Has anybody here bought stuff from outside the US?

The reason why I ask is that I want to order an item(I believe it's from the UK), and I am now worried about import duties and taxes. This part isn't expensive($80 + 20$ shipping), but the company involved doesn't collect any duties or taxes. They say that is my responsibility, because each area that they ship to around the world is different.

I live in Oregon and we have no state sales tax, but I am worried that if I buy this part, I will be handed a ginormous bill when the shipment arrives. So, has anyone here done something like this in the past and what should I expect to pay, if anything? BTW, this is a just a simple metal part and isn't electronic/electrical in nature. Thanks for any help or advice.

Surpisingly enough, a lot of thing purchased by individuals come into the country duty free. They still have to go through customs, but not always. It gets a little confusing. Best thing to do is to check with customs. Tell them what it is and what youare going to do with it and they will be able to tell you procedures.:)

Thanks very much.

I bought a mock up (foam) block from Canada. I did have to pay a duty fee or customs concession or boarder bread or whatever it is they call it. It didn't amount to much. been a few years ago.

.....I've gotten drugs from Canada, Mexico & the UK {legal ones of course}, a clock off of Ebay from Austrella [down under} and my headlights came from Canada. No one ever said anything about paying any extra money.... Bill

I went ahead and ordered the part, so we shall see how it turns out when it eventually gets here. Thanks all.

see if ya can get the packing label marked as containing " used auto parts" or antique auto parts or something.... think ya may not have to pay taxes on used stuff, or so i hear

I already got the part, and it didn't cost anything extra. Thanks for all the advice.

If I remember right I was billed separately after the sale for the duty tax. It's been a few years so I'm not sure about that.

My roller rockers and my timing set came from australlia, but I got them thru a US company www.classicinlines.com, people in Australlia pay more than I did for the rockers, I don't know why.