How to see import charges before checkout

[farnorthsid]

I was considering buying an item from a UK seller (I am in the US) In the shipping details, it states that import charges can be seen at checkout. I'd like to know what these are BEFORE committing to buy. If I purchase an item and don't want to pay the import charges, am I just suppose to cancel the order and anger the seller? I would like to expand my buying horizons by purchasing from overseas sellers but this issue concerns me.

[ebooksdiva]

Any import charges will be shown to you at checkout BEFORE you pay. 

[farnorthsid]

I understand BEFORE I pay, but by the time I get to that point, I have more or less promised the buyer I would purchase the item, if it is an auction item and I am the high bidder, than everyone who bid is let down because I decided not to accept the import charge. This really should be disclosed before a bid is cast or a item is sold.

[mudshark61369 · Accepted solution]

@farnorthsid,

The general rule of thumb is anything costing less than $800. is duty free.   If you think you may be paying more for an item, you can always go to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection site or use an customs fee calculator, (links below). 

There are some countries like Japan where for luxury goods there is a different threshold of fees.

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/determining-duty-rates

https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

[farnorthsid]

Thank you for that info. I will expand my horizons. The only thing I know about Int'l shipping is Ebays GSP leaving the U.S. Cool. I am glad to know that. Now of course you are talking about goods coming into the US less than $800.? Right?  Is that from all countries sending  Ebay merchandise or just select ones? $800 is a lot of money. Does that apply just to this ecommerce selling/buying, or does that apply to other "importers"? 

 One of my first Int'l sales was a large super soaker to a buyer in England. I remember the item was 85 dollars   And,  after his postage, duty. customs whatever, that item end up costing him 187 dollars. It was those kind of surprises I was envisioning when I seen the notice of fees disclosed at check out. Thanks for your help.

[atomic-rooster]

Thank you so much for the links, mudshark61369.  Wish this info was more easily accessible online but better late than never.  I'm in the US and have held off purchasing a $1500 item from Germany as I had no clue what the duty fees would be.  Looks like they comes to about $75 so I'm OK with with that all things considered.  Thanks again!  🙂