Buying a bike from abroad

[Simon_m]

Hi there, has anyone bought a bike from abroad and either brought it over themselves or had them ship it over? Looking at a new bike and could save at least £400 is buying it from Europe of the US. thanks

 

[vickster]

@bpsmith bought a Bianchi from Germany

Lots of people buy from rose and canyon too

Don't forget if you buy from the U.S., shipping fees will be high and you'll get stung for import tax and duty, plus other courier fees

Buying from Europe you pay the VAT in that country whatever it may be

 

[Simon_m]

@bpsmith bought a Bianchi from Germany

Lots of people buy from rose and canyon too

Don't forget if you buy from the U.S., shipping fees will be high and you'll get stung for import tax and duty, plus other courier fees

Buying from Europe you pay the VAT in that country whatever it may be

thanks for getting back in touch. ok I will check them out. I have found several sites selling the one i want, a lot offer free shipping. Is there not a way to get around the import tax, would the shop help avoid it. Might still be cheaper to fly out to the US and bring it back, or if in Europe, just drive/fly over?

Is not the VAT on the advertised online prices?
thanks

 

[vickster]

You won't be able to sneak a bike through customs very easily. For US purchases, you'll need to pay state sales tax. The free shipping is only to US addresses, overseas shipping costs £££ even if the retailer offers the service, many don't. A flight to the U.S. Is at least £500 these days, can't see how you'd save money
And Are you really proposing to ask a shop commit fraud and tax evasion?!

Yes for canyon etc I believe vat is included, shipping extra. I think @bpsmith paid £75 shipping, not sure what rose etc charge. It'll be cheaper than going over either way

What bike are you wanting to buy?

 

[Simon_m]

"

• Free shipping to the UK
• On orders over $500 USD!

"
I;ve brought clothes and computers back and if the bike is in the bike box I flew out with.... ?? Yep I certainly would as a sale is a sale on a pricey bike - I would imagine.

Prob just fly down on EJ to Spain or over to Denmark to pick it up then.

 

[vickster]

Hope it all goes well

 

[Milkfloat]

I have purchased a couple of bikes in the U.S. And brought the back with me. I am also waiting on a new bike from Germany. I would do both again, but if going for the delivery option I would keep it in the EU. There are some great EU deals out there at the moment.

 

[Simon_m]

Thanks, will let you know the outcome if I am not in jail lol

 

[Simon_m]

I have purchased a couple of bikes in the U.S. And brought the back with me. I am also waiting on a new bike from Germany. I would do both again, but if going for the delivery option I would keep it in the EU. There are some great EU deals out there at the moment.

yes the £ to euro is good.
ok thanks for the advice. Were you worried about if it arrived bust or if it broke within the first few weeks?

 

[Milkfloat]

yes the £ to euro is good.
ok thanks for the advice. Were you worried about if it arrived bust or if it broke within the first few weeks?

Nope, would be happy to return it. Consumer law in the EU is not too bad.

 

[Dayvo]

Maybe it's possible to fly to USA, buy the bike, cycle on it for 5 minutes and make it dirty, then bring it back as a used bike, and not a new one. Don't know if it works with bikes, but people I know have done it when buying 'new' golf clubs.

 

[huwsparky]

What bike you after out of interest?

 

[steveindenmark]

I have bought a couple of bikes in the UK and had them sent to Denmark without any problems.

Be very careful buying a bike from the USA. I bought a motorbike seat from the USA and the import tax was horrendous.

 

[Simon_m]

oh right, ok so it looks like Spain, Italy of DK from the list of shops I have found then. Thanks

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/timemachine-tmr01-ultegra-2016-road-bike-ec117773

 

[Freds Dad]

Don't forget that a bike from Europe or the USA will be left hand drive.