Hey there!
As a fellow American who loves shopping online, I know how frustrating it can be to find the perfect item on an EU store, only to be hit with high VAT charges during checkout. But what if I told you there’s a clever way to save on those pesky taxes? Enter: UK parcel forwarding services!
Here’s how it works:
Sign up for a parcel forwarding service based in the UK. These services provide you with a UK address that you can use when placing orders on EU online stores. Some popular options include Forward2Me, Skypax, and UK Postbox.
When shopping on an EU website, select the UK as your delivery country and enter your parcel forwarding address at checkout. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you won’t be charged VAT on your purchase.
Once your package arrives at the parcel forwarding warehouse, they’ll notify you and provide options for shipping it to your address in the USA. You’ll pay for the international shipping, but you’ll have avoided the VAT, which can be as high as 20% in some EU countries!
Sit back and wait for your package to arrive at your doorstep, knowing you’ve saved a bundle on taxes.
Now, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a UK parcel forwarding service:
Make sure the EU store you’re shopping from offers delivery to the UK. Some stores may have restrictions or different pricing for UK customers.
Be aware of any potential customs duties or taxes that may be applied when your package enters the USA. These are separate from VAT and are based on the value and type of goods you’re importing.
Compare the costs of different parcel forwarding services, including their membership fees, shipping rates, and insurance options. Choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Keep an eye on the exchange rate between the British Pound (GBP) and the US Dollar (USD), as this can impact your overall savings.
Using a UK parcel forwarding service can be a smart way to save money when shopping on EU online stores, especially for high-value items where the VAT would be significant. It may take a bit of extra planning and coordination, but the savings can definitely add up over time.
If you decide to give this method a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to reply to this email with any questions, success stories, or tips you discover along the way.
Happy saving and happy shopping! 🛍️💸