Very often there are great products made in the US, shipping to Europe is expensive and VAT is a hassle.
Often products are made in the EU, shipping to the US may be just as bad.
So, why not make a community effort of listing retailers and the brands they carry that deal with shipping and VAT for you?
A trusted friend that travels back and forth cross the pond who opens a box and then put’s it in their hold luggage is the way forward 
I have ordered few thing from US to Europe and think it’s not big a hassle?
Buy the thing from a company that does not charge millions on shipping, wait for package and handle Taxes etc and it’s done.
Have noticed that product you might want have many sellers but only few that will do the shipping, so just price compare those and get the best deal.
Sometimes the price might have shipping included! Those are the jackpots in my mind.
It will take time and effort to find what you want with good overall price.
Also sometimes the product you want might have re-sellers in EU. Might be out of stock sometimes. If it’s the best price and their customer service is excellent. They will order the product from US to EU and still have shipping included at price. So you basically get the stuff from US to EU and to your door with minimun pay, no shipping no Taxes. Golden pot under the rainbow that has worked for few times. No BS
Yes, have ordered stuff from US, China, EU and all over the world. Looking for the best price with delivery if i want something special that is way more expensive back home.
But if the Stuff is really expensive, like few thousand or more. I will buy and order it from local company, let them order it from US to EU etc and i just pay the company and have local product guarantee terms.
Though… for some odd reason i have UPS account and they can deliver/pickup stuff basically anywhere and deliver + handle documents work for you. Haven’t checked the prices. .