eBay buying

[Flea]

Who can help

Just been on eBay looking at some 2nd hand bikes. I know that new full bikes attract an import tax of 30% plus vat - what do 2nd hand bikes get? Was going to bid on one, but the shipping plus the import fee if the same as new made it a bit too high for the risk of importing 2nd hand.

So I need to know before I try, as if you are buying a $1k+ bike, it makes a huge difference

Thanks

Damn - took the worst case option and was just pipped at the end - I live to fight another day

[louis0852]

Think the same tax applies, personally I wouldn't buy from E-bay. Risk is too high

[Flea]

shew - the person who pipped me with an hour to go, pulled out so I was winning with 1min left, then in 1 minute, 4 people bid and the price went up $400....

Anyway, I suppose that the way to offset the risk is to buy from longterm sellers on eBay and with positive responses. I battled to get them to allow me to bid as they only allowed US shipping, but explained that with Paypal the risk is not theirs.

Anyway - anyone actually done this, as the final price was still in my range if there was no tax

[KDEE]

Flea, I buy often from ebay in terms of BMX stuff for my kids bikes and before that for my motorbikes.

 

I have NEVER had a problem. I pay via paypal ( via credit card ). Most of the big stuff I ship inside the US to friends who bring it over for me, but the smaller stuff has always safely arrived via UPS.

 

Some sellers state upfront that they will not ship internationally and I don't bid on those items. If they dont say anything, then I mail to ask if they will ship to SA.

 

On bigger items the shipping can be prohibitive though..

 

[Flea]

agreed KDEE

Suppose that you only buy spares, so no import duties - are you still hit for VAT?

The import costs are huge, but as long as you expect them you can bid accordingly. I was looking at a 29er which was not available here, so had no option. The big thing is the import duty on the full bike - maybe I should just look for a frame

 

[louis0852]

I have no idea if this will pass, but ask the seller to break down the full bike when he send it, might save some money on space for shipping and might go through as spares

[linnega]

Yes, you still pay VAT.  On a full bike/frame the cost of shipping can be high as the box is "oversized".

 

[KDEE]

I have never paid Vat on my ebay purchases. Suppose it was just the luck of the draw as to the customs guy looking at the parcel.. always some duties, but never vat.

 

You have the right idea as to taking the whole cost into consideration.

 

Wheels and frames are mega bucks to ship. I often get shipping prices from online shops for the same article to check the shipping quote for comparison.

 

Frames and wheels are 'outsize boxes' and tend to attract volumetric charges as opposed to weight.

 

If the ebay seller has good feedback, I wouldnt hesitate. Most guys sell stuff everyday and protect the ratings that they have.

 

If the frame is unique and you can live with the cost of shipping, go for it.

 

 

[HeartCoppi]

Stick to spares, frames and wheels are to large and the freight is charged on a volume calculation which is very expensive.

I get equally anxious cos the frames are great and scarce....thats the way it is.

BUT>>>if you have a mate staying abroad that is willing to accept and store it till you can fetch it...it works. But that means you have to fly out with an old bike (wrapped and concealed worth 100 bucks) and ditch it on the other side and bring the new one back.

I have componenets sent to family and friends abroad who then post it to me rather than having only couriers involved. Also see for things like gumtree london where a mate staying in london (eg) can go and look and buy directly on your behalf.

[flex]

Think the same tax applies' date=' personally I wouldn't buy from E-bay. Risk is too high[/quote']

 

Agree - I have tried to buy from them once before and the bank called to say my credit card was being charged multiple times. Luckily I managed to cancel the transaction. I'm a compulsive internet shopper, but eBay is the one site I won't use.

[KDEE]

928... was the transaction going directly to your credit car or via Paypal?

 

I have never had a problem via Paypal..

 

[Flea]

Problem is if you are looking at a 29er FS, the local options are limited (as they are in the UK), so you need US - and who admits to knowing people there?

[javadude]

I've bought a lot if stuff off eBay. I only buy from sellers with good ratings or from certain of the bigger eBay stores.

[TYGA]

Anyone got any info on whether you would pay import duty on a second hand bike bought off ebay?

[slowtwitch]

No hassle using ebay for years now.

Always Paypal, always check the comments from other buyers first

 

twice did I not recieve the goods after weeks, and both times Paypal refunded me without hassle (both were from asian sharky sellers)

 

I just found that thehub is cheeper for big stuff like bikes

[TYGA]

I've been looking around for a good deal on a singlespeed 29er but battling to find anything....I don't think 29ers have been popular around here for long enough for much choice to be available 2nd hand at this stage. On ebay not that many sellers willing to deal with international buyers and shipping costs seem to be crazy on bikes from the States to RSA...maybe someone can tell me or recommend a cheaper freight option?