TopBikeKit ordering problem

[RogerA]

I'm wondering if others on here have had a similar problem to me, and what their solution was.

I've placed an order with TopBikeKit.com, but today received an email saying they needed my Private Tax number or EORI before they could deliver. I explained that EORI applies to businesses and I have no idea what a private tax number is. I was then asked for a VAT number. I replied that I was a private purchaser, not a business, so did not have a VAT number.

I was then asked for my personal ID number. I've replied to say that we don't have ID cards in the UK.

I've now been told that I need to provide an 11 digit tax number or they cannot ship the goods to me.

I've paid for DHL delivery, so as far as I'm aware, DHL should charge me the VAT and any applicable import duties when they deliver the goods.

Has anyone else had this issue with purchasing form TopBikeKit?

 

[StuartsProjects]

One of the many benefits of Brekit perhaps ?

You could point out to them that the 'New EU Regulations' dont apply to the UK.

 

[RogerA]

One of the many benefits of Brekit perhaps ?

You could point out to them that the 'New EU Regulations' dont apply to the UK.

I've tried that, but they are insisting a tax number is required by "all European countries including the United Kingdom"

 

[vfr400]

Why don't you give them your tax reference number? You do pay tax, don't you?

 

[Klang180]

Interested in ordering from them so would love to know what the outcome of this was? Is there any harm in giving them your PAYE ref number?

 

[RogerA]

After a few more emails back and forth, they agreed to speak with DHL, who delivered the parcel in the end. It took about a week for the issue to be sorted, and then 6 days for DHL to deliver it. I haven't been charged the VAT yet, but I'm expecting a bill from DHL at some point.

I'm going to post details and pictures of the bike once I've finished the build. It's almost ready but I've had to order a torque arm as the drop outs are too short for the tabbed washers to sit in them.

 

[wheeliepete]

After a few more emails back and forth, they agreed to speak with DHL, who delivered the parcel in the end. It took about a week for the issue to be sorted, and then 6 days for DHL to deliver it. I haven't been charged the VAT yet, but I'm expecting a bill from DHL at some point.

I'm going to post details and pictures of the bike once I've finished the build. It's almost ready but I've had to order a torque arm as the drop outs are too short for the tabbed washers to sit in them.

So what was the outcome of the email to and fro, did you have to give them your tax ref. no.? This information will be very useful to other people on the forum who are going to come up against the same problem and will save them time and delays with their orders. I'm assuming your order was over the £135 threshold.

 

[RogerA]

The order was for just under £180 (incl postage)

I didn't give a tax ref number as HMRC say it is confidential and should not be given out except to an employer with valid reason for it.

I don't know what discussion TopBikeKit had with DHL, but they solved the issue with no tax details from me.