Freight from UK a Killer!!

[Tank]

Just got a quote from Paddocks Spares in the UK to freight an Alternator for my Disco to Australia UPS $148.36, Air Mail $132.53, with the cost of the alternator at $186.32 it is just as cheap to buy here in Australia. I couldn't imagine what it would cost to bring in an engine from the UK, Regards Frank.

[Jojo]

It's not better the other way either. Tried/wanted to import some Aussie made stuff over to our shores, but the freight plus customs makes it hardly worth the effort.:(
Cheers

[rangieman]

It's not better the other way either. Tried/wanted to import some Aussie made stuff over to our shores, but the freight plus customs makes it hardly worth the effort.:(
Cheers
Well you could always move over here , and well your at it bring a couple of containers of spares with you:p

[Gullible]

Just got a quote from Paddocks Spares in the UK to freight an Alternator for my Disco to Australia UPS $148.36, Air Mail $132.53, with the cost of the alternator at $186.32 it is just as cheap to buy here in Australia. I couldn't imagine what it would cost to bring in an engine from the UK, Regards Frank.

Unless you plan in advance and get it sent by sea (2nd class), it will take 3 months but costs a fraction of the price.

[Bigbjorn]

Just got a quote from Paddocks Spares in the UK to freight an Alternator for my Disco to Australia UPS $148.36, Air Mail $132.53, with the cost of the alternator at $186.32 it is just as cheap to buy here in Australia. I couldn't imagine what it would cost to bring in an engine from the UK, Regards Frank.

Can you source one from USA? Their air-mail rates are much more favourable than UK/Europe. They have a service called Priority Mail International-Large Flat Rate Box, max. 20lbs, dimensions 12" x 12" x 5.5". US$53.95. Check the UK Post Office web site for options. They may have something similar. I have found that few suppliers are familiar with the intricacies of the postal systems. They usually just wrap up a parcel and send it without being aware of, or checking, the options.

[Hay Ewe]

I enquired with Paddocks for a filter kit for the auto transmission, the freight was WAY too much. Fortunatly going over for christmas and so may buy a few service items and sea freight them back.

its a bummer isnt it...

Hay Ewe

[Mulgo]

If I get parts from the UK I normally get them from:

Land Rover, Range Rover and Discovery Spare Parts - Pegasus Parts, Surrey, UK. (http://www.pegasusparts.co.uk/)

Always thought that their shipping cost was quite reasonable.

[dirtdawg]

try Rovacraft (http://www.rovacraft.com.au) on here guys i use them when ever i need something and let them know you from the aulro site and you'll get looked after i know i do!

[Chucaro]

try Rovacraft (http://www.rovacraft.com.au) on here guys i use them when ever i need something and let them know you from the aulro site and you'll get looked after i know i do!

X2 top service and Keith is a nice person ;)

[V8Ian]

I enquired with Paddocks for a filter kit for the auto transmission, the freight was WAY too much. Fortunatly going over for christmas and so may buy a few service items and sea freight them back.

its a bummer isnt it...

Hay Ewe
Try Colin at Hypertune in Hartley St, a pleasure to deal with.

[101RRS]

Most of the dealers in the UK use couriers/freight agents and do not use the Royal Mail as they do not have to go to the post office to send stuff off. Generally the same here with our sellers - they do not use Aust Post.

Check what you have been quoted, with what it would cost via Royal Mail - you can get the cost on the Royal Mail website - often it will be much cheaper but sellers often will not use them even if pushed.

Garry

[dullbird]

royal mail is far more expensive then a company using a courier 9/10......

most companys have deals with freight companies thats how they can generally send stuff cheaper than royal mail....

royal mail is a killer.....I had a 1:18 model sent over from the uk cost me 45pounds and came via a boat and took 3 months I was really ****ed off to say the least as they never told my mum that is the way it was being sent......(it was a birthday present) at 45pounds aka around 90 bux I thought it was getting flown in first class :D

[V8Ian]

royal mail is far more expensive then a company using a courier 9/10......

most companys have deals with freight companies thats how they can generally send stuff cheaper than royal mail....

royal mail is a killer.....I had a 1:18 model sent over from the uk cost me 45pounds and came via a boat and took 3 months I was really ****ed off to say the least as they never told my mum that is the way it was being sent......(it was a birthday present) at 45pounds aka around 90 bux I thought it was getting flown in first class :D
With your Mum;)

[dullbird]

With your Mum;)

I hoped not :D

[Bigbjorn]

Nowadays I only buy stock from UK/Europe if absolutely no alternative. Not only are prices sky high but the postage and courier rates beggar description. An example, a set of books for a Stankoexport cylindrical grinder A$200, and air-mail from Poland A$220.

