Not that I care now because I have region free player, but Region A discs (if any) are playable on both my BDPs
c) The greatest advantage is faster delivery and full package tracking on Amazon.com

Disadvantage: Basic prices in US are much higher. The shipping charges are more too. Here is a price comparison of my wish list (Exchange rate $1=INR55, 1=INR88):

Name......................... US Price... GB Price.... Difference
The Dark Knight Rises.......... $24.96..... 12.75.... Rs. 250.80
Avengers 3D.................... $34.71..... 18.19.... Rs. 308.33
Prometheus..................... $21.96..... 16.99....-Rs. 287.32
Men in Black 3................. $24.98..... 15.00.... Rs. 53.90
IMAX Space Station 3D.......... $38.99.....Not.Avl.
IMAX Under the Sea 3D.......... $20.00.....Not.Avl.
ET............................. $19.99..... 16.99....-Rs. 395.67
Up 3D.......................... $33.86..... 16.25.... Rs. 432.30
Men in Black I/II.............. $27.90..... 7.75..... Rs. 852.50
A Few Good Men................. $12.78..... 7.39..... Rs. 52.58
The Pink Panther............... $11.49..... 9.69.....-Rs. 220.77
Bee Movie...................... $14.99..... 7.00..... Rs. 208.45
The Shawshak Redemption........ $14.99..... 8.00..... Rs. 120.45
Casino......................... $14.99..... 7.49..... Rs. 165.33
The Incredibles................ $30.95..... 9.00..... Rs. 910.25
Green Lantern (Extended Cut)... $14.99..... 7.49..... Rs. 165.33
Taxi Driver.................... $13.99..... 8.00..... Rs. 65.45
Life........................... $44.85..... 12.75.....Rs. 1,344.75

+ve: GB is cheaper, -ve: US is cheaper

 

[just4kix]

Here is the delivery of an order placed on Amazon.com on 11-Nov and delivered today by Aramex without fuss.

Sent from my GT-I9100G using Tapatalk 2

 

[just4kix]

Amazon.com is offering free global shipping for orders worth USD 125 or over. This is a significant saving.

Assuming that average price of a BD is US$ 16, an eight BD order will cross the US$ 125 limit. The price works as follows (US$ 1 = Rs. 54.43):

INR Cost (before customs)......... Rs. 7,210.89
Customs Duty ..................... Rs. 1,874.83
Total Cost ....................... Rs. 9,085.72
Total Items ...................... 8
Per Item Cost .................... Rs. 1,135.71

 

[prasanth.kumar81]

@jmK So generally is it better to get BDs/DVDs Delivered directly by amazon or using aramax?

 

[jbgude]

Sadly Amazon.com has started charging an import fee ! not so with their .UK ...
just go a DVD pkg from AM.UK without the usual Customs charge- though it had come trhrough them( their stamp is on) ...

If anyone needs about $20 or so to top off their order for DVDs, I got a few I need!

 

[just4kix]

Sadly Amazon.com has started charging an import fee ! not so with their .UK ...
just go a DVD pkg from AM.UK without the usual Customs charge- though it had come trhrough them( their stamp is on) ...

If anyone needs about $20 or so to top off their order for DVDs, I got a few I need!

Actually, Amazon.co.uk is a double whammy, especially in case of MH state (read the "Customs duty" thread). Amazon.co.uk may not be charging duty but when the package lands up at Mumbai GPO, the Posts department levies 43% to 48% duty on the package. Also see post # 23 above.

Other states have excaped duty. Touch wood. I have switched from Amazon.co.uk to Amazon.com, even though Amazon.com prices are way higher (mostly).

 

[just4kix]

For those who are unaware, Amazon.com waves off all shipping charges when the order value is above $125 under "Amazon Free Global Super Saving Shipping" scheme. But note that FREE shipping is not selected by default, even if the order value is on or above $125. The default option is still "Amazon Standard Shipping".

You have to explicity select the free shipping option.

 

[jerryjames72]

For those who are unaware, Amazon.com waves off all shipping charges when the order value is above $125 under "Amazon Free Global Super Saving Shipping" scheme. But note that FREE shipping is not selected by default, even if the order value is on or above $125. The default option is still "Amazon Standard Shipping".

You have to explicity select the free shipping option.

hii buddy only the standard shipping charges are free on $125 purchase or priority shipping charges are also waived off ?

 

[manzb]

hii buddy only the standard shipping charges are free on $125 purchase or priority shipping charges are also waived off ?

Standard shipping.. I just now have availed the same to get BDs worth $127.. Shipping free

 

[jsmithe]

Standard shipping.. I just now have availed the same to get BDs worth $127.. Shipping free

Once they ship could you indicate the shipper Amazon US used?

I have queued a bunch of BD's to take advantage of the free shipping but hesitate since FM's indicate that Amazon US is now using i-parcel.

 

[manzb]

They sent using 3 parcels/ shipments..
Shipment 1: 1 BD sent through DHL, great service, and online tracking facility..
Shipment 2: 1 BD sent through Aramex, good service, and not quite updated online tracking facility..
Shipment 3: 5 sets of BDs sent through Aramex, good service, and not quite updated online tracking facility..

All arrived without the customs challan or any information on the duty paid.

I think for large shipments the chances of they using a prominent courier is more. So you can take a chance

 

[just4kix]

My last order of $129+ was shipped via Aramex. Full tracking is provided on Aramex as can be seen below:


Location Date Activity

New York Office,United States 01/14/2013 01:06 PM Received at Operations Facility
New York Office,United States 01/12/2013 09:33 AM Forwarded to - New York Office,United States
New York,United States 01/11/2013 11:18 PM Data received.
New York,United States 11:18 PM Record Created

 

[manzb]

kix.. I know.. then there will be no update .. and suddenly it will show on your doorstep with delivery .. (takes around 3days after the stage you have noted so far).. but then everything was updated once delivered..

anyway, if the order you have given is for BDs do let me know whether they provides you with any customs duty challan.. I have not received any..

 

[gsurya]

I created a basket on Amazon.com for well 140 USD but dont see the free global shipping option anywhere, what am I missing?

 

[jithudigitised]

Are all the items selected by you, eligible for free global shipping option ??

 

[technobhatt]

I created a basket on Amazon.com for well 140 USD but dont see the free global shipping option anywhere, what am I missing?

I had the similar issue once. After contacting the chat helpline, they told me that one of the BD I selected was from a Seller, hence I was not getting
Amazon GlobalFreeSaver option.

In this case, Seller items are not considered for Free Shipping by Amazon. Only, items sold by Amazon directly are eligible for Free Shipping.

Make sure, you have selected all the items in your cart sold by Amazon LLC exclusively to avail Free Shipping for more than $125 order.