Claiming VAT refunds at Stansted Airport, UK

I'm back from UK with nary an update on it, so here's the first of what should be many. Boring topic but might be highly relevant for anyone going there. A quick summary of the trip:

1. London has REALLY cleaned up. It ROCKS.

2. Paris... REALLY needs to clean up. It SOCKS. (lol fail)

3. AirAsia is hot and uncomfortable. You get what you pay for. It... FLOCKS? PLOCKS? FOCKS you up? Bleh.

So here's what you need to know about claiming VAT (Value Added Tax lah, similar to General Sales Tax):

• You can claim for most things, except books.
• You can claim from a single receipt totaling over £50.
• Ask for it when you make your payment.
• The shop will charge you for it (it ranges, but should be in the region of 5-10%).
• Fill in the form they give you.
• I think that it doesn't matter how you want your money (doesn't have to be the same as how you paid for the items).

And here's what you need to know about VAT @ Stansted Airport:

• There's no physical VAT counter, just a mailbox.
• This mailbox is AFTER you check-in, and AFTER the security check.
• Make sure you have envelopes, one for each shop you're claiming VAT back from.
• Address them to the shop (or wherever they direct you to).
• No stamps needed.
• Pop each VAT claim form into their respective envelopes.
• Do NOT seal the envelopes.
• Pop them into the VAT mailbox.

Yes, there is NO check on the item. Dodgy behaviour possible, though not encouraged. W H Smith's does sell envelopes. In bunches of 50. Come to me if you want some W H Smith's envelopes.

On a side note, Stansted's not too far from London - it's not worth it buying a train ticket online from elsewhere (£2.50 credit card charge or something ridiculous). Just buy a train / bus ticket when you're there, it'll cost the same and the services are regular.

I haven't gotten my refunds yet, but it should come in by the end of the month. I'll update this if any crap happens.