shipping parts from the USA
- Thread starter sawood12
- Start date
Scott,
There have been quite a few discussions on this in the past - do a search on "import duty" and you get loads
]
(The short answer is "yes" you should have to pay duty (over £18), but it can be hit-and-miss), the search will dig out all the details.
There have been quite a few discussions on this in the past - do a search on "import duty" and you get loads![
](The short answer is "yes" you should have to pay duty (over £18), but it can be hit-and-miss), the search will dig out all the details.
Guest
New member
I have shipped some over to the UK. You will get hit with the VAT and maybe some customs duty of various rates. The big issue is the shipping cost and brokerage fees. On small items the cheap way around that is via the governmental postal services. But most vendors won't ship that way as they are all set up with UPS, FedEx or DHL.
If you are getting large, expensive, many parts then the game changes. If you can fill an air or ship container the per item cost drops like a rock.
I just sent a headlight package over there. Weight 8 lbs in the box with packing material. Postal charges were $41. And John got hit with 23 pounds sterling on VAT and customs. This was on a product that I sell for $384.50 UDS. And I under reported the manifest value at $121 USD.
This was the cheap way of going about it and we lied a little, the fees and misc. costs will eat you alive if you are not on your toes.
If you are getting large, expensive, many parts then the game changes. If you can fill an air or ship container the per item cost drops like a rock.
I just sent a headlight package over there. Weight 8 lbs in the box with packing material. Postal charges were $41. And John got hit with 23 pounds sterling on VAT and customs. This was on a product that I sell for $384.50 UDS. And I under reported the manifest value at $121 USD.
This was the cheap way of going about it and we lied a little, the fees and misc. costs will eat you alive if you are not on your toes.
You colonials just can't be trusted [
], but I'm a happy man.I agree with Dan, if the vendor can be encouraged to send by US Postal Service; and state the product at material, or scrap, value; you can be on for a reasonable deal. I have had packages that didn't attract any levy at all.
UPS, FedEx and the like, seem to collect the duty and VAT and then invoice you some days/weeks later. I wonder if they get "a cut"? [8|]
eastendr
New member
If you don't need local support, Import from the USA.
The dollar is so favourable at the moment it's too good to miss [][] Lindsey usually deliver within 48 hours.
Some take longer (Ask John Sims [][]).
As Mark says, plenty of recent threads in both 944 and general discussion.
The dollar is so favourable at the moment it's too good to miss [
][] Lindsey usually deliver within 48 hours. Some take longer (Ask John Sims [
][]).As Mark says, plenty of recent threads in both 944 and general discussion.
From memory I have only had to wait six weeks for a 7-10 day delivery - that's aside the replacement bolts and gaskets that I'm still waiting for from the same supplier. (Slow Fart Racing [
]) If you ignor the above, Rick probably still holds the record at over six months for his MAP kit. [
]
eastendr
New member
ORIGINAL: John Sims
If you ignor the above, Rick probably still holds the record at over six months for his MAP kit. [
9 Months !! LMFARO [
][][] Danno is truly a star (Guru Racing) !!Don't be put off by that though. Lindsey Racing are truly excellent to deal with. I think I'm off to spend some more $$$$ !!
frogisland
New member
Bought quite a bit from the US from a variety of places. $ rate very favourable, especially when buying high value items.
Usually +vat +3.5% and not forgetting postage costs
US postal service has taken as long as 6 weeks, UPS as quick as 36 hours
Usually +vat +3.5% and not forgetting postage costs
US postal service has taken as long as 6 weeks, UPS as quick as 36 hours
I tend to budget on what it says in dollars will end up what it costs in £'s. That was when we were at about $1.6=£1 so Andrew's figures are in line with what I would expect currently.
Buying from the States is great when everything is OK, it does become a real pain in the bum if things go pear shaped though. The cost of returning items can more than out weigh any savings you may have made in the first place. As with all issues of potential big savings/proffits there is a risk involved.
With the vast supply and variation of 944 tuning parts in the US internet purchases are always a temptation, more so with the current exchange rate, but from personal experience I would buy from a UK supplier if that product is available through that route.
Andrew supplies products from Lindsey & Guru Racing and has provided me with outstanding after sales service following my purchases from him. If considering purchases from these suppliers I would strongly recommend getting a price from Andrew. Andrew may be more expensive, he may not (through bulk purchase and shipping advantages) but I find the piece of mind worth the extra pennies - I get less grief from my dearly beloved as well.
eastendr
New member
THIS recent thread shows some real world experiences. Using a debit rather than credit card would also reduce the vendor's final charges although these are insignificant on low value purchases.
sawood12
New member
Just by pure coincidence I am due to go out to Houston with work and have ordered $600 (+$300 core charge) worth of parts and arranged to have them sent to our office in Houston. The parts aren't too big or heavy (dual port wastegate and recycling vavle) so I was just going to put them in my case for the return journey (in the aircraft hold of course) and hope I get through OK. What are my chances??
I am sure the guys on the X-Ray machine state side are going to do a little dance when they see that lot pop up on the screen.
I have been jumped on and had my ear twisted for having Clipless mountain bike pedals in my hand luggage; not made any easier by having various non flamable solvents and a shifting spanner along with it. 8 years ago [][]But to be fair I flew fairly often domestic and international flights with a 3/4 foot long chunk of surgical steel holding my hip together without setting anything off in airports.Which puts paid that urban myth.
I have been jumped on and had my ear twisted for having Clipless mountain bike pedals in my hand luggage; not made any easier by having various non flamable solvents and a shifting spanner along with it. 8 years ago [
][]But to be fair I flew fairly often domestic and international flights with a 3/4 foot long chunk of surgical steel holding my hip together without setting anything off in airports.Which puts paid that urban myth.
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