Find items on ebay that come via the "Global shipping program" - with that, you pre-pay the VAT so no extra fees.

Or, go to the country and bring the item back with you.

Or, become a licenced importer, have items shipped to your customs bond area and take them through customs yourself...

Unless you are importing large volumes and values, arranging clearance on items yourself is not practical, the costs far outweigh the actual fees.

The post office do all the clearance paperwork & the handling of the items to get them cleared through customs; £8 is not that much of a charge considering.

Just remember what the charges will be before purchasing anything so you can compare costs to buying locally.

No way - this is the process

ask them how to prepay

You cannot buck the system. Wait for R.M.

Sorry, but that's not possible.