Shopping via Amazon

[Jay5150]

Hi Guys!

I just wanted to know what the common best practices by you guys when you order DVDs thru Amazon.

I have been using Amazon.com since about 2001 and more recently Amazon.co.uk as my bro is the UK, so i can avail free shipping !
The only problem is that he comes to India only once a year.

As I have found out to my wallet's and my dismay is that orders over ?$100 attracts hefty duties. ( I once paid about Rs. 4000 as duty for an order of $184 :sad
Also the only reliable way to get your stuff is thru Priority International Courier option ( I think its about $25) but its trackable and you do get your stuff.

The first time I ever ordered, I chose the cheapest option and the cds never reached here, Amazon was kind enough to send the order again at no cost to me via the same method, that also never reached! then finally they sent it again! via courier and it reached safely. Then 1 month later the first shipment reached me crudely opened and reattached with half the cds missing!! That is Bharatiya Dak I guess

After that i have only used Priority courier and I have never had any problem.

I am planning another batch of BDs from Amazon US in Jan. What is the best way? If the total cost goes above $100 (BTW the $100, is it incl shipping costs or just the product?) Wouldn't it work out to be cheaper to get it as multiple orders?

Thanks

 

[esanthosh]

I've not ordered from Amazon.com, but I do buy CD/DVDs from Amazon UK regularly. I have only used Standard shipping and all my CDs have reached safely though some of the cases were broken. I also order from Spun.com (used DVDs). I've even ordered 15 DVDs once and that too reached me safely without any duties. Perhaps the good folks at Chennai customs are lenient with me?

The duty is always levied on the landed cost = Cost of Item + Shipping.

 

[jitubisht]

Hello Jay. I have order many blurays many times from Amazon UK. Used cheapest shipping option have never faced an issue. They are usually delivered in 3-5 business days and overall works out same as buying from UK. Reason? If you use a UK delivery address, you pay VAT. If you have an Indian delivery address and you pay almost the same amount as delivery as you would for VAT.

One thing I always make sure is that I order my BDs in batches of GBP 30-40 each. This way it has never attracted duties. I have never paid duties on any of the BDs I have bought. I should point out though, all the deliveries were for Delhi so far. Hope it helps

 

[Jay5150]

I just wanted to bump this thread with a question to which I can't seem to find. The $100 limit which attracts duty: Is it for the total cost of the consignment i.e. Goods+Shipping or just the cost of the Goods alone?