Mail Order Bike Gear

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by flynn
You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean Woods and Probikekit?

How do get by with Customs charges for O/S orders and does the high AUD make it more worthwhile to order from O/S?

There are quite a few other threads that discuss shipping from overseas, but basically the gist of it is that if you get it shipped through a courier (eg Fedex) then expect to pay ALL expenses (gst, duty, random miscellaneous fees) if the total value exceeds $250 AUD, but if you get it shipped through the post (eg USPS) then you can go up to $500 AUD before being slugged.

I have shipped (many) things here (mostly bike bits) using the postal service from U.S and (touch wood) everything has arrived in a timely, undamaged state. This includes both air (1-2 weeks) and surface (generally 5-6 weeks) post.

It goes without saying that the exchange rate is definately favourable for such purchases at the moment.

Cheers,
Troy

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by ftf
There are quite a few other threads that discuss shipping from overseas, but basically the gist of it is that if you get it shipped through a courier (eg Fedex) then expect to pay ALL expenses (gst, duty, random miscellaneous fees) if the total value exceeds $250 AUD, but if you get it shipped through the post (eg USPS) then you can go up to $500 AUD before being slugged.

I have shipped (many) things here (mostly bike bits) using the postal service from U.S and (touch wood) everything has arrived in a timely, undamaged state. This includes both air (1-2 weeks) and surface (generally 5-6 weeks) post.

It goes without saying that the exchange rate is definately favourable for such purchases at the moment.

Cheers,
Troy

ProBikeKit appear to haev changed their customs policy recently. I bought some tubes, a jersey and a jacket from them about two months back and at the time they advertised that they would take care of customs duties. Now they have a big warning that its the customer's problem. Why the about-face, one wonders...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by flynn
You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean Woods and Probikekit?

How do get by with Customs charges for O/S orders and does the high AUD make it more worthwhile to order from O/S?

ive bought two things from probikekit and never had any problems. This was before the change of tact on the duty though. My one experience ordering from the US was a disaster, as i was slugged by customs. I did use fedex though and if you have it packaged normally i think you would be right. Make sure you ring the company in the US first as sometimes they say they will ship overseas but they make it bloody difficult and expensive. I used cambria bikes and they were good. I have heard jensen USA is good also. let us know how you go if you take the plunge.
I have been eyeing off a nice set of crank bros eggbeaters.....

"flynn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean
Woods and Probikekit?

Dean Woods has always been excellent for me. They have excellent after sales service. None of this
"It must be your fault" type [censored] that you sometimes get with some LBS's (not all though).

Quoted message said:

How do get by with Customs charges for O/S orders and does the high AUD make it more worthwhile to
order from O/S?

Well more worthwhile than a low dollar thats for sure. You will get hit with tax gst and other
duties if over the limit. Check out www.customs.gov.au. Big thing is for you to do your homework.
Also if the difference is not that great then you are taking a risk if you have to exchange or
return. I have bought many things from OS without a headache but I always make sure that I cover the
even if I have to return it.

If the item is > $1000 ie (more than $50 duty on it). See below but if the cartage isnt going to
kill you then dont put too many items together.

Indirect taxes Imported goods may be subjected to one or more indirest taxes. These indirest taxes
comprise the goods and services tax, the wine equalisation tax and the luxury car tax.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST applies to most imported goods. There are few exemptions from the GST, the main ones being
certain basic foodstuffs, some medical aids and appliances and imports that qualify for certain
customs duty concessions.

GST is applied at 10% of the value of the taxable importation. The value of the taxable importation
is the sum of:

a.. the customs value of the imported goods, and
b.. any customs duty payable, and
c.. the amount paid or payable to transport the goods to Australia and to insure the goods for
that transport, and
d.. any wine tax payable (see following section). The way in which the customs value and customs
duty are determined has not changed.

The following example shows how GST liability is calculated:

$

Customs value 1,000.00

Customs duty @ 5% x $1,000 50.00 (Payable)

International transport and insurance 150.00

Wine tax (if applicable - see following section) 0.00

VoTI 1,200.00

GST @ 10% x $1,200 120.00 (Payable)

Total payable (Customs duty + GST) 170.00

flynn said:

You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean
Woods and Probikekit?

I haven't used either of these.

In Aus, I've had excellent service from Phantom Cycles, phantomcycles.com.auphantomcycles.com.auOpen ↗, although
their on-line catalog seems to have shrunk a lot recently.

Overseas, I've used St John St Cycles, sjscycles.comvIndex.htmOpen ↗, a lot, and had
excellent service. Their on-line catalog is the most comprehensive I've seen.

I'm presently waiting on my first order from XXcycle, xxcycle.comxxcycle.comOpen ↗. They have a good
catalog (helps a bit if you speak French - which I don't). Don't be put off by their indicated
freight charges. When you order, you get the choice to use post (a lot cheaper).

I've also used Harris Cyclery, sheldonbrown.comindex.htmlOpen ↗. Once again, very good
service, but the freight charges can be off-putting.

John

Yeah I noticed that as well. I thought the whole idea of them setting up an office in Sydney was to
get around this?

My own experience with this company has been the best. My first order was cancelled and they never
informed me or replied to any of my emails asking where the hell it was. They eventually sent my
order but only have I had to call there UK office via the telephone. My 2nd order was a botch job as
well. They sent the parcel to the major city PO BOX no instead of my local town. They had no idea
where the parcel was and weren't that interested or helpful. I had to look into where it had got to
myself. But I must admit that other friends of mine have bought from them with no trouble/problems
so maybe I just got unlucky?

