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Faire’s brands are based all over the world. Stocking your store with goods from around the globe can help differentiate your supply, expand your customer base and refresh your inventory. However, we know that buying globally can also seem complicated and costly. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process.
We’re excited to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what UK retailers need to know to buy on Faire. Our hope is to make an ordinarily complex process simple, so that buying from brands on Faire is easy and cost-effective for your business.
How buying works on Faire
When you first register to shop on Faire, we’ll need some information about your retail business. You can read more about how to get started here.
Planning on importing goods from brands outside the UK? Luckily, there are no additional retailer requirements to shop from international brands. You aren’t required to be VAT registered to purchase on Faire. While also not required, an EORI number is recommended to smooth customs and prevent potential delays. If you do have a VAT number and/or an EORI number, you can add them to your Faire account.
Brands ship products directly to you and communicate through Faire’s messaging tools
On Faire, brands are responsible for shipping products to retailers. They can communicate directly with you through our messaging feature. Many brands on Faire fulfill international orders first so that they can offer the same delivery windows to their international and domestic buyers, and you can always send the brand a message to confirm.
Though retailers are typically responsible for shipping costs, our Insider programme enables you to receive free shipping on select brands.
The VAT process for international orders is nearly identical to that of domestic orders
As mentioned above, all international orders are subject to import duties and import VAT.
If you are a VAT-registered retailer, you can reclaim import VAT the exact same way you reclaim VAT for domestic orders – making buying internationally is equally simple and cost-efficient as buying domestically.
When you place an order, you will be charged for import VAT in one of two ways:
- If a brand ships with one of Faire’s partner carriers: Faire will prepay the duty and tax invoice on your behalf, and then add the cost of VAT by adding it directly to your Faire invoice. You pay Faire directly and we will take care of all logistics.
- If a brand chooses to ship with an alternate carrier: You will receive a separate invoice from your country’s customs authority charging you for duties and tax 1-2 weeks after your order has been delivered. You will still be responsible for paying the entire invoice (duty and tax) to your customs authority.
A note on customs
When your order arrives in your country, a customs authority does a quick review to ensure it complies with local guidelines. The customs authority then determines how much to charge for duty and tax. Finally, orders are delivered to the address you provided during checkout.
Sometimes, orders from international brands can take a few days longer to arrive due to customs. In rare cases, customs may need more information from you, in which case they will contact you directly.
Learn more about buying on Faire
We hope we’ve answered your questions about buying on Faire.
If you’d like to learn more about buying, visit our help centre and review our cross-border buying guide.
