Buying a bike on Pink Bike in the UK

[ajnkzn]

Hey Team

 

Has anyone ever bought something online in the UK and then made a plan to get it back to SA?

 

Whats the best bet - Aramex or similar?

 

If it's a used item does one avoid import duties - I recall someone saying that if it's a "gift" (sent with a birthday card or something) you're exempt?

 

I. Need. A Canyon Dude and there are some killer deals on them slightly used over there.

[T-Bob]

Hi there, I've brought in about 5 frames and 5 / forks. All bought off PB and I usually use Aramex so people in the UK don't have to worry about shipping and don't freak out that it's a scam from africa. 
 

Secret is to keep it simple as possible for the seller and chat alot with the person you're thinking of buying on. Truth is don't spend more that you're willing to lose as it might happen. PB is pretty reliable and I've not had a single bad experience buying there. TBH I never tell them I'm in SA. If I need to them anything I tell them that I'm down here for work and that I need to send the item to my world warehouse aka aramex. Usually this is when I ask if they can pack the item well as one of my early purchase was a fork that was wrapped in a bin bag and the courier label stuck on that. 

 

You'll find alot of people in the UK won't give out bank details and will only go with PayPal (and sometimes add those fees on afterwards). Do haggle as it also give a chance for more conversations and getting to know the person as you can pick up a lot after a few emails back and forwards. If you have any slight inclination that the guy (or gal) isn't 100% then walk away. There are enough new bikes at good prices in the UK that mean you can afford to wait / be picky.   I set up a second profile way after my 1st pink bike profile and use that once I've made a deal / commitment to buy to send a seperate message to the seller asking if it's still for sale. If he says confirms it's sold (or being sold pending funds) then the gives a bit more confirmation it's an okay deal. 

 

I wouldn't touch full bikes. Frames, forks, components etc are fine but full bikes attract a wack more duty, VAT, handling. There are full threads here that explain that better than me. Anything you send has the tax / duty / customs calculated on the invoice you submit online so ask the seller not to put it in the box and make sure the invoice you upload is reasonably believable. I've seen a couple of items languishing in customs for a pretty long time and being given due to R50k frames being marked up a R3K. You don't want to start getting into explaining that. 

[T-Bob]

Oh, the 'something similar' option would be a mate or family member coming back from the UK and get them to bringing it with them. If you go that route get a Chain Reaction Cycles travel bag / case and use that. Bikes in boxes often get questions asked and the bag are often on sale on the site for about £100 and you can sell it when it's back here. Courier fees on second hand bike bags in the UK kind of rule them out.