There are many reasons to consider buying from the United States. Price comparisons sometimes lead to definite savings, but, and this is important, you must obey the tax law and buy from a reputable dealer!
It doesn't take much imagination to realise what could happen if you get this wrong, junk goods you may have to return 'across the pond', guarantee issues, and so on.
Naturally if the cost is over £18 then VAT is payable on imports, as is import tax, yes, that's a tax on a tax - reputable dealers will not fiddle the revenue!
If, for example you fancy a Novoflex tripod head or a Wista SW large format camera, you may not find one in your local Jessops, you then need to consider your options and this is where a company such as Adorama in New York comes in...
Adorama is a big store that American pros use - I have a link here because I trust this company! Check out the kit you can get there (in New York) which isn't here... their overstocks and their offers.... remember that our voltage is different before you buy chargers, lights etc.
I will put a price comparison here in due course which will show UK price from a (non-grey dealer) against the price you would pay from Adorama with average shipping, import tax and VAT. In the meantime, do the math yourself!
I use an account with FEDEX to give me an idea as to import tax cost - this is not as straightforward as you might think!
I just looked at the Nikon 60 AF-S Micro £307 with taxes to add but including shipping from the US by UPS, against £388 from Warehouse Express delivered...., so add import tax at $41 and VAT at $114 and it costs you £385 - so you wouldn't bother! Sometimes though, you can get exactly the kit you need and save big time!
Please note that some carriers will charge a customs handling fee, and that VAT may be reclaimable??? - just play it straight though, I had a lens stuck in no man's land until I paid the duty (which I expected to do) for three weeks!
More soon....