My USA purchasing now comes 100% by air-mail service of the US Postal Service. I will not use FedEx or UPS. You have to be an eccentric millionaire to afford them. Example, two fog lamp units for a pre-war car cost A$36, freight by FedEx A$125. If these had been sent as instructed by air-mail, the charge would have been US$31.40. I no longer buy from this supplier because of this and his attitude when taken to task over not following instructions. I also made sure their head office knew why I stopped buying from them.

The US Post Office stopped their surface mail international service in May 2007. Pity, as this was quite reasonablly priced. Took 8-13 weeks so not for anything urgently required.

[Hoges]

FWIW: It's all about value/weight. I recently bought about $2,500 (local price) of bits and pieces for $1,150 from UK (mainly electronic bits + water pump, new bushes etc.) DHL delivered in 8 working days for $95. The weight is the key factor... have a look at Jaguar | Land Rover spare parts at British Parts UK (http://www.britishparts.co.uk/) they send stuff all over the world at a reasonable price... have had two sizeable shipments from them,,,
cheers

[loanrangie]

Tank, get a quote from Island 4x4 as they quoted me 20 pounds for a ps pump and an alt wouldnt weigh much more i wouldnt think. Airfreight will work out about $7/kg but then you pay other handling/ document fee's.

[martinozcmax]

Just got a quote from Paddocks Spares in the UK to freight an Alternator for my Disco to Australia UPS $148.36, Air Mail $132.53, with the cost of the alternator at $186.32 it is just as cheap to buy here in Australia. I couldn't imagine what it would cost to bring in an engine from the UK, Regards Frank.

Hi Frank,

When mine carked it after getting a quote of $1,600 from the stealership (when I queried it I was told they were "special", my response if so special why did it die !), I got a local auto electrician to fit a nissan alternator for $175 fitted. This was probably 2004 ish

He had to swap a bracket but did it while I waited so wasn't a huge issue.

Had no probs with it afterwards for 3+ years. Probably cost a bit more now but miles cheaper than a genuine one from the UK or anywhere else for that matter.

Just a thought.

Martin

[rijidij]

try Rovacraft (http://www.rovacraft.com.au) on here guys i use them when ever i need something and let them know you from the aulro site and you'll get looked after i know i do!

I recently got a couple of new seat foams from Stuart at Rovacraft in Melbourne. I'm pretty sure he had to get them from the UK as he had none in stock. I had them within a couple of weeks, and delivered to my door. I was very happy with the price and service. He's a top bloke to deal with.

Murray

[steve_a]

I had a bunch of brake parts for the D2 needed, I priced up the parts at UK prices, guesstimated at delivery costs via interparcel and then converted to $.

Sent the list to a local parts place saying that if they could get near I'd use them and spend locally, they didn't even try and didn't seem interested in trying to.

Now, this wasn't trade price on the parts, I removed the UK vat and added GST on parts+shipping - so I thought I'd given it all a good go.

So parts are being shipped via DHL in the next day or so, going to cost about $850 landed.
This includes 2 really heavy items (rear brake disks) as well.... I though the $200 ish delivery would have been an easy profit margin for the local place..

[BlueWagon]

Hi Frank,

When mine carked it after getting a quote of $1,600 from the stealership (when I queried it I was told they were "special", my response if so special why did it die !), I got a local auto electrician to fit a nissan alternator for $175 fitted. This was probably 2004 ish

He had to swap a bracket but did it while I waited so wasn't a huge issue.

Had no probs with it afterwards for 3+ years. Probably cost a bit more now but miles cheaper than a genuine one from the UK or anywhere else for that matter.

Just a thought.

Martin

I agree...I was living in the country when the fuel pump on my 110 County V8 self destructed at 90,000km. Local mechanic fitted a Repco one at 1/5 of the price of the genuine article...it was still pumping after another 260,000km when I sold the vehicle. Have no problem with OEM equipment but why pay through the nose for crap.

