Good prices, but not in the UK with potential high import taxes/costs (bestpricedbrands.co.uk)

Member Name: Simon Wilson

Product:	bestpricedbrands.co.uk
Date:	21/01/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very good prices

Disadvantages: You could pay a lot in taxes/fees and not have a valid warranty

Best Priced Brands have some of the best prices on the internet by far. The camera I wanted is about £25 cheaper than any other site and I placed a order right away.

However, I subsequently cancelled it as I discovered that contrary to the impression they give on their website, they are not based in the UK subjecting you to possible import taxes and charges.

They have a ".co.uk" address, list all their prices in Pound Sterling and make reference to the Royal Mail. On one page, at the bottom in small text, they list their address is being in the USA.

A simple Google search will show that I am not alone in believing they were in the UK...

Anyway, I cancelled my order as UK Customs charge VAT (at 15%), import taxes at about 2.5% and the UK postal company delivering your goods will add a charge of about £10 in administration fees.

On top of that, you will receive a US warranty, that *may* not be valid in Europe.

On balance I am unable to comment on their service, except that my refund was processed within one day after cancelling the order. However I feel it is a bit below the belt not to mention that goods are not shipped from abroad.

If you like the price you see, then they seem competent enough but beware of taxes and charges that will make you goods more expensive than if you bought them in the UK and a possible lack of warranty.

Summary: Despite the impression they give on their website, they are NOT based in the UK - beware of taxes