The one advantage with Probikekit is that it's pretty cheap...unless of course you get hit with
duty. Which would seem all the more likely with the BIG disclaimer regarding import duty etc.

Cletus75 said:

ftf said:

There are quite a few other threads that discuss shipping from overseas, but basically the
gist of it is that if you get it shipped through a courier (eg Fedex) then expect to pay ALL
expenses (gst, duty, random miscellaneous fees) if the total value exceeds $250 AUD, but if
you get it shipped through the post (eg USPS) then you can go up to $500 AUD before being
slugged. I have shipped (many) things here (mostly bike bits) using the postal service from
U.S and (touch wood) everything has arrived in a timely, undamaged state. This includes both
air (1-2 weeks) and surface (generally 5-6 weeks) post. It goes without saying that the
exchange rate is definately favourable for such purchases at the moment. Cheers, Troy

ProBikeKit appear to haev changed their customs policy recently. I bought some tubes, a jersey and
a jacket from them about two months back and at the time they advertised that they would take care
of customs duties. Now they have a big warning that its the customer's problem. Why the
about-face, one wonders...

--

Quoted message said:

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Posted via cyclingforums.com cyclingforums.comcyclingforums.comOpen ↗

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"Cletus75" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

ftf said:

There are quite a few other threads that discuss shipping from

overseas,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

but basically the gist of it is that if you get it shipped through a courier (eg Fedex) then
expect to pay ALL expenses (gst, duty, random miscellaneous fees) if the total value exceeds
$250 AUD, but if you

get

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it shipped through the post (eg USPS) then you can go up to $500 AUD before being slugged. I
have shipped (many) things here (mostly bike bits) using the postal service from U.S and
(touch wood) everything has arrived in a timely, undamaged state. This includes both air (1-2
weeks) and surface (generally 5-6 weeks) post. It goes without saying that the exchange rate
is definately favourable for such purchases at the moment. Cheers, Troy

ProBikeKit appear to haev changed their customs policy recently. I bought some tubes, a jersey and
a jacket from them about two months back and at the time they advertised that they would take care
of customs duties. Now they have a big warning that its the customer's problem. Why the
about-face, one wonders...

Probably burned one would theorise.

"flynn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean
Woods and Probikekit?

How do get by with Customs charges for O/S orders and does the high AUD make it more worthwhile to
order from O/S?

--

Quoted message said:

--------------------------<

Posted via cyclingforums.com cyclingforums.comcyclingforums.comOpen ↗

Domestically, Dean Woods, Phantom Cycles, Nemesis Cycles, all have been fine for me. O'Seas I have
used Nashbar, Supergo for delivery to a brother who carried the gear to Oz on his next trip.

I just got a quote on the freight on some cycling shoes from Nashbar shoes $60USD, FEDEX freight
$67.54USD. The local price ~ A$230. If I used USPS it would be around $25USD for freight.

I have used ProBikekit without problems, but I had heard that they were having some problems
with Customs.

Know your costs coming out of the US. USPS looks considerably cheaper, check out their charges on
their website for Parcel Air.

Kevin

I have used Dean Woods only once, but they were excellent in their service. I ordered a pair of sunglasses (comfy, light, and 3 different lenses for $40!) at about 8.00pm one night, and they were in my letterbox within 2 days!

James

John Henderson <[email hidden]> wrote:
: "flynn" wrote:

:> You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean
:> Woods and Probikekit?

: I haven't used either of these.

: In Aus, I've had excellent service from Phantom Cycles, phantomcycles.com.auphantomcycles.com.auOpen ↗, although
: their on-line catalog seems to have shrunk a lot recently.

Just give Kerry a ring - phone number on the website - and ask about what you seek.

I was once quoted US$52 by Supergo to have a $9 part freighted via FedEx. I guess they didn't want
my custom. And Supergo, Nashbar and Performance Cycles are now all the one company. I haven't
bothered to enquire again in a while so things may have become more reasonable.

I was also quoted a US$20 shipping and handling fee minimum by another US retailer - they often
advertise in rec.bicycles. marketplace. Despite my protestations they simply would not budge. It's
quite frustrating knowing that they could easily send something surface mail, or even use the $5
Gobal Priority envelope.

Be sure you sort the shipping issues out before getting too excited about buying from OS.

Cheerz, Lynzz

"John Henderson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

flynn said:

You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean
Woods and Probikekit?

I haven't used either of these.

In Aus, I've had excellent service from Phantom Cycles, phantomcycles.com.auphantomcycles.com.auOpen ↗, although
their on-line catalog seems to have shrunk a lot recently.

Overseas, I've used St John St Cycles, sjscycles.comvIndex.htmOpen ↗, a lot, and had
excellent service. Their on-line catalog is the most comprehensive I've seen.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

John

I've also used St John St Cycles, and found their service excellent, and their prices reasonable.

Liz

Try using the search engine on the site it seems to come up with more than the normal catalogue

Lindsay Rowlands said:

John Henderson <[email hidden]> wrote:
: "flynn" wrote:

:> You experienced bikers, let us know of experiences with online suppliers. What do think of Dean
:> Woods and Probikekit