My first #Brexit inconvenience:

I ordered an item from an internet retailer based in Germany.

Their website stated shipping from the UK so I assumed they have a warehouse here.

It also said that there was free delivery.

The price was £285 excluding VAT.

1/n

I found out then that the shipping was not from the UK, it was from Germany.

No problem. Shouldn't make a difference.

But then I have been contactes by the courier for charges.

I expect to pay £57 VAT (20% of £285).

I am actually being charged £79.20

2/n

£62.01 "Import VAT" (don't know why this isn't 20% and therefore £57).

£5.68 "Duties" (don't know why, thought we were trading tariff free).

£11.50 "brokerage charges" presumably for the courier to deal with payments, although retailer said shipping free.

£79.20 total

3/n

I have declined delivery and contacted retailer for a refund. No sense in me paying £32.20 more than expected, I can get the item cheaper. The retailer, accidentally I'm sure, had misled me by indicating free delivery and that it was from the UK.

how often does this happen?
4/n

How many EU retailers are shipping to the UK only to have them returned because of charges customer wasn't aware of?

& Presume same in other direction but more complex as different arrangements for each EU country.

Can see why shipping companies are putting it all on hold.
5/5