FedEx, UPS etc with no VAT number

[mark_hadfield]

All,

I am looking to setup an account with a reputable worldwide delivery service such as FedEx/ UPS etc. They need to be comparable in price. However - to do this with the above companies you need a VAT number - which I don' have.

Does anyone know of any other firms I can try? Initially it's for deliveries between India and the UK. I don't want to become VAT registered just yet as I'm not sure if my business will be viable until I see some samples from an Indian firm...

Any ideas?

[autolycus]

Are you sure they definitely need a VAT number? What if a private individual wants to send goods via FedEx?

Maybe they just ask for the VAt number so that, if you have one, they can invoice you without VAT added on.....

[coxadmin]

As a private individual I sent something from England to Germany by UPS and just ignored the VAT number box - I had no hassles at all.

[refreshious]

Just last week I set up an account with FedEx and if you do not have a VAT number you just link your account with a credit card

[Joyous]

A VAT number allows you to reclaim the VAT on any imported goods. It won't allow you to reclaim the duty.

I assume the application process has importers in mind who'll be VAT registered as a matter of course.

Regards

Joy

[dagr]

If you plan to have a VAT No. sometime in the near future, you can apply for a Pseudo Turn No. from Customs. The freight companies will accept this. However, there are restrictions in using the Pseudo Turn, like ownership of the goods after import and the time is it valid.

You import the goods on the Pseudo Turn, then later, when you have a VAT number, the freight company will on request reissue the invoice (for their charges and the VAT), allowing you to reclaim the VAT (if you're VAT registered, of course).

A Pseudo Turn No. is free and takes about 2-3 days to obtain.

David.

[WakingDragon]

You will still have to pay VAT at the border whether you are registered or not. So if the imports are going to be a significant proportion of your variable costs you should register for VAT.

[mark_hadfield]

Thanks all for your feedback.

1) I've contacted FedEx to setup an account without a VAT number - just waiting a phonecall back.
2) Most of my customers will be businesses anyway, so I'm guessing they'll be VAT registered.
3) It's amazing that the smallest things seem to be the most problematic. For example, registering an address with a courier company and finding out where their nearest depot is, as I'll invariably be at work when the delivery is made...

[WakingDragon]

That's an interesting product line you offer. Do you self-manufacture or outsource to overseas suppliers?

[refreshious]

Thanks all for your feedback.

1) I've contacted FedEx to setup an account without a VAT number - just waiting a phonecall back.
2) Most of my customers will be businesses anyway, so I'm guessing they'll be VAT registered.
3) It's amazing that the smallest things seem to be the most problematic. For example, registering an address with a courier company and finding out where their nearest depot is, as I'll invariably be at work when the delivery is made...

They took a long time to get back to me, so I just rang them and they gave me an account number. Then I need to sign and fax back a document to activate my account.

Regards

[mark_hadfield]

Many thanks,

If they don't get back to me by tomorrow morning I'll ring them up. I've already got an account number but they haven't taken any card details yet.

Mark