I want to purchase a craft die cutting machine from US or UK. It's about the size of an A3 printer and costs about $900 because it can do a lot of things (cutting, embossing, punching, engraving etc). It's only for hobby use for me and my partner. We are not using it for business.

I've heard all kinds of stories of people being charged 80% tax or more or being forced to hand out large amounts of 'tea money' (depending on who is in the office that day) before they can get their goods. I don't know if these stories are true.

Given this, I was wondering what might be the best way to minimise or avoid any taxes and duties. The store I'm buying from is quite helpful and they are willing, for example, to enclose an invoice showing a lower purchase price, or to say that the unit is damaged and needs repairs, or even to say that it is a gift (enclose a birthday card or something like that). Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

Whether it is for commercial or personal use does not affect the import duties. However, 80% sounds excessive.

Please send me PM, and I will look into it for you.

should be about 30-32%