Goblin King Battle £46.62 shipped from Amazon.co.uk

[dulait]

All of us will be charged (taxes and fee) if shipped using UPS to canada. Worst of all, if you missed the shipment you have to line up at the depot and it is a busy line (when you go after work hours)!

I read that we can refuse the package at the door if the tax plus brokerage is to rediculus, just need to make sure you tell them you are refusing the package and to return it to the sender.

[Hansolo55]

Amazon.com has this on for $75 right now (free shipping within the US), probably a much better option and better chance the box doesn't show up crushed than if ordered from the UK... just my thoughts.

[rebel]

Just got my order shipped via UPS. Don't know if that's a good thing of not in terms of being charged extra (Duty, taxes, etc).

UPS will have a much higher possibility to be charged taxes and handling fees compare to USPS or CanadaPS

[dulait]

Just got my order shipped via UPS. Don't know if that's a good thing of not in terms of being charged extra (Duty, taxes, etc).

UPS will have a much higher possibility to be charged taxes and handling fees compare to USPS or CanadaPS

So it will be $74 + $10 brokerage and 13% tax? If so, then total would be around $94 compared to $147 which is around 35% off. Better than buying it here at 20-25% off sales, an extra $16-24 off, not bad but not enough for me to bite sadly.

[Jasper Parnebrick]

Thanks but will wait for further discount since without adding the tax on top, with brokerage, we will end up paying about $85 which is around 34-35% off. Without brokerage and tax, it is very temping, but highly unlikely that most of us will have to pay so I will pass and will stay put for bigger discount.

Well, brokerage is a hit or miss thing. I find it kills me for about another 10% (depending on the actual cost of what im buying). But I've probably placed about 40 orders from the UK, France, Italy and Germany, and I've only been hit twice. On the other hand I've been nailed every single time when Iv'e bought from the US through Bricklink.

I just picked up 3 of these babies.. after shipping, AND AFTER the HST in Ontario, I saved 51.97%. Even if I get hit for brokerage, i'll still be saving roughly 40%, and thats nothing to sneeze at...

Did you convert it as British pound or Euro? Since with GBP it comes out to be around $46-47 shipped, which is around $73-74 CAD and that is before brokerage and tax. So it is more like 43-44%. With Euro, it will be around 50%. Would you please explain how you get 51.97% even after HST?

It was $70.54 each CAD, I converted GBP to CAD. I bought 3.. you're right it would be maybe $74 each if I had only bought the one. The set is $146.88 CAD after HST in Ontario, so thats where you get 51.97% off.

On another note.. as per Ricefields' comment... Why is it that UPS always dings us for duties? why don't the other carriers? As I said before I've only been hit a few times when buying from Amazon.uk. Just received 2 boxes yesterday and there were no duties to pay.. As far as box condition goes - I've had a couple of nightmares from Amazon.fr, but so far every Amazon.uk box has ben in perfect shape (fingers crossed)

As per hansolo55's comment below, if ONLY we could shop at Amazon.com up here in Canada! Better yet, if ONLY Amazon.ca SOLD Lego!

[scotts]

The Battle of Helm's Deep from Amazon.co.uk that UPS shipped to me a few weeks ago incurred GST and brokerage but no duty. We'll see what UPS charges me this time for The Goblin King Battle. I always call UPS as soon as my shipment clears customs but before it's delivered to pay the fees. This way if they ding you duty you won't have to pay a customs clearance fee at least for packages coming from the US, I'm not sure if they're the same coming from Europe.

[dulait]

Thanks but will wait for further discount since without adding the tax on top, with brokerage, we will end up paying about $85 which is around 34-35% off. Without brokerage and tax, it is very temping, but highly unlikely that most of us will have to pay so I will pass and will stay put for bigger discount.

Well, brokerage is a hit or miss thing. I find it kills me for about another 10% (depending on the actual cost of what im buying). But I've probably placed about 40 orders from the UK, France, Italy and Germany, and I've only been hit twice. On the other hand I've been nailed every single time when Iv'e bought from the US through Bricklink.

I just picked up 3 of these babies.. after shipping, AND AFTER the HST in Ontario, I saved 51.97%. Even if I get hit for brokerage, i'll still be saving roughly 40%, and thats nothing to sneeze at...

Did you convert it as British pound or Euro? Since with GBP it comes out to be around $46-47 shipped, which is around $73-74 CAD and that is before brokerage and tax. So it is more like 43-44%. With Euro, it will be around 50%. Would you please explain how you get 51.97% even after HST?

