I'm more then familiar with getting VAT refunds from regular high street shops, but I seem to be encountering a little difficulty with figuring out refunds from the more unusual retailers, such as builders merchants.
https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping
The above link says a VAT 407 form from a retailer will enable me to apply for the refund, but none of the retailers I've spoken to have ever heard of one (not surprisingly). Is that something I can download and just fill out myself? -or does it need some kind of stamp etc from the retailer? -I guess at the very least I'll need their VAT number.
I'm buying quite odd things, such as hot water cylinders, kitchen units, tiles, and maybe some appliances, loading them into a van, and driving them to the channel islands, so its unsurprising that many of the retailers haven't heard of the VAT forms before.
Any one have a better handle on this?