Importing Parts

[Dewald3]

hi there all

 

Im looking in buying a rockshox reverb dropper post for my bike, and see on chain reaction cycles that they are almost R500 cheaper then our SA online stores (buycycle). Is it worth it to import the part from the UK?

 

They say Shipping is free on CRC but im not to sure if that is the truth?

 

would really appreciate some advice from anyone thats got experience in this!

 

Thanks alot

 

Dewald

[Cellar]

Try here:

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/102271-online-bike-shops-discussions-and-recommendations/

and here:

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/75887-import-duties-on-cycling-goods/

 

Good place to start.

[DR ◣◢]

hi there all

 

Im looking in buying a rockshox reverb dropper post for my bike, and see on chain reaction cycles that they are almost R500 cheaper then our SA online stores (buycycle). Is it worth it to import the part from the UK?

 

They say Shipping is free on CRC but im not to sure if that is the truth?

 

would really appreciate some advice from anyone thats got experience in this!

 

Thanks alot

 

Dewald

 

Shipping is indeed free but comes at the cost of no tracking number. You are at the mercy of the SA Postal Service for the delivery after it lands in SA via Parcelforce. Can take a while if you are unlucky.

 

Then you pay 15% of the total order + shipping price + R30 disbursement fee.

 

Also keep in mind the transaction will be charged to your card a little higher than the price shown on CRC.

 

On a R2000 order it will be R2330 landed cost.

 

I think buying local might work out the same now. Especially with the current exchange rate.

[CWC Online]

Lets us know which size

[Capricorn]

FYI: my recent surveys of local versus imported costs have noted a distinct parity in pricing. Once you had in VAT and shipping, there is practically no saving. I've only checked bicycle components.

 

So unless the item is locally unavailable, you will not be saving much, if at all importing from overseas. But please shop around before pulling the trigger on any purchase, whether local or imported.

 

Regards,

CRC "shareholder"

[CWC Online]

CLICK HERE AND SHOP FROM CWC ONLINE

[Cellar]

CLICK HERE AND SHOP FROM CWC ONLINE

 

 

Hey, cwc, on your website, in the "bikes" drop down menu, why is "first aid" listed? New bike brand?

Edited November 26, 2013 by Cellar

[deanbean]

Hey, cwc, on your website, in the "bikes" drop down menu, why is "first aid" listed? New bike brand?

That makes sense to me, that's where I mostly get injured

[CWC Online]

That makes sense to me, that's where I mostly get injured

HA HA, True True.... thanks guys...fixed

[beanz]

hi there all

 

Im looking in buying a rockshox reverb dropper post for my bike, and see on chain reaction cycles that they are almost R500 cheaper then our SA online stores (buycycle). Is it worth it to import the part from the UK?

 

They say Shipping is free on CRC but im not to sure if that is the truth?

 

would really appreciate some advice from anyone thats got experience in this!

 

Thanks alot

 

Dewald

 

My advice: Don't do it unless you are going to get significant savings (which sometimes you can, but this isn't it).

I'm waiting for 2 packages that have been held up at the international mail center for 2 weeks. The postal service is a shocker. It is impossible to actually get through to anyone to speak to on the other side.

So take "free" with a pinch of salt because I'd gladly throw a little money at the problem to get my stuff at this point.

I know I'll eventually get it, but I'll probably have to make a trip to jet park. To save R500 on a dropper post. No ways! Anyway as Maxxis says you're going to have to pay 15% vat so you've got to factor that it. That will wipe out your R500 savings.

Also a dropper post is something that can go wrong, and if you buy it from CRC, you're on your own. If you buy it from CWC and it's still under guarantee I'm sure they'll help you out.

[Dewald3]

thanks alot for all the feedback, im def going to rather look locally and buy it in SA!!!

[beanz]

I've looked into this a little closer and revised my take on this one slightly:

There's only one reason you may want to but anything from CRC, and that's because you can't get it locally. At current exchange rates, you can basically take the pound price and multiply by 20. That's for stuff with no duties payable - i.e. components, not complete bikes.

My package cost 437 pounds and on the invoice it says R 6986, but what they actually charged my credit card was R 7344. I've sent them an email asking for an explanation.

And anyway I went through the list of the stuff I bought from them and it turns out that the stuff I can get locally (which was actually most of it) I could have got about 10% cheaper and in 3 days rather than 3 weeks. And with minimal pain and customs hassles. Live and learn.

Edited November 27, 2013 by beanz

[braailegend]

I've looked into this a little closer and revised my take on this one slightly:

There's only one reason you may want to but anything from CRC, and that's because you can't get it locally. At current exchange rates, you can basically take the pound price and multiply by 20. That's for stuff with no duties payable - i.e. components, not complete bikes.

My package cost 437 pounds and on the invoice it says R 6986, but what they actually charged my credit card was R 7344. I've sent them an email asking for an explanation.

And anyway I went through the list of the stuff I bought from them and it turns out that the stuff I can get locally (which was actually most of it) I could have got about 10% cheaper and in 3 days rather than 3 weeks. And with minimal pain and customs hassles. Live and learn.

 

check out in pounds and let paypal convert.

 

last few packages I landed I didnt even pay tax on, or postage;)

[dillon]

I have been shopping for 2 x front shocks, local price from R5200 to crazy, online picked them up for R3800 landed with a few extras.

 

Do your homework before you buy online, a R200 saving is not worth the hassle. I typically buy the old stock on special, with winter setting in in Europe there are a lot of deals.

 

I have never had a problem with shiping. Ordered the shocks from CRC on monday, DHL is delivering today and I spent R200 on the priority tracked option.

[beanz]

check out in pounds and let paypal convert.

 

last few packages I landed I didnt even pay tax on, or postage;)

 

Another package I checked out in pounds and paid by credit card. I didn't do much better. I didn't think of using paypal - will try that next time, if there is a next time.