personally i think it would not be a wise move to have a "mate" ship this over from the states to the u.k.
the cost of import tax would be much lower than the cost of shipping this thing, i know i've had large items sent over and its no fun, plus if the customs office want to they can charge import tax on it anyway, even if you had it marked down at a low value, its entirely their call.
so if you have it shipped by sideshow, its insured and (trackable?) you pay the vat and display in your home with little risk
or get it shipped to your mate, hopefully it doesnt get lost or damaged. he sends out after getting an enormous shipping cost (uninsured) arrives at uk customs , they hit you with another big bill and you are not a happy bunny
z
the cost of import tax would be much lower than the cost of shipping this thing, i know i've had large items sent over and its no fun, plus if the customs office want to they can charge import tax on it anyway, even if you had it marked down at a low value, its entirely their call.
so if you have it shipped by sideshow, its insured and (trackable?) you pay the vat and display in your home with little risk
or get it shipped to your mate, hopefully it doesnt get lost or damaged. he sends out after getting an enormous shipping cost (uninsured) arrives at uk customs , they hit you with another big bill and you are not a happy bunny
z