I’ve got an option on a lovely Salsa frame from my mate in the USA – what’s the cheapest way to get it back to the UK (aside from in someone’s suitcase).
Cheers

Have you factored in import duty, VAT and handling charges to the mix?
Cant help with which carrier but can you post up on here who you go with in the end.

USPS global priority. Should be about $75 tracked, +VAT, import duty and handling fee. It takes less than aweek to get to UK customs where it will stay for another couple.
There are size restrictions; length + girth must be less than 108″ (from memory) but even an XL frame will fit.

Why the VAT if his mate just gave it to the OP?

Way the VAT? It will have a declared value which will have import duty applied and then VAT. If it’s used then you will need proof and it will still have a value.

Apologies for the hijack, but if the thing one is importing is something we don’t pay vat on here (a helmet, as you are asking), do I have to pay it if it comes from the USA?

http://www.dutycalculator.com/

Cool, ta! As I thought, nothing to pay 😀

Thanks for the imput – I’ll give it a whirl (it’s second hand and nearly a gift so VAT-less IMO).

Ta again

In terms of Value your opinion is worth sweet FA, just to make you aware. You may need some further evidence to prove it’s used & worthless. Gifts still need a value attached and will be taxed accordingly (the catch 22 is that if you insure it for replacement that is a handy value for tax purposes)

I could see it being a tricky argument to hold up,
“It’s worthless so no duty/VAT thankyou!”

“So why did you bother having it shipped over then?”

Sentimental value, for a bike that belongs/ed to someone else?