Ordering From Bike Inn

[Immink]

Good afternoon, 

Is there anybody in South Africa that has ordered from Bike Inn, (MTB parts in this case), as I want to place order, but concerned about the additional costs. When I add item to Cart it add the delivery cost, but no Import costs and probably no VAT also, in the end worried that will cost more than buying it locally?

 

[ChrisF]

Do a bit of a search - similar thread a few weeks back.

 

 

The potential issue relates to shipping, and the options to avoid the SA post office .....

[Immink]

Thanks for reply.

[MORNE]

Import costs are one thing. But shipping is another as Chris alluded to. You want to avoid any service that hands your package over to SAPO, unless you revel in uncertainty or like gambling. DHL does not equal DHL express, UPS (NOT USPS!) and Fedex. The latter options are door to door couriers and customs agents. Bike Inn do not offer these to SA last time i checked. 

The math is a bit more complicated…

but general tule of thumb…price you see on website converted to Randelas + 25 % ish is what it will cost you EXCL shipping. 
this includes VAT and a clearance charge assuming 0% duties on parts. If duties apply…add that on top of the 25% ish. Theres a 1000 odd page SARS doc with duties on specific goods. General rule of thumb…avoid clothing, helmets, shoes. They attract up to 70% duties. If this all seems daunting…rather support local. But there are deals to be had if you know how it works. But this needs homework / experience. 
 

edit: new SARS personal import limits on ID numbers: max R150k/unlimited transactions in a 12month period. 

more than this…you need an import license. 

this is a nice bump from the previous R50k/max 3 
 

 

Edited July 8, 2025 by MORNE

[splat]

I ordered from Starbike.com and I don't think that I fully understood their shipping policy, so I have a terrible feeling that they drop it off at SAPO.

 

5 hours ago, ChrisF said:

Do a bit of a search - similar thread a few weeks back.

 

 

The potential issue relates to shipping, and the options to avoid the SA post office .....

 

[Immink]

Morne,

I think you are making decision process easier if taking the information you gave in consideration! Local is easy and also if warranty issues then dealer is local so easier to solve issues.

Thank you

 

 

 

[Dogs]

On the side, my daughter ordered 2 LP's earlier this year from the US of A, and in both cases they came through SAPO without significant delays.    She tracked them through the source which meant that she knew when they arrived (never got a notification from SAPO).  We don't have many functioning Post Offices left, but the one at Menlyn was OK.

[michaelbiker]

BikeInn offers door to door courier for nearly the same price as SAPO. Their service is pretty good but can be slow if they don’t have the item in stock. You will pay duties, VAT and handling fees to the courier. If you have a warranty issue - I had one with a saddle - they do issue refunds or partial refunds without needing to return the item. 

[Miz3r]

Is Merlin in the uk not an option for what you looking for?

I placed an order on the 7th July and delivery estimated by 11th July to my door,

 

[Immink]

Did not actually think to try them will go and see, did you still get it at a better deal than buying locally?

[Miz3r]

3 minutes ago, Immink said:

Did not actually think to try them will go and see, did you still get it at a better deal than buying locally?

Will find out when i pay the taxes and add the totals vs locally,

Was a set of brakes, 2 x tyres for my hardtail and new seat, random things, but wanted to try it out, so i know for next time when i need a fork and groupset that it all works out and knowing the process from payment to paying taxes to my door.

[MORNE]

8 hours ago, Miz3r said:

Will find out when i pay the taxes and add the totals vs locally,

Was a set of brakes, 2 x tyres for my hardtail and new seat, random things, but wanted to try it out, so i know for next time when i need a fork and groupset that it all works out and knowing the process from payment to paying taxes to my door.

Merlin always comes in at about +25% total excl. shipping for me. Ive been ising them for almost 10y. You should have received comms from UPS by now  asking for id numbers and payment if you made the order on 7th. My merlin orders are usually here within 4 working days if i’m on top of the local UPS email comms. I also always place my orders on a sat/sun. They process orders over the weekends sometimes depending on volume.

 I also prefer DHL express’ self service through the app though. Means you’re in charge of making sure all the paperwork and payments are done quick. Once you start dealing with a (local) person it takes longer. Thats the only gripe i have with UPS, but Merlin switches courier partners every few years and i’ve not had an issue with either in the past. They do cost more…ppl never want to pay for shipping. But i want my stuff yesterday so i’m happy with paying for the service. In anycase, merlin offers free shipping over s certain value. So buy more!😅

[Miz3r]

1 hour ago, MORNE said:

Merlin always comes in at about +25% total excl. shipping for me. Ive been ising them for almost 10y. You should have received comms from UPS by now  asking for id numbers and payment if you made the order on 7th. My merlin orders are usually here within 4 working days if i’m on top of the local UPS email comms. I also always place my orders on a sat/sun. They process orders over the weekends sometimes depending on volume.

 I also prefer DHL express’ self service through the app though. Means you’re in charge of making sure all the paperwork and payments are done quick. Once you start dealing with a (local) person it takes longer. Thats the only gripe i have with UPS, but Merlin switches courier partners every few years and i’ve not had an issue with either in the past. They do cost more…ppl never want to pay for shipping. But i want my stuff yesterday so i’m happy with paying for the service. In anycase, merlin offers free shipping over s certain value. So buy more!😅

Got the email this morning saying its in sa and they are trying to make contact with the importer, this was at 1am this morning.

So I'm sure they will reach out this morning to confirm the id and email details for payment otherwise will give them a shout.

[sboschnoob]

+1 for merlin, I recently ordered a some stuff from them for the first time to test it out. Had no problem with UPS clearing the order. They sent a mail with the clearance form and import/tax fee I had to sign and send back.

[Immink]

What happens if you want item, but not in stock as not show option to ad to basket? Did send them mailbabout this awsit reply.

[ians H2Sport]

18 hours ago, Miz3r said:

Is Merlin in the uk not an option for what you looking for?

I placed an order on the 7th July and delivery estimated by 11th July to my door,

 

Merlin is great, but they use UPS who are shocking on the SA side. I had substantial delays due to their (UPS) very poor communication (check out hello peter for reviews on UPS).