Buying off the internet - Overseas

[Wallee]

I just recieved my first order from CRC. Like I read earlier in this thread - Just like Christmas! Paid the VAT at the post office, no problem. Saved myself R1500.00

[slowtwitch]

There is one cardinal rule that may never ever be broken, or you'll burn for it...

 

Never Ever go to your LBS get advise and his wisdom on a part/ frame/etc, touch it, feel it, smell it - i.e.use his showroom and stock costs, and then go and order from some website.

NEVER

[The Pirate]

There is one cardinal rule that may never ever be broken' date=' or you'll burn for it...

 

?

 

Never Ever go to your LBS get advise and his wisdom on a part/ frame/etc, touch it, feel it, smell it - i.e.use his showroom and stock costs, and then go and order from some website.

 

NEVER

[/quote']

 

 

 

Oops

[Brighter-Lights]

I have over 100 eBay deals with 100% feedback from about 70 unique users since 2001... With private sales, you gotta make sure the guy is real. Never had a problem with buying from shops. Once even bought a Sid fork from Turkey...

 

If I want something and it's cheaper overseas, I sometimes go to my bikeshop and tell them what I'm looking for and what I can get it at... Quite often they will discount the price to within a few 100 rand and then they still get the business (even at reduced markup) and I don't have to wait... win win situation... I always recommend them where ever I go and they get more customers...

[Wallee]

I saw some really cheap pstuff as compared to Sportsman wearhouse where I last looked at Polars last week on www.totalcycling.com. Check under the heart rate monitor link on the left. Nearly half the price' date=' but add about 25% for import.

[/quote']

 

Polar is one item that I will not buy from overseas.

 

I own several Polar products, and any problems that I have had, have been sorted out immediately and with no fuss by the agents. Last month I sent in my old "carbon look" 725X because the screen would occasionally go dim. Two days later I get A call from my lbs to say that my watch is back, when I go to collect it, I found a brand new silver 725X!

 

I will gladly pay a bit more to support people with that kind of service.

[javadude]

I don't think Totalcycling will sell Polar products to South Africans. They have an agreement with Polar in this regard, or at least  they did when i inquired a couple of years ago.

[DuaneS]

http://www.evanscycles.com/news-and-events/new-lower-delivery-to-asia-australia-nz-sa

 

When buying in the UK you can claim the Vat back. VAT is charged at 15% at the moment, not sure if you can claim the whole 15%. Retailers will complete a form that you hand in at customs at the airport, and then the money is transfered to your account. Not sure how this will work if the bike gets posted, but worth knowing if a friend is maybe passing by

[Minion]

 

http://www.evanscycles.com/news-and-events/new-lower-delivery-to-asia-australia-nz-sa

 

When buying in the UK you can claim the Vat back. VAT is charged at 15% at the moment' date=' not sure if you can claim the whole 15%.[/quote']

They automatically remove the VAT from your order, so no need to claim. I think UK VAT is at 17.5%, so even more benefit. Of course SARS then adds back their own 15+%.

[Willehond]

There is one cardinal rule that may never ever be broken' date=' or you'll burn for it...

 

Never Ever go to your LBS get advise and his wisdom on a part/ frame/etc, touch it, feel it, smell it - i.e.use his showroom and stock costs, and then go and order from some website.

NEVER

[/quote']

 

No, never get CAUGHT doing it!  Big difference.

[Willehond]

I am very upset.  I ordered (and payed) for a set of sweet Zipp wheels from totalcycling.com and two weeks later I'm still waiting for them to arrive.  I just phoned them just to hear that they never sent them and don't have stock and this despite the fact that their order tracking stated it was dispatched

They apologised profusely, but they can't help me with the wheels ('08 stock).  They will refund me, but it does leave a bad taste in the mouth....

[Borriz]

There are 3 products I will never skimp on price with Polar, Camelbak and Oakley. I've had not a days problem with these products. They are a head above their competitors and sets the standard for all other brands.

Had the same experience than Wallee with my Polar despite being second hand 720.

I'm yet to find fault with Camelbak - no zipps that come undone, broken or leaking accessories nothing