It was $70.54 each CAD, I converted GBP to CAD. I bought 3.. you're right it would be maybe $74 each if I had only bought the one. The set is $146.88 CAD after HST in Ontario, so thats where you get 51.97% off.

On another note.. as per Ricefields' comment... Why is it that UPS always dings us for duties? why don't the other carriers? As I said before I've only been hit a few times when buying from Amazon.uk. Just received 2 boxes yesterday and there were no duties to pay.. As far as box condition goes - I've had a couple of nightmares from Amazon.fr, but so far every Amazon.uk box has ben in perfect shape (fingers crossed)

As per hansolo55's comment below, if ONLY we could shop at Amazon.com up here in Canada! Better yet, if ONLY Amazon.ca SOLD Lego!

So the more you buy the more you save? Did not know that, good info if that is the case.
Also about UPS, I ordered another set earlier in the week, funny thing is that it showed it arrive here in the GTA then it got transfered around the US at the moment? Huh? Is that the reason why they ding us because it has to go through US customs too? Anyway, I guess depends on the brokerage and taxes, I will just refuse it if it is way too much.

[Jasper Parnebrick]

Thanks but will wait for further discount since without adding the tax on top, with brokerage, we will end up paying about $85 which is around 34-35% off. Without brokerage and tax, it is very temping, but highly unlikely that most of us will have to pay so I will pass and will stay put for bigger discount.

Well, brokerage is a hit or miss thing. I find it kills me for about another 10% (depending on the actual cost of what im buying). But I've probably placed about 40 orders from the UK, France, Italy and Germany, and I've only been hit twice. On the other hand I've been nailed every single time when Iv'e bought from the US through Bricklink.

I just picked up 3 of these babies.. after shipping, AND AFTER the HST in Ontario, I saved 51.97%. Even if I get hit for brokerage, i'll still be saving roughly 40%, and thats nothing to sneeze at...

Did you convert it as British pound or Euro? Since with GBP it comes out to be around $46-47 shipped, which is around $73-74 CAD and that is before brokerage and tax. So it is more like 43-44%. With Euro, it will be around 50%. Would you please explain how you get 51.97% even after HST?

It was $70.54 each CAD, I converted GBP to CAD. I bought 3.. you're right it would be maybe $74 each if I had only bought the one. The set is $146.88 CAD after HST in Ontario, so thats where you get 51.97% off.

On another note.. as per Ricefields' comment... Why is it that UPS always dings us for duties? why don't the other carriers? As I said before I've only been hit a few times when buying from Amazon.uk. Just received 2 boxes yesterday and there were no duties to pay.. As far as box condition goes - I've had a couple of nightmares from Amazon.fr, but so far every Amazon.uk box has ben in perfect shape (fingers crossed)

As per hansolo55's comment below, if ONLY we could shop at Amazon.com up here in Canada! Better yet, if ONLY Amazon.ca SOLD Lego!

So the more you buy the more you save? Did not know that, good info if that is the case.
Also about UPS, I ordered another set earlier in the week, funny thing is that it showed it arrive here in the GTA then it got transfered around the US at the moment? Huh? Is that the reason why they ding us because it has to go through US customs too? Anyway, I guess depends on the brokerage and taxes, I will just refuse it if it is way too much.

It's not really 'The more you buy the more you save', but rather, the more you buy, the cheaper the shipping charge on each additional item.. In this case it's about 2 pounds for each additional item, and the FIRST item is 4.95 pounds. So in a sense thats's true, but it's only based on shipping charges, the item itself doesn't become cheaper.

[dulait]

It's not really 'The more you buy the more you save', but rather, the more you buy, the cheaper the shipping charge on each additional item.. In this case it's about 2 pounds for each additional item, and the FIRST item is 4.95 pounds. So in a sense thats's true, but it's only based on shipping charges, the item itself doesn't become cheaper.

I see, that cleared things up big time, thankyou. So they shipped your order through DHL this time? I am waiting for my UPS delivery today, hope the charges are not too rediculus, else it is going back.

[Jasper Parnebrick]

It's not really 'The more you buy the more you save', but rather, the more you buy, the cheaper the shipping charge on each additional item.. In this case it's about 2 pounds for each additional item, and the FIRST item is 4.95 pounds. So in a sense thats's true, but it's only based on shipping charges, the item itself doesn't become cheaper.

I see, that cleared things up big time, thankyou. So they shipped your order through DHL this time? I am waiting for my UPS delivery today, hope the charges are not too rediculus, else it is going back.

