I sometimes wonder

I buy numerous small items from China/Taiwan/etc. Always excellent service and, agree, 10 days is typical ....though best has been 4days; and worst 2months.

What I find most annoying is the 'risk' involved of being charged VAT if the item exceeds £15 (and seller declares it as such).  The VAT involved is small (no duty is payable up to £135), bit IF it is levied, Royal Mail levy an £8 fee for the priviledge of collecting a couple of pounds.   For more expensive items (over, say, £75) the savings buying direct from China are still likely to outway any charges.

For the first time in 81/2 years a parcel from our daughter in NZ got pulled, it only ever contains token items.  Postcard from the post office said payment of £17+ required and an £8 post office charge.  Since it contained cards for my elderly mother and other relatives we went off to collect it having read up on gift allowances.  It did only cost £17+ as this included the £8 post office fee - most unclear.  VAT was exactly right on the amount declared on the cutoms form.  Could/should have claimed VAT back as it contained 4 gifts so well under the personal gift allowance.  Couldn't be bothered with the hassle, but we and she will make sure that value and number of receipients are clearly stated on the customs label.