Seems a little off, but it's, effectively, what happens if I try to import something; i.e (((item cost + shipping) + import duty) + VAT). Doesn't happen much these days, due to the VAT rise (it was 17.5%) and exchange rates not being good enough - e.g.

Danner boots from Silvermans in the UK - £270.00 - but a bit pricey.

A tinterweb search brings up two seemingly reasonably priced fleabay retailers at US$309.99 (£182.43) and US$324.95 (£191.23) - the exchange rate presently being US$1.70/£1.00. However, add in the shipping, import duty (8%) and VAT (20%) and you'll find yourself paying £274.84/£286.26 respectively - assuming the exchange rate remains the same when the transaction goes though (Paypal sometimes seem to have their own idea at what the exchange rate ought to be).

Now I'm not against taxation in principle, but I am becoming annoyed at the increasing air of entitlement that government has in their demands (to fund their &%$£@* vanity projects). To my mind it's no wonder more and more companies are trying to mitigate their tax liabilities.