Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Hello, everyone.
I'm seriously considering buying a Prusa i3 kit, but I've been stung by UPS's ridiculous 'customs clearance' charges in the past. Can any American buyer tell me how much that amounted to? The helpful online help lady was unable to tell me, so I thought I'd ask on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
Hans C.
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
I live in the US (Texas) and I paid no customs clearance. I think it's hit and miss on whether you get hit with the customs charge.
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Thanks, Richard.l
As you say, it seems to be hit and miss. I once got whacked for $55 on a parcel no bigger than two packs of cigarettes and weighing half a pound.
Guess I'll take my chances & hope for the best.
Much obliged!
Hans C
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Just received mine (shipping to Illinois) and no customs charge at all, Just the advertised shipping via UPS. And quick shipping too at that! Was really surprised, ordered on the 23rd, received on the 25th.
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Drat! I neglected to double-check the shipping address vs. the billing address after completing the purchase, so mine will be coming to my home in Canada. 😮
We'll see how my experience compares with yours.
Cheers!
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
I think my customs fee was something around $106 to Ottawa Canada. You will end up paying sales tax on it.
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Wow, they're not as arbitrary as I thought 😀 ! Mine came to $106 too.
Cheers, eh?
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Hans, you are so lucky. Excluding shipping, that's still cheaper than buying here in the EU!
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Except I had to pay for the kit (plus shipping) in US dollars, and our Canadian dollar is in the toilet right now. Oh well, at least the duty was in Cdn $. 😎
Hans
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
OK Hans, not be careful with the assembly. Take your time and follow the instructions precisely. Then enjoy!
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Thanks, PJR. I will be careful since this is my first-ever 3d printer, and I hope to enjoy it once I've finished putting it together.
Don't know about anyone else, but I'm inclined to call bullshit on whoever claimed to have assembled a kit in 4 hours... 
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Err... 3 hours 30 minutes...
But is was my second printer.
It really is a question of reading the manual, then read it again and again until you fully understand what is required. Then assembly is very easy. Just make sure you get the motors and end stops in the right positions, according to wire length. There are 2 motors with longer bodies; these are the X and Y motors. The endstop with the shortest wire is the Z end stop.
And please make sure that you route the cables correctly.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
I just received my i3 last week (Nov 2015) and the UPS customs charge was $26.28.
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
I just got my I3 a couple hours ago!!! so exited, can't wait to start building it 😀
I live in Pennsylvania, Just for the info I paid $69 for shipping and the taxes and duty were $25.57.
I hope it helps....
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Thanks, everyone. Mine is up and running, duty paid ($106 Cdn), and about to start a 15-hour print in PETG. *gulp* 😮
Have fun assembling, benoit! I didn't come within 5 hours of Peter's record-setting time, maybe you can. 😎
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Benoit
Don't rush, study the manual, take your time and make sure everything is perfect on each step.
If there is something that you don't understand, better to ask than get it wrong.
Hans
I hope you have a UPS powering the printer... I found out early on that for the cost of one, it can really save a whole load of time and frustration.
Long prints are quite interesting; I have run several which have taken over a week, with individual parts taking up to 48 hours. Then there's the care required to remove from the build plate and the excitement when all the bits fit together.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Yeah, we don't charge 21% VAT for orders outside EU. We are trying to have some in US Amazon for fulfilment, but Amazon is awful. Our stock there was missing for a month and they were not able to tell us what happened :-/
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Thanks, Peter. I'll be buying a UPS to avoid that particular heartache.
@ Benoit: I suggest you take Peter's advice to me (earlier in this thread) and make sure you get the cable routing right. You'll be glad you did.
Cheers, eh? (as we're alleged to say in Canada)
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
So on top of the original purchase price, you have to pay again for customs?
Does that come due when it is delivered or what?
Sorry I just ordered it and I live on Long Island so just making sure.
Thanks.
Re: Question re: UPS shipping to the US
Hi Scott
Wherever you live, unfortunately you have to pay sales tax and duty. For orders outside the EU, the cost of the item excludes the 21% sales tax applicable here.
Import tax, duty and importer's fees for the US seem to range from nothing to 100US$. Seems it's down to the luck of the draw and the mood of the customs officer on duty the day it arrives.
I think shipping is via UPS; they will take care of it all and I think it is they who then bill you.
You will enjoy your printer; it's well worth the cost, including shipping, taxes and duty...
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…