Hey there to our audience in the USA!
Whether you’re across the street or across the Atlantic, you’re part of the House of Valerie family.We know that ordering internationally can feel complicated right now, especially with changes to US import rules.
So here’s a simple, transparent guide to what to expect and how we help keep your costs as low as possible.
UPDATES TO SHIPPING, TARIFFS & CHECKOUT
We have updated our shipping and checkout experience for our US customers.
FREE SHIPPING on orders over $499
Tariffs are now calculated at checkout
Royal Mail is now our primary shipping courier - helping to minimise the tariffs you incur
Please read below for full details or contact us at sales@houseofvalerie.com if you have any questions or queries about how this will impact your shopping experience.
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $499
Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $499 when shipped via Royal Mail.
Please note that this offer is only available for orders going to the USA via Royal Mail. If you choose an alternative shipping method, such as DHL, standard shipping charges will apply.
If you have any questions about shipping options, please contact us at sales@houseofvalerie.com
UNDERSTANDING US DUTIES & TARIFFS
As of August 2025, all orders entering the United States are subject to import duties. These charges are set by US Customs and are based primarily on where a product is made, not where it’s shipped from.
This means:
Duties are now applied to all orders entering the US
Charges are calculated by US Customs
Payment is required before delivery (unless prepaid at checkout)
We know that’s not the most exciting part of shopping, so our focus is on making sure there are no surprises and that you always get the most cost-effective option available.
We always aim to structure deliveries as cost-effectively as possible, so you don’t pay more than you need to. Choosing Royal Mail, where available, can significantly reduce the duties you pay on your order.
HOW SHIPPING METHODS AFFECTS YOUR DUTIES
DELIVERY & DUTY THRESHOLDS
To help keep duties as low as possible, some shipments may qualify for better import rates depending on their size and value.
As a general guide:
Orders under $800 USD are more likely to benefit from lower duty treatment
Larger or heavier orders may be subject to higher import charges
Where possible, we take this into account when preparing your order to help minimise overall costs…
HOW WE HELP KEEP COSTS DOWN
Our approach is designed to make international shopping as accessible as possible:
We advise using Royal Mail wherever possible as this is our preferred method of shipping to minimise the amount of duties you incur
If you wish to use DHL, please contact us and we can discuss the available options
We offer full transparency at checkout, ensuring there are no surprises on delivery
The result is that many customers pay far less in duties than they might expect, particularly on smaller orders.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO PAY
Duties vary depending on the item and where it was made, but as a general guide:
Items made in the UK and Europe typically attract lower duty rates
Items made in countries such as China can attract higher tariffs
The way your order is shipped can significantly impact the final amount
For many customers, the removal of UK VAT (20%) helps offset a large portion of any import duties.
WHEN STANDARD DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE
Royal Mail is typically available for orders within certain size and value limits.
As a guide:
Orders under $800 USD
are more likely to qualify for this lower-cost delivery option.
For larger or heavier orders, express courier services may be required.
PAYING DUTIES
All import duties and taxes will be calculated and collected at checkout, so there is nothing to pay on delivery. The amount is shown as a separate line before you confirm your order - so there won't be any hidden fees.
NON-REFUNDABLE TARIFFS
Please note: import duties collected at checkout are non-refundable from our end.
Royal Mail, USPS, and US Customs are currently unable to process refunds via the retailer. However, you may have the right to claim a refund directly from US Customs & Border Protection — we'll happily provide any documentation required to support your claim.
Contact us at sales@houseofvalerie.com with your order number with any queries.
LARGER ORDERS
For higher-value orders, US Customs may require additional information before releasing your parcel. This is standard procedure, and your courier will contact you directly if needed.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We know these changes haven’t made international shopping any simpler, but our commitment is clear:
No hidden surprises
The most cost-effective delivery options wherever possible
Full transparency at every step
Our goal is to make sure you can continue to access the designers you love, without unnecessary extra costs.
NEED HELP?
If you’re unsure about anything, from duties to delivery options, our team is always here to help guide you.
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THE SS26 COLLECTION
