Importing Bikes

[Flan]

Hi all, has anyone ever bought in a complete bike from Chain Reaction cycles. It is so vague as to what the additional cost is. Transport is not a problem as is added on their site, the additional cost e.g. VAT and Duty seems very vague, I have tried to get to a percentage to add on but no-one seems to know for sure. Was hoping a fellow hubber has been through this process. Thanks in advance.

[Jehosefat]

Theoretically a complete bike from Europe has 15% duty (and then 15% VAT on 110% of the value - effectively 16.5% VAT) so total duties and taxes of a smidge under 34% but in my experience the duties are a bit hit and miss (I've got two Canyons that I imported from Germany and paid 0% duty on either of them, just the effective 16.5% VAT)

[Zeffer]

I have it that that parts dont carry duties but complete bikes do. So theoretically, if you ship the frame and wheels separately you will see a significant saving. Would like to know if this is true.

 

[Dappere]

2 minutes ago, Zeffer said:

I have it that that parts dont carry duties but complete bikes do. So theoretically, if you ship the frame and wheels separately you will see a significant saving. Would like to know if this is true.

 

100%, can confirm this.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Yes,

All bikes importers split the bike frames from the parts kits..

[MORNE]

Ignoring duties and vat…

A complete bike from the UK will set you back almost R8k in shipping alone these days. (If you sctually want to see it eventually…so dhl express or ups)
volume vs KG and all that. a bike comes in a BIG box….basically the volumetric equivalent to 35-40kg if not more. 
 

*From experience.

Edited November 29, 2022 by MORNE

[Jono]

Customs will more than likely use the invoice, if there is a frame in the box and no wheels, but the invoice says bike they will apply the duty and vice versa. They aren't opening every single package.

Will CRC ship the bike in 2 shipments with 2 invoices?

[Jono]

11 minutes ago, MORNE said:

Ignoring duties and vat…

A complete bike from the UK will set you back almost R8k in shipping alone these days. (If you sctually want to see it eventually…so dhl express or ups)
volume vs KG and all that. a bike comes in a BIG box….basically the volumetric equivalent to 35-40kg if not more. 
 

*From experience.

Don't CRC have a set fee for bikes or am I missing something?

[Flan]

Thanks all, seems like a daunting task LOL, if I take the chance I will post an update.

[MORNE]

15 minutes ago, Jono said:

Don't CRC have a set fee for bikes or am I missing something?

their standard "tracked bulky delivery service 12-15 days is already R3k" you can sure as **** know those timelines mean delivered to SAPO - you deal with the rest. Again...if you want to actually see it...you'll use UPS/DHL EXPRESS or even Aramex...and that will cost you in the region of 400-500 GBP - and you'll have it in 2-4 days.

 

edit: lets also say this since its not diffuclt to go over this number these days:

if you dont have an import license....you better stay under R50 000 as well, otherwise you'll atract the attention of SARS. 

Edited November 29, 2022 by MORNE

[Shebeen]

 

[MORNE]

1 minute ago, Shebeen said:

 

i feel like i type the same response to this topic at least 3 times a year 😅

[HugoPretorius]

Howzit, last year I ordered a Nukeproof frame from CRC almost took a month to get here with standard delivery. Eventually  I contact my local Post Office and they tracked it and kept me updated. Luckily there was a competent person on the job. On pickup had to pay custom charges. I’m in exactly the same boat this year as I’m considering buy a complete bike which is on special. But can’t trust SAPO with a £2000 bicycle. 😭

[ChrisF]

14 minutes ago, MORNE said:

i feel like i type the same response to this topic at least 3 times a year 😅

 

Offff topic .... sort off ....

 

Do you bring in stuff from USA ?

 

Been waiting more than a year for the local distributor to get stock of the SpeedSleave saddle bags .... 🙈 have spoken to them multiple times ... "We are waiting ....."

 

[MORNE]

23 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

Offff topic .... sort off ....

 

Do you bring in stuff from USA ?

 

Been waiting more than a year for the local distributor to get stock of the SpeedSleave saddle bags .... 🙈 have spoken to them multiple times ... "We are waiting ....."

 

I buy stuff and make sure i ship it vis courier. From anywhere. But that is a standard distro response for “we dont have enough orders to to justify a shipment”

the stock exists if you are willing to think outside the box. I always try local first, but i dont need them if they dont want my business.

[ChrisF]

2 minutes ago, MORNE said:

I buy stuff and make sure i ship it vis courier. From anywhere. But that is a standard distro response for “we dont have enough orders to to justify a shipment”

the stock exists if you are willing to think outside the box. I always try local first, but i dont need them if they dont want my business.

 

Jip.

 

Please keep me in mind next time you bring in something from USA ... With any luck this can be added to the package. 👍