Shopping online can be a hit or miss.
Will the clothes fit? How does that colour look in person? Is it made from high-quality fabrics?
These are all valid concerns when shopping online, but they are magnified tenfold when shopping from international retailers.
In addition to the challenges of sizing and colour, there is also the matter of shipping costs and customs fees.
And then there’s the question of returns. Will the store accept a return if the item doesn’t fit? Or if you simply don’t like it?
These are all important considerations when shopping internationally, but with a little research, you can find retailers who offer great merchandise at a good price, with free shipping and easy returns.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best online retailers for international shopping, and we will also cover:
- What customs charges should you be aware of on your next international order
- Delivery and Returns process when ordering from Europe
- Getting a refund of customs charges on returned goods
Let’s dive in!
Why is online shopping on the rise for so long?
Imagine the following scenario – you are preparing for the upcoming beach vacation and desperately need a new swimsuit. But the stores are too crowded, and it seems like the size you need is unavailable every time you go to the store.
What better way to ensure your fashion haul arrives just in time than to hop online and order from a reliable online retailer.
With the advancement of technology and especially the internet, an online shopping site offers whatever you may need. Whether it is clothing, house gadgets, or food, everything is accessible and up for grabs.
It has never been easier to go to your favourite browser, type in the store you wish to shop from and start browsing for whatever you need.
Even social media decided to take advantage of the popularity of online shopping, and now you can buy anything you want on Facebook and Instagram.
The best part is that you are not limited to UK retailers. If you love Italian brands, they are just as accessible as your local ones. So, you can wear affordable, sustainable, high-quality clothing from any designer brand worldwide.
Also, many online stores now offer free returns on items that don’t fit you or you do not want to keep. This makes ordering online especially practical.
Shopping internationally, how does it bode?
You must pay for your customs charges if you are ordering from online clothing stores. However, do you know how much?
We will now tackle this issue and explain the delivery process and customs charges.
Customs charges and how are they calculated?
Since Brexit, international online shopping sites have seemingly become the big bad wolf. With the many changes, people were left confused and scared and didn’t know what to do, so international online shopping dropped quite a bit.
However, we are here to help you and encourage you to shop online, as it isn’t as bad as it seems, nor complicated.
What can you expect from your customs charges, and how can you calculate them?
Before the UK left the EU, UK shoppers paid only VAT that was already included in the price. However, that is no longer the case. Now, when you shop, if the total of your package exceeds £135, you will need to cover duty charges and handling fees, even if shipping is free.
While import VAT charges are always 20% of the total parcel cost, the rest of the duties can vary based on the type of goods you ordered, their value, and their origin. They will be charged only if the product you purchased was not produced in the EU since the UK still has the Trade and Cooperation agreement with the European Union.
You can use many online duty calculators, but they are very complicated.
This is why we have our Import Duty Calculator. It is simple to use and gives you an accurate breakdown of customs fees in just a few seconds.
Delivery: How long does it take, and which courier is the fastest?
You usually see which courier will deliver your package when ordering from Europe or globally. It can be either Parcelforce, DPD, UPS or FedEx. Based on that, you can check when your package will arrive.
For example, Zalando has a special partnership with DHL. This means that in most cases, DHL will be delivering their packages. In our newest article dedicated to delivery times, you can check how long it takes to deliver from Germany to the UK.
There are usually options such as express shipping or priority that you can choose from and pay extra if you are in a tight spot regarding delivery. Even with the customs clearance, the courier delivery times are still quite reasonable, so your items should be at your doorstep within a few days.
Our research shows that regular shipping from Europe takes around 3 to 8 business days. During the holiday season, this delivery time might be longer because of the different working hours or simply due to the many packages that must be delivered.
If customs officials decide to keep your package for longer, there will also be a slight delay in the delivery. You will also have to cover the holding fees.
Returns – how to do a return, and can you get a refund?
Returning clothes to Europe is not as complicated as it may seem initially. When it comes to clothing and fashion, pretty much everything is returnable as long as it hasn’t been worn. The only exceptions are personalised items.
You have a right to return the items within 30 days and get a full refund.
Also, many online stores offer cancellations, so you can change your mind even before the package is delivered.
Each online retailer we have listed has its own return policies, so we recommend you check them out.
And if you wish to receive a refund, it is essential to know that you will first need to return the goods, and the sender should give you your money back once they receive them.
When choosing a courier you want to ship the goods with, it doesn’t have to be the same one that delivered your parcel. We always recommend Royal Mail, as they have the lowest fees.
Refund of customs charges – who is eligible, and how to get it?
Any UK shopper who has made a purchase and paid for customs charges is eligible for a refund. The refund can be claimed by yourself, a freight forwarder, or an agent.
However, the only way to receive a refund is if you have returned the ordered items to the sender.
Here are some other scenarios when you can file for a reclaim on customs charges:
- You’ve received a partial refund;
- You’ve only returned one of the ordered items;
- You didn’t return the items, but the seller refunded your money;
- You’ve paid directly for taxes and never received the goods, but the seller sent you your money back.
Remember that you can reclaim your funds on customs charges, but the handling or shipping fees are non-refundable.
