UK export purchase - VAT refund charges

[Expatbob]

Originally Posted by brandxbrand

The fella behind the table made it quite clear that only people that hold valid passports to non EU countries may claim back... no work visas, no student visas, etc.

I was kind of afraid that I'd have to deal with some poorly educated jobsworth who didn't understand the rules. I've just checked the HMRC (government's) website and the rules state quite clearly it's where you LIVE that determines your eligibility, not where you hold a passport from.. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/c...s-visitors.htm

You shouldn't be challenged by some numptie in the shop, especially as you're not trying to do the retailer out of anything - it's for customs at the airport to determine whether you're eligible or not. A UK passport with, in my case, a Chinese resident's visa, with entry/exit stamps proving I spend 99% of the year in China, would more than be sufficient, I would hope.

As it happens, wasn't going to use Selfridges anyway, but as I originally posted, I am a bit concerned that given the vast majority of claimants will hold non EU passports, they might not understand the rules, but wouldn't necessarily want to get into an argument over it. Guess would just have to return the watch and buy somewhere that did...

Unneccesary stress (especially when getting my wife to do this anyway) - and that's before we get to the "smuggling" part!

[Ck8]

Originally Posted by Expatbob

Tried T5 and got a definite "no" to getting in a SubC for when I was passing. Also tried T3 and got same message. She seemed willing to get in a watch they didn't stock, but not this model unfortunately.

Back to searching for an AD in London that has one in stock (not impossible, and happy to pay deposit, or even full price, over the phone), and is also willing to pass full 20% (16.67%) VAT refund.

If you do find the watch in Mappin and Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths they are the same company. Ask them to transfer the watch to Mappin in T3 and buy it on the way out. When you are buying from T3 you get it without tax.

[mactrack]

Originally Posted by Ck8

If you do find the watch in Mappin and Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths they are the same company. Ask them to transfer the watch to Mappin in T3 and buy it on the way out. When you are buying from T3 you get it without tax.

I have asked to do this before and was met with a no.

[Expatbob]

Originally Posted by mactrack

I have asked to do this before and was met with a no.

The T5 M&W branch seemed open to getting in watches that they didn't hold, but was a definite no for the SubC, so difficult to know whether they were serious or not... Either way, if it's a popular watch you're after, relying on getting one 100% duty free at the airport is a long shot

[Ck8]

Originally Posted by Expatbob

The T5 M&W branch seemed open to getting in watches that they didn't hold, but was a definite no for the SubC, so difficult to know whether they were serious or not... Either way, if it's a popular watch you're after, relying on getting one 100% duty free at the airport is a long shot

No I don't mean asking T3 or T5 to get the watch in. If you see the watch in Mappin, WOS or Goldsmiths on the high street then get them to transfer it to duty free where you then buy it. Put a deposit on it if necessary.