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Been looking at a new frame and I see that the exchange rate to Canadian dollar is pretty good just now. I was wondering if anyone had bought anything via Pinkbike for example from North America and if you incur any taxes or fees for having it shipped over here? Obviously it would not be a new frame, but second hand.
Any other issues I should consider if buying from over there?
Cheers
[i]Any other issues I should consider if buying from over there?[/i]
It been damaged?
I've bought camera stuff, it was cheap, it arrived, I paid the duty, I got the goods. It was declared.
I've bought some sunglasses, and a few other bits and bobs with no issues, but nothing as large as a bike frame.
The exchange rate against the Canadian [s]Rouble[/s] Dollar has always been to our advantage, the biggest issue I've found buying stuff from over the pond is that many vendors just won't send stuff to the UK.
I am talking about second hand stuff.
Damage of course is an issue but then is it not the same thing if you buy something from north of scotland and you live in the south of england... Unless you fancy a long drive?
Had a couple of forks secondhand from Canadian PB users when the exchange rate was really good.
Took ages to arrive surface mail and paid duty, no problems at all.
I've found buying stuff from over the pond is that many vendors just won't send stuff to the UK.
Yeah, I have talked them into selling to me by asking them to look at my profile and see I'm a genuine rider not a scammer. But some just won't consider it.
Best to get someone over there to buy for you ..
I've bought a few frames 2nd hand from the US via Ebay. Never had a problem.
Duty being VAT? Or something else?
You pay VAT plus Duty on the price less shipping. Duty % varies by goods type and country of origin.
Last time I checked there was import duty and vat to pay, it was a fair old whack! Certainly enough to justify a cheap transatlantic flight to pick it up and chance your hand in the green channel for a complete new bike.
I'm no grass, but I've heard tales of people flying to New York with a £20 pub bike in a bag and flying home with a Santa Cruz.
You pay VAT plus Duty on the price less shipping. Duty % varies by goods type and country of origin.
You pay duty on the price PLUS shipping. (about 5%)
Then you pay VAT on the duty, price and shipping.
Then, you pay £8.50/£13.50 handling charge to the Royal Mail/Parcelforce, or more to the likes of Fedex who just think of a number and double it.