Bundlebox comes up with the goods, again

[rox]

This was the second time I'd used Bundlebox. 4 orders were consolidated (from Sinclair’s, USA eBay, Ch4D and Buffalo Arms). 8 items were repackaged into a fraction of the original volume to save on shipping. Everything arrived promptly in my box, so I pulled the trigger to ship it across the pond. 2 days later there was a knock a the door (same as last time). Unfortunately my 'goods inwards' dept was 'out' that morning (missing the 'before 12:00' delivery), but no problem; Fed-Ex re-delivered later the same day, and accepted a fall-back option to deliver to a neighbour. Worst case I could have picked-up from the nearby depot from 07:00 the next day (Saturday), so it wouldn’t even have interfered with my target booking. I was momentarily worried about an unexpected/unsolicited item that arrived in the 'box, but there was no problem; prompt responses to my questions identified it as junk and it was discarded.

Every shooter should have one. Ideally along with a Citibank multi-currency account.

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[mag41uk]

With this method do you still pay duty on the delivery cost?
Tony

[ulaughingatmymule]

Sounds ideal. Is there any small print covering ITAR regulations?

[Mike357]

I've used Bundlebox, they are great. Tell us more about this Citibank Multi currency account!

[rox]

With this method do you still pay duty on the delivery cost?
Tony

I don't even know. I'm sure it's in their docs, but I can't be 100% sure from the invoice (it looks like there is no duty on delivery, but there is a small 'Import duty & VAT handling fee', which iteself attracts VAT). It isn't necessarily a cheap way to buy from the US, but if you can consolidate several orders and accept that you will never have your orders 'slip through' without being charged VAT, then it's a great service. I've had orders that have taken months when dealing directly with the 'international' departments of suppliers. With Bundlebox you get your very own US address, and you can buy as if you're a domestic customer. Most times your orders arrive in your box within 2 or 3 days.

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[rox]

Sounds ideal. Is there any small print covering ITAR regulations?

I believe so . You would have to check. I suggest that it would be foolish to use this service to try and circumvent any export regulations.

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[mag41uk]

With this method do you still pay duty on the delivery cost?
Tony

I don't even know. I'm sure it's in their docs, but I can't be 100% sure from the invoice (it looks like there is no duty on delivery, but there is a small 'Import duty & VAT handling fee', which iteself attracts VAT). It isn't necessarily a cheap way to buy from the US, but if you can consolidate several orders and accept that you will never have your orders 'slip through' without being charged VAT, then it's a great service. I've had orders that have taken months when dealing directly with the 'international' departments of suppliers. With Bundlebox you get your very own US address, and you can buy as if you're a domestic customer. Most times your orders arrive in your box within 2 or 3 days.

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OK Thanks. It looks good.
Tony

[rox]

I've used Bundlebox, they are great. Tell us more about this Citibank Multi currency account!

It disgusts me when UK card providers not only charge poor exchange rates, but also load them with outrageous 'foreign currency transaction fees'. I've always sought to have cards and accounts that are integrated with markets that I wish to trade in (i.e. to have free or cheap banking, free domestic transfers, no currency loss and no foreign transaction fees). There are few options to get USD cards in the UK, but Citibank has one that looks reasonable for 'consumers' (as opposed to businesses), and doesn't involve going to a 'private bank' or operating 'offshore'. You can get a single card that is connected to Sterling, and optionally EUR and USD accounts. The card will draw from the corresponding account for purchases made in a particular currency. So for example, you could buy some USD when the rate is good (e.g. from Caxton FX), and deposit them to your CitiBank USD account. When you place an order for items that are charged in USD the balance will be debited from your USD account; no currency loss or foreign fees. There are a couple of conditions - you must either maintain a certain minimum balance in the USD account to avoid fees (undesirable), or pass a certain amount through the corresponding GBP account each month and have at least 2 standing orders or direct debits from it (might be simples if you route your mortgage payments through the Citibank a/c). All the above is from memory and without warranty as to accuracy. Take a look at their site. I'll be getting one ASAP, to replace my HSBC accounts in USA.

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[Blackstuff]

How do you find out if the items you're thinking of ordering are ITAR items? Should they be listed as such on the US website?