Parts from the USA

[Collyolly]

Hi All
I have been looking at some parts on e-bay USA , anyone got first hand experiance of trading over there ?
Particularly interested in the added costs involved and if there are any pitfalls to avoid.
Many thanks

[SAM]

Bought plenty over the years and it's got more costly! Duty on purchase price and postage plus admin cost! Best deal is if you can get someone to bring in.
Years back got some great deals.

[Nigel S]

Sorry mate but all the cheap deals have gone. Expensive parts and totally rip off postage and taxes this end.
If you travel to the states on holiday then buy parts and send to hotel for when you arrive.

[H2R]

OK, so who's planning Christmas in New York?!!

[thelodgers]

I can't remember the exact expression but you can buy from eBay US or wherever when the additional cost includes a fixed amount for all US/ UK customs, postage , VAT etc so you know exactly the cost to get the item into your hands, Maybe the good days have gone but there are still good individual deals out there for those who are patient.

[Nick64]

I can't remember the exact expression but you can buy from eBay US or wherever when the additional cost includes a fixed amount for all US/ UK customs, postage , VAT etc so you know exactly the cost to get the item into your hands,

Global Shipping Programme

[Collyolly]

I am now looking at an H1 gearbox for my H2 ( see my wanted listing for a 1st gear ) there looks to be a nice set on eBay but I am yet to get an experianced reply with regard to the costs involved, if you search the codes for import duty it is very confusing there does not seem to be a simple category for bike/car spares. Is it likely to be a very small percentage of the total cost as duty then VAT on the new total ?
Anyone done this recently ?
Many thanks

[robh1f]

Just taken delivery of some carb slides from the US. They cost $35 plus $17 shipping. I got stung for £6.66 VAT and a £8.00 "handling charge " from the Royal mail.On the sticker attached to packet it states that customs charges are applied to imports over £15 and all items valued over £135 will attract import duty. Have you fried to get it sent as a gift or lower value ???? its unlikely but worth a shot !! Good luck

[Collyolly]

Hi Robh1f
Thanks for your reply, that's a good start, I will see if the seller would play ball with lowering the listed value, worth a try.

[robh1f]

Hold fire......there is an h1 gearbox for sale on eBay UK £21.00 at the mo but am guessing it will go for a LOT more as its the complete shebang. I probably have the 2 gear clusters if that's all you need. No selector forks. Found that one on eBay US but he has it on UK site as well...............be lucky mate !!!!!!

[RacerRB159]

Some eBay sellers will post a low value on an item when requested, the problem then is if they get caught out it can be very very costly. If they insist on selling via eBay then the costs and postage etc are mostly pre determined.
I’ve personally never bought anything over $135 as I know I’m going to get reamed by the postal service.
If you know someone who is going over there, they may be prepared to bring it back, or, get it posted to someone who lives there and ask them to send it as a gift with a low value.