Returning goods for repair overseas

[Organic]

Hi,

 

I've bought a light that needs repairs in the UK.

 

What are the odds that I'll get charged VAT again when the light gets sent back to me after repairs? Does anybody have any experience on this front?

 

I'm trying to calculate whether it's worth returing, or whether I should just replace it. I suspect that only the charger needs replacing, but the dealer has asked that I return the whole thing.

 

Thanks

[Kranswurm]

Hi,

 

I've bought a light that needs repairs in the UK.

 

What are the odds that I'll get charged VAT again when the light gets sent back to me after repairs? Does anybody have any experience on this front?

 

I'm trying to calculate whether it's worth returing, or whether I should just replace it. I suspect that only the charger needs replacing, but the dealer has asked that I return the whole thing.

 

Thanks

 

If it is an expensive light I would send it.There is specific provision for that type of thing in the paperwork.There is a time frame attached to it as well

[Organic]

If it is an expensive light I would send it.There is specific provision for that type of thing in the paperwork.There is a time frame attached to it as well

 

Thanks. The light is worth about R2000. The postage costs are going to be about R220. I gathered there was an official way to avoid getting re-charged VAT, but I'm just not sure how well that works with the local customs people.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

As Kransie says, but usually only worth doing it if you are Vat registered. Otherwise the paperwork and logistics are quite "interesting"

 

If you are registered and want to go ahead, you will probably want to use a courier for this kind of arrangement, and its best to use the same courier on the inward and outward leg, otherwise you have to get documents to different couriers and clearing agents, using the post service is a little "iffy" it can be done, but my experience is you will spend more on Prozac trying to sort it out than the value you save.

 

........ but basically you need to declare the goods going out as going for repair and that they will be returning to SA, then on the return Vat will only be charged on the actual repair, if its no charge then No Vat on the foreign side invoice, but there will be a small Vat cost for documents etc on the local side.

[Organic]

If you are registered and want to go ahead, you will probably want to use a courier for this kind of arrangement, and its best to use the same courier on the inward and outward leg, otherwise you have to get documents to different couriers and clearing agents, using the post service is a little "iffy" it can be done, but my experience is you will spend more on Prozac trying to sort it out than the value you save.

 

 

Thanks - that was what I feared. I'm just a regular guy, not registered for VAT etc. I may give it a whirl without paying too much attention to the details and hope for the best, and consider it a learning experience if I do get billed again. Even if I do get billed VAT a second time, and even including the postage, it'll still be cheaper than having bought the light locally.

[Pronutro]

I once had to send a camera back. Got charged again. It can be avoided, but your mileage may vary.

[Cassie]

Thanks. The light is worth about R2000. The postage costs are going to be about R220. I gathered there was an official way to avoid getting re-charged VAT, but I'm just not sure how well that works with the local customs people.

 

Chat to Ngala24 here on the Hub....he knows about customs etc.!!

[Kranswurm]

Thanks - that was what I feared. I'm just a regular guy, not registered for VAT etc. I may give it a whirl without paying too much attention to the details and hope for the best, and consider it a learning experience if I do get billed again. Even if I do get billed VAT a second time, and even including the postage, it'll still be cheaper than having bought the light locally.

 

No man its a piece of cake.Its a DA3 form or something like that.Available from any customs office at the airport or from your courier.

You fill in the details and it accompanies the goods and is stamped along the way..As long as they send it back with the form.It also prevents VAT being attracted on that side.

[Eugene]

If it is only the charger, surely there is somebody here who can fix it for you or perhaps you could even buy a new charger, maybe not specific to the light, but a generic type. Probably cheaper than the postage costs

[Organic]

No man its a piece of cake.Its a DA3 form or something like that.Available from any customs office at the airport or from your courier.

You fill in the details and it accompanies the goods and is stamped along the way..As long as they send it back with the form.It also prevents VAT being attracted on that side.

 

Thanks. I'll look into that. Was going to send it via the post office, but will check with the courier to find out what they'll charge.

[Organic]

If it is only the charger, surely there is somebody here who can fix it for you or perhaps you could even buy a new charger, maybe not specific to the light, but a generic type. Probably cheaper than the postage costs

 

Ja, looking into this option too.  I'm only 90% sure about the problem being with the charger, and no response from the local agents regarding prices and availablility for a new charger.  The 'official' charger is the only one that tells you whether the light is charged or not - no other indication.  New chargers are about R200 on CRC (so probably R300 from the local shops), so a close call whether it's worth the postage to try and get it fixed.

The agents in the UK have been very helpful, but not quite to the point of sending me a new charger.

Edited March 23, 2012 by Organic

[Organic]

Chat to Ngala24 here on the Hub....he knows about customs etc.!!

 

Thanks - will send him a message and see what he has to say.

[Kranswurm]

Thanks. I'll look into that. Was going to send it via the post office, but will check with the courier to find out what they'll charge.

 

The PO will have the form

[Organic]

The 'official' charger is the only one that tells you whether the light is charged or not - no other indication. New chargers are about R200 on CRC (so probably R300 from the local shops), .

The agents in the UK have been very helpful, but not quite to the point of sending me a new charger.

 

Local shop wants R550 for a new charger (and they wonder why I import). New charger on CRC is R185, and I can get delivery free with a bigger order. Postage to return the light to the manufacturers is about R250 (unless I want insurance, in which case I need to use a courier, and it's a lot more). So I'm going to try the CRC option first.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

The PO will have the form

 

They do, but the process is never exact as there are middlemen involved on the foreign side and usually lots of paperwork issues when the goods are returned. As we say it can be done, but your book keeping and paper work needs to be impeccable when you use the PO.

 

Even then, good luck explaining all that to a counter hand if there is a hiccup I would just use a courier, more expensive but at least they take care of the issues.

 

That said, for 200 bucks its not really worth it, I think its easier and quicker to just buy a new charger.

[Kranswurm]

They do, but the process is never exact as there are middlemen involved on the foreign side and usually lots of paperwork issues when the goods are returned. As we say it can be done, but your book keeping and paper work needs to be impeccable when you use the PO.

 

Even then, good luck explaining all that to a counter hand if there is a hiccup I would just use a courier, more expensive but at least they take care of the issues.

 

That said, for 200 bucks its not really worth it, I think its easier and quicker to just buy a new charger.

 

Agreed