NP

No, its UPS :(
I beleive when the order is fulfilled by Germany(and maybe other EU countries) they use DHL. When I look at tracking from all of my recent purchases, some come to me very quickly, and they list GB cities that are the shipping point. I think they use UPS when fulfilling the orders from GB, and DHL for others! That sucks, I will gladly wait an extra 2-3 weeks and not pay hefty charges! I received a large order On Jan 25th which was fulfilled via Edinburgh that I placed on Jan 22nd! Great service, but who cares when you get dinged another $45-$50!

[dulait]

An update, I just got my order for the set I ordered on Monday, shipped by UPS, got dinged for $11.30 brokage + GST, so ended up getting the set for only 30% off which is not bad but could have gotten that here for a bit more or less anyway, as someone have said, I also learned my lesson. In the case on this set if those that is getting shipped by UPS, it would seem that it would be $95 if you ordered just one which is around 35% off, better then my 30% at least. I talked to the UPS guy and told him about the transfer of my order to the US, he told me that is how they get you, US custom, ouch, so as someone mentioned maybe I should call in next time to stop them here once it passed custom and do a pick up to avoid the extra $11.30 if possible. Oh, the lesson I learned ordering from uk is to add the brokerage and tax on top of any set before order next time to see IF the saving is worth it or not if it come by UPS.

[brickity]

I haven't received mine yet, but my credit card was charged about $75. I'm guessing UPS will charge me about $13 (brokerage + GST). So my total will be close to $90 and the local price is $137 (after GST), so the total savings is about 35%.

If you're looking for this set, this is actually a great deal for Canadians. A typical TRU sale will get you 20% off... maybe 25% if you're lucky. You could also wait for a Chapters sale which is also about 25% off. Walmart rollbacks can vary, but again typically around the 25% mark. The only other option is to purchase from the US (if accessible, but not for most of us) or BN, but they've really cracked down on their coupon system (not to mention, they've hiked their prices). Those are the typical sales that come down the line, but of course we also get the occasional 50% and 75% clearance sales, but those aren't reliable if you really want a set.

My personal benchmark is a minimum of 25% off for sets that I really want (outside of exclusives, within a 6 month period, you should be able to pick up any set for 25% off from at least one of the available retailers). 35% off is a great deal and I'll pick up things that may not be on top of my wishlist. For 40%-50%, I'll pick up things that I may not even want... haha. For 75% off, as long as it's not Heroes Factory, I'll buy it just for parts.

For those of you who are on the fence and waiting for 40% off or more... if it's a set you really want, I personally wouldn't wait. There's no guarantee it will drop more than 35% off and you could easily miss out on your best chance at this set.

[dulait]

I haven't received mine yet, but my credit card was charged about $75. I'm guessing UPS will charge me about $13 (brokerage + GST). So my total will be close to $90 and the local price is $137 (after GST), so the total savings is about 35%.

If you're looking for this set, this is actually a great deal for Canadians. A typical TRU sale will get you 20% off... maybe 25% if you're lucky. You could also wait for a Chapters sale which is also about 25% off. Walmart rollbacks can vary, but again typically around the 25% mark. The only other option is to purchase from the US (if accessible, but not for most of us) or BN, but they've really cracked down on their coupon system (not to mention, they've hiked their prices). Those are the typical sales that come down the line, but of course we also get the occasional 50% and 75% clearance sales, but those aren't reliable if you really want a set.

My personal benchmark is a minimum of 25% off for sets that I really want (outside of exclusives, within a 6 month period, you should be able to pick up any set for 25% off from at least one of the available retailers). 35% off is a great deal and I'll pick up things that may not be on top of my wishlist. For 40%-50%, I'll pick up things that I may not even want... haha. For 75% off, as long as it's not Heroes Factory, I'll buy it just for parts.

For those of you who are on the fence and waiting for 40% off or more... if it's a set you really want, I personally wouldn't wait. There's no guarantee it will drop more than 35% off and you could easily miss out on your best chance at this set.

Good points, and I guess this set just not that interesting for me unless I want to compete the company, but I will bite on the future LOTR sets for 35% for sure since those are the ones I want. Yet I will have to make sure I factor in the $11.30 + taxes so it will be 35% and not less.

[Hodgeman]

My experience was a bit weird. 2 sets I ordered (different orders) from Amazon.co.uk came today (I'm in Canada btw).

