Hi
I've done 12 times and there is nothing to worry about.
My take:
1)
Clarify that the shop will sell to you and ship to UK as it is in breech of their dealership rules to do so.
2)
Know exactly what you want – size colour etc and be prepared to wait for them to order it, if so you will likely need to pay a deposit – my guy takes U$200-00.
3)
Tell your cc supplier that you will be making a purchase from USA and name the shop.
4)
Get the shop to send you a copy of the receipt and the shipping details so that you can track it. I have always used USPS delivery, it takes about 1 week to get into the UK but it can take up to 3-4 weeks to clear customs. I have been charged by customes on less than half the frames that I have bought, it just seems to be luck whether or not it gets stopped.
5)
USPS shipping costs about U$70-00, convert this using todays exchange rate.
6)
UK tax and duties come to about £100-00 in total for a U$1500-00 frame & shipping. Tax and duties are significantly higher if you buy a complete bike – but I have asked the shop to strip the bike and send it in two seperate consignments and this keeps the import and tax to the figures above.
If the maths is favourable then just do it, you will either get a knock on the door from USPS with the item or a letter from customs telling you the pay up and collect the goodies. Take your payment to customs when you go to collect it and they will sort out the payments etc
I've seen and read a lot of blather about importing from USA, I've done it 12 times and each time painlessly. I've also sorted warrantry claims from US sourced Frames without any hassle. USA is the land of customer service.
If you are buying a high end frame ask them to throw a CK headset in – at the very least you will get it for about £30-00! a winner.
Cheers