GHQ Models Forums

Hi.
I am based in the UK and like to order my models direct from GHQ, especially since I sometimes need spares. However, I usually only order 3 $9.95 packs at a time to avoid paying UK import VAT which is imposed on anything over £18 (excluding P&P) and 3 packs usually comes in at just under £18. However, lately with the rate of exchange between sterling and US dollars so bad, 3 packs often costs more than £18 and I get charged an extra £8 by HM customs! That makes things a bit costly so I have not placed so many orders recently, which is sad. I often order from a UK supplier (mainly Magister Militum) but they sometimes do not have the stock and obviously they do not get the new stuff for ages, although I have no real complaints about them otherwise. I was just wondering what you other UK/non-US guys do? Do you just take the hit?

I only buy directly from GHQ in the USA when there is a special vehicle I want. The Marine ABV being an example. I only need these in small numbers so the cost and tax not an issue.

I then either order or visit Wargames Imporium in Sheffield who normally have a large stock and reorder every one to two months.

I think if you bounce between Wargames Imporium and Magister Militum you shou be able to get what you need.

Otherwise we just have to pay or be patient waiting in the UK.

Holdfast

Hi Holdfast,

That makes sense to me. I did not know about Wargames Imporium. It might even be worth taking a trip to Sheffield to visit a shop selling GHQ models. Are they usually well-stocked with WW2 stuff?

In Italy you have to pay the VAT (20%) on the value of all purchase out of Europe above 27€ (about 40$) excluding P&P .

I usually buy directly from GHQ as the alternative (UK suppliers) is onlìy marginally cheaper. The only true advantage would be the shorter shipping time (about one week against 3-4 weeks from USA) but most of the time they do not have immediately available the models I want.

You poor people! In Australia our GST is only 10%, and that only kicks in for purchases over $1000. You have my sympathy... I doubt I'd have done nearly as much re-building my collection if our tax regime had been like yours.

Generally, Magister Militum or Wargames Emporium, by post if I can't wait for a wargames show, from their trade stands if they are at a wargames show I'm attending.

Direct from GHQ occassionally, especially when it's for packs that are on offer, when like you I try to keep the total order to <$30 (~£18.)

Hello Stenna00

yes Wargames Emporium do have a large collection of WW2 GHQ in stock as well as Command Boxes. Also a limited amount of buildings.

They have a website that lists what they have in the range, not always in. So check before ordering on line. I have always found them very helpful and efficient.

Holdfast

Hi,
Thanks for your responses. I suppose life is never perfect! I just wondered if others had the same problems that I do, and clearly you do.
Cheers
Steve

In Holland we not only pay 19% VAT but also have to pay Euro 12,50 administration costs for importing goods. Fortunately not all packages are charged so keeping them small helps. Nonetheless, I have ordered a lot from Wargames Imporium as the UK is part of the EU so there are no VAT or other additional costs. Moreover, shipment costs are only a fraction of the costs from the US. Of course, they don't stock everything, but they have a lot and they can order specific items, and the service is excellent.