First one came via Canada Post (via DHL) - Vampyre Castle - no taxes or duty. Credit card was charged 83.14 after conversion, so that's a savings of 43% of what I'd pay here (146.90 with taxes). Shipping box was in perfect shape as was the set.

Second one came via UPS (feh) - Goblin King Battle. Taxes and duty came to 19.86. Credit card was charged 75.76 after conversion (this set was a little cheaper than the Castle) for a total cost of $95.62, so that is savings of 35% over what I'd pay here (again, $146.90 with tax). The shipped box was pretty mangled in comparison, but the set itself was undamaged.

They were both sets we wanted, so I'm pretty happy with the savings. As Jasper Parnebrick noted, it does seem to matter where they ship from (the Castle came from Germany, the Goblin King from England) what method they use and hence if you are charged taxes and brokerage.

[super26]

My experience was a bit weird. 2 sets I ordered (different orders) from Amazon.co.uk came today (I'm in Canada btw).

First one came via Canada Post (via DHL) - Vampyre Castle - no taxes or duty. Credit card was charged 83.14 after conversion, so that's a savings of 43% of what I'd pay here (146.90 with taxes). Shipping box was in perfect shape as was the set.

Second one came via UPS (feh) - Goblin King Battle. Taxes and duty came to 19.86. Credit card was charged 75.76 after conversion (this set was a little cheaper than the Castle) for a total cost of $95.62, so that is savings of 35% over what I'd pay here (again, $146.90 with tax). The shipped box was pretty mangled in comparison, but the set itself was undamaged.

They were both sets we wanted, so I'm pretty happy with the savings. As Jasper Parnebrick noted, it does seem to matter where they ship from (the Castle came from Germany, the Goblin King from England) what method they use and hence if you are charged taxes and brokerage.

I got the same charge as you for the Goblin King Battle. Visa $75.76 and UPS $19.86. What are the odds of that, eh? I am still waiting for my vampire Castle to come. Hopefully, I don't get charge any tax or duty for this one, too.

[Hodgeman]

I got the same charge as you for the Goblin King Battle. Visa $75.76 and UPS $19.86. What are the odds of that, eh? I am still waiting for my vampire Castle to come. Hopefully, I don't get charge any tax or duty for this one, too.

I suspect if it shipped DHL you'll be fine as I was.

[rebel]

I got the same charge as you for the Goblin King Battle. Visa $75.76 and UPS $19.86. What are the odds of that, eh? I am still waiting for my vampire Castle to come. Hopefully, I don't get charge any tax or duty for this one, too.

I suspect if it shipped DHL you'll be fine as I was.

It's uncertain. I ordered from amazon.de at the end of 2012, they using DHL and then Canadapost still charge me about 20 dollars

[Jasper Parnebrick]

My experience was a bit weird. 2 sets I ordered (different orders) from Amazon.co.uk came today (I'm in Canada btw).

First one came via Canada Post (via DHL) - Vampyre Castle - no taxes or duty. Credit card was charged 83.14 after conversion, so that's a savings of 43% of what I'd pay here (146.90 with taxes). Shipping box was in perfect shape as was the set.

Second one came via UPS (feh) - Goblin King Battle. Taxes and duty came to 19.86. Credit card was charged 75.76 after conversion (this set was a little cheaper than the Castle) for a total cost of $95.62, so that is savings of 35% over what I'd pay here (again, $146.90 with tax). The shipped box was pretty mangled in comparison, but the set itself was undamaged.

They were both sets we wanted, so I'm pretty happy with the savings. As Jasper Parnebrick noted, it does seem to matter where they ship from (the Castle came from Germany, the Goblin King from England) what method they use and hence if you are charged taxes and brokerage.

I guess the Vampyre Castle/Goblin King was a back to back order for a few of us! I received both orders yesterday. I receive my orders at work, and the Vampyre came in through reception with no duty. The Goblin King came in a bit later that day, and a guy from shipping gave it to me.. I think what may happen with the Goblin King is they will charge the duty/taxes to my company, and then accounting will come knocking on my door to pay up in about a month. For NOW, as far as I know at least, I didn't pay duty on the Goblin King, even though it shipped from GB! Curiouser and curiouser...

[ricefields]

total for goblin was same as others, $95 with the fee/taxes from ups, and it was COD too. Not entirely happy since I could have gotten this for cheaper from the lego mafia but gambled that it would be just $75 without the fee/taxes being added. Box was heavily damaged but the set survived and was in new condition.

[The-Daryl]

How do you get in touch with the LEGO mafia? I knew you guys had an underground super c-krit kinda thing!