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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24 |
Hi All,
I have just purchased the 2019 Update for PTPro and was surprised to find that after purchase from PG at $54 [Update, flashdrive and delivery], UK Customs and UPS delivery charged a further £30. PG advise in a disclaimer at purchase that duty may be charged but give no indication of a likely amount.
I cannot recall in numerous previous purchases from PG ever paying duty so I can only assume that Custom's criteria have changed.In posting this thread I am seeking to advise other PTPro users of the hefty custom duty hidden purchase costs likely to be incurred.
I wonder however whether,if the update can be purchased as a download only [Do PG do such a download?], whether custom's duty would still be due.
Regards
Peterj
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Should have just done the DL version and burn your own CD and flash drive.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
I have never been caught for duty - I'm in the UK too - but these days I always download the latest version of any PG Music product. That includes BIAB with the very large realtracks files.
You don't need a backup as when you sign in to your account all your downloads are available again.
Last edited by Bob Calver; 02/17/19 10:46 PM.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24 |
Hi Silvertones and Bob,
Thank you for your helpfull advice which will enable me [and others]to avoid paying duty in the future.
Previously, I have always opted for a flash drive version to avoid the possibility of a download crash and also because with numerous previous PG purchases on CD or flashdrive I have never before been charged duty. Presumably HM Customs have changed their duty policy recently. I got caught this time but hopefully now others reading this in the future will not.
Regards,
Peterj
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353 |
Hi Peter,
HM Customs & Excise charge VAT at 20 percent and then the Post Office charge a further £8 for
collecting the tax on their behalf. You are right in that a lot of things slipped through in
years past, but things have tightened up in the last couple of years.
The other thing to watch out for, is that some companies (though not PG) outside of the UK have an arrangement
with the UK to collect the tax on downloads. This means that your download in some cases will still cost 20 percent
more, but you will avoid the £8 collection fee.
ROG.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Peter,
If you usually have you orders shipped mail, but went with Express this time, that may have made the difference. I've found that I pay a lot more duty when ordering things from the US if they ship by courier than if they ship with USPS (not sure why).
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24 |
Hi ROG and Kent,
Thanks for the info. which explains some of the background to this. I shall be downloading in future.
Regards.
Peterj
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Peter,
That works. Alternately, if you want discs, I'd simply have them shipped by regular post. You're much less likely to get any extra charges that way.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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