[lardy]

try Rovacraft (http://www.rovacraft.com.au) on here guys i use them when ever i need something and let them know you from the aulro site and you'll get looked after i know i do!

hang on i get my first opportunity to use an Aussie-ism as a new Aussie ....they charge like a wounded bull !!!!!how did i go ???:D
40 quid light guard $169 how does that pan out ?

[Bigbjorn]

Getting back to the original post. what is so special about a Discovery alternator? you should be able to source a suitable replacement locally. I bought a new Bosch 12v 75a alternator recently for $174. Two local auto electricians wanted more to rebuild the stuffed one.

[VladTepes]

Well you could always move over here

LOL... Jojo has been here, done that mate !

[350RRC]

Hi Tank et al,

About 18 months ago I ordered a new master cylinder, set of 5 stainless braided brakelines, full set of F&R caliper pistons and seals, split pins and clips and F&R Mintex pads from Paddocks over the phone. They quoted the freight cost on the phone (can't remember what it was, but I know I've posted it before).

All up, freight incl, about $480 and arrived about a week later. Just the parts alone from oz suppliers would have been around $900. No brainer really.

cheers, DL

[rrturboD]

I've been getting stuff from X-Eng for aussie clients for about a year now. The freight is certainly high, but the killer stopping me holding local stock has been the duty and gst if I bring the goods in in commercial quantities. It is cheaper for client if I get the stuff sent directly from X-Eng to them directly, gets in without customs taking any interest. Still looking for affordable freight though as would probably be worth carrying local stock.

[303gunner]

And another thing that comes into the equation is the cyclic swings of the exchange rate. You need to keep an eye on where the rates are to know if you're getting a good deal or not. At the moment, the AU$/Pound rate is quite good at AU$1/.50p, but has been as low as .40p. So compared to buying when the rate was around .40p, your now getting a "Discount" of 25%. Worth buying up now to get in a few items you've always needed.

Similarly, the US rate was a corker AU$1/US.96c about eighteen months or so ago, but then plummeted to .66c. Its now a more moderate .82c.

Naturally, these are indicative rates, and depending on your method of payment (Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Paypal), sometimes the rates seem to "lean in the favour" of the institution transferring the funds. Being aware of what rates fees or commisions each method attracts can save another few %, which might be another $20 in your pocket at the end of a several hundred dollar deal.

[Tank]

303gunner et al, the cost of freight/GST/Duties (if any) makes the UK sourced alternator more expensive than an alt. sourced here, a shame really as the actual price of the MM alt. is good at $186.
I have decided to buy a Bosch 105 amp Alt. made for a Falcon 4L six (and many others) for $300 and make up a bracket to fit. I will post some pics of the job when I do it, Thanks All again, Regards Frank.

[Rosco]

I've just ordered from Paddocks a complete bush kit, A Frame ball joint and front hub seals and the freight was $140 :(.

BUT .... all up cost for the lot incl freight $280.

Graeme Cooper didn't have a bush kit, but wanted >$400 if they did :eek:

[101RRS]

I am interested in a shovel and pick for my 101 and there is a set on ebay for 25 pounds. Contacted the guy and said that I was interested in buying but freight is a killer and could he get a sea mail/freight price - came back today and said the sea freight price is 52 pounds :o. Glad I did not ask for the overnight air express price.

Pass on this item :(.

Garry

[juddy]

My old mans getting me a box made up, for a stack of stuff i have in the Uk, 5x Wolf Rims, 1 New 130 tail gate, 1 MOD Comms pole, 1 wing mounted TUMM, plus a few other bits and bobs, Looking at 259 pounds by surface...

Was also looking at getting a Patriot Rack for the new 110, 600 pounds By air, door to door 4/5 days....

[loanrangie]

I am interested in a shovel and pick for my 101 and there is a set on ebay for 25 pounds. Contacted the guy and said that I was interested in buying but freight is a killer and could he get a sea mail/freight price - came back today and said the sea freight price is 52 pounds :o. Glad I did not ask for the overnight air express price.

Pass on this item :(.

Garry

Thats a bit steep, seafreight is only about $125/CBM so realisticly it might cost $20 at most, some companies will charge you a minimum amount, the shovel would have a timber handle so it would need to be fumigated at this end.