freight costs from the UK - common thread

[2_door]

I have been searching trying to find a common thread on freight costs of items purchased in the UK but I can’t find one.

Do you think we could start a ‘common thread’ where we can post up costs, item size and weights and freight times so we all know what is a reasonable price to pay. Seems some UK companies like to add VAT to us and charge unreasonable freight costs.

Maybe something like this

Item:
Weight and size (approx):
Company bought from (optional):
Freight method (air, sea/other):
Time from UK to Australia:
VAT paid – Y/N:

What do you think ?

[ade]

I buy all my parts from the uk now never been charged vat, prices including shipping are always better than aust prices, quite often get things faster from the uk than in aust, never had a problem with uk companies, DLS spares is my fav

[2_door]

I buy all my parts from the uk now never been charged vat, prices including shipping are always better than aust prices, quite often get things faster from the uk than in aust, never had a problem with uk companies, DLS spares is my fav

how about a few examples Ade, so we can see what works for you ???

[Sleepy]

Never been charged VAT. The only crazy freight charge was a fella that wanted to charge me 40 quid for 2 x D rings. It was an ebay purchase - from a larger supplier - and he tried to amend the freight charge after the sale. Pulled his head in when I threatened to report him to ebay. I won't be naming him here.

Have you had a problem with freight charges 2-doors? I have found that, given all the competition, that the freight charges are pretty reasonable (other than the above example) and generally quick (max 2 weeks).

Freight from the USA is another story - outrageously high.

I would think that it is illegal (UK laws) to charge you VAT. They could argue accounting error but not worth the risk for the larger companies.

[DeanoH]

........................Freight from the USA is another story - outrageously high....................

I don't find freight from the US to be a problem because whenever I want to buy anything from the US the sellers won't send OS.

Don't know why. Is it because being Americans they're so insular they don't realize there's other countrys actually out there ? or is it with a domestic market of 300+ million they don't care ? Or some other reason ?

Very frustrating.

Deano

[Sleepy]

That is usually the manufacturers protecting their market here. For example you can't buy an iPod online from US or new season runners (sorry "sneakers"). This is so the retailers here can charge you their "special" AUS price. - admittedly this will also protect local retailers somewhat.

Sorry bout the thread drift 2 doors.

[gromit]

You can check UK shipping costs here :-

Price Finder | Royal Mail Ltd

I recently got a price from a supplier and double checked it using the calculator above. Wasn't too far off the price given.

Mind you I'm still waiting for the parts to turn up.....


Colin

[d2dave]

I have found a lot depends on the supplier and what freight company they have struck a deal with.

For example I was wanting an alternator. Suppliers are often slow responding to emails for freight costs, so to speed things up I thought I would ring DHL myself and get a quote. Their price to me $500.

The supplier got this alternator plus CV joint, viscous fan coupling and a hand full of oil seals, for a freight cost of $50 (I can't remember whether it was $50 or 50 pound) using DHL.

I queried DHL and they told me regular customers can negotiate freight prices.

[superquag]

I don't find freight from the US to be a problem because whenever I want to buy anything from the US the sellers won't send OS.

Don't know why. Is it because being Americans they're so insular they don't realize there's other countrys actually out there ? or is it with a domestic market of 300+ million they don't care ? Or some other reason ?

Very frustrating.

Deano

Understand perfectly. - Which is why there's a few businesses like 'MyUSaddress' which will buy on your behalf, hold and on-send your purchases.

Some US companies make more on the "shipping" than on the product. - I mean, nearly $70 'shipping' for a pair of headlight $35 GLOBES. ???

On lighter weight goods I've found the USPS Flat Rate Box (surface postage...) to be as fast as some air-freight. And heaps cheaper at $30 or so.

On the other hand, I see no problem with naming the various (invariably English) companies that we've had good experiences with, along with shipping costs / weights / etc.

[Robgw]

Try Rimmer Brothers .

They won't charge VAT - Great prices and online chat facility live so even here is morning in the UK. Answer questions and quote postage before you buy if the item is heavy or large.

I used them for my MG when i lived in the UK.

Rob