Shop worry-free with these 5 top-rated online retailers
From hundreds of online shopping sites, how do you know which one to choose? Which one is the best online shopping store?
We have researched extensively to help you locate the most reliable online stores that will cater to everyone’s tastes. So buckle up because we have plenty to cover.
Coltorti
If you are a fan of Italian fashion, then Coltorti is the perfect website for your next online shopping spree.
Coltorti offers luxury men’s and women’s clothing made from high-quality materials. Also, you can shop for some famous beauty brands, for example, Augustinus Bader, Photogenics, and Seventy One, as well as lifestyle pieces like coffee table books, cups, pie plates, candles, and much more.
Due to the wide range of goods and high fashion they offer, it is no wonder they are considered one of the best online shopping sites.
During summertime, they are running special promotions and sales, so it will be easy to grab a new dress, shirt, or shorts at a reasonable price.
The shipping takes around 3 to 5 business days, and you do have to pay for it. However, if the items don’t fit (or you simply don’t like them), you can return them within 14 days and receive a full refund.
Chrono24
If you are looking for a new watch, check out Chrono24.
It is one of the largest online marketplaces that sell luxury watches. You can get the most popular models and brand offers from Omega, Rolex, Breitling, Tudor, Cartier, or Patek Philippe.
Chrono24 is also one of the most reliable websites for buying pre-owned luxury watches paired with trendy pieces and reasonable prices.
eBay
Only somebody that lives under a rock hasn’t heard of eBay. It was launched in 1995 and quickly became one of the biggest online marketplaces in the USA. Quickly after, it spread to Europe and the rest of the world.
eBay is an ideal website for those that are looking for more affordable pieces and vintage clothing, among others.
The array of designer clothes and sustainable fashion paired with low prices makes them irresistible for anyone looking to make their closet more flamboyant and unique.
On one website, you can shop from hundredths of different brands, new or worn items, including vintage styles, so there is something for everybody.
Also, eBay has amazing deals and an excellent return policy, and if anything goes wrong with your order, they will ensure you receive a refund.
MYTHERESA
An online store catering to luxury fashion lovers, Mytheresa has been in the game for over 30 years. It has become a leading fashion retailer in Germany by selling high-quality clothes made for modern women or men.
They offer primarily designer brands such as Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, Saint Laurant, and many more.
You can shop for your wardrobe essentials among their many top brands to create the perfect outfit for your next vacation.
Even though they do not currently offer the likes of Louis Vuitton, their brand is constantly evolving and adding new designer pieces.
We recommend you subscribe to new releases and frequent deals with high-quality staples.
Zalando
A trendy German online shopping site with a huge range of apparel, especially shoes. They have everything from Dr Martens to Tommy Hilfiger, sneakers, heels, and boots.
They offer fast fashion and street style clothing and apparel, paired with chic styles and designer labels. Zalando remains one of the best online shopping sites for the latest styles and high street favourite brands.
Zalando cooperates with 5000 brands and often has exclusive collaborations with independent designers. You can also browse their website for woman’s, children’s, men’s clothing, or even beauty items.
They have exclusive discounts, and you can find clothing that is usually hundreds of pounds for far less. With affordable fashion, free international delivery and returns, who could possibly resist?
Not happy with your ordered products? Duty Refunds can help!
So you have ordered a fabulous pair of trousers that don’t fit or are not your style now that you have seen them in person? No worries; we are here to guide you through the whole process of returning your goods to Europe and getting your money back.
If you have shopped online before, you probably know that most retailers have their return policies clearly stated on their websites. This makes it easy for customers to understand the steps they need to take.
However, reclaiming customs charges can be challenging and daunting for many people, as there are no clear guidelines. And even the smallest mistake will result in a declined claim and possibly no answer from HMRC.
This is why the majority never go through the process and just decide to get a refund on the goods or a replacement.
We understand it can be tricky and complicated.
We’ve experienced first-hand how complex claiming an import duty refund is and decided to find a better way. And so, we gathered a team of experts and built Duty Refunds – now known as the UK’s leading import VAT and duty specialist.
Our mission is to help UK customers order goods from Europe worry-free, knowing that they can reclaim import duty on returned goods quickly and easily.
Regardless of the brand and retailer you order from and which courier service delivered your package, we will help you reclaim customs charges from the comfort of your home!
Reclaiming customs charges with Duty Refunds
We have dedicated our time and expertise to making reclaiming duties as seamless as possible. You can reclaim import and duty VAT in just a few clicks through our website!
All we would need from you is your waybill/ tracking number. To check eligibility, you need to fill out our online form; if everything is okay, we will take it from there.
Reclaiming duties has never been easier. In just a few clicks, you can initiate your reclaim and sit back and enjoy a lovely cup of tea or a good book.
Final thoughts
Many do not understand how complicated specific procedures can be, but we understand this one.
Our mission from the start has been to help people who deem the process too complicated and nerve-wracking, and we have assisted many clients when they were ready to give up.
While we understand that online shopping has become a bogeyman for many consumers after Brexit, we assure you it is not. It is as simple as always, with a few extra steps to be taken, and those last few steps we will gladly take with you.
You can initiate your claim with Duty Refunds today, and we will ensure to get you a positive outcome.
And the best part? We will get you your funds back in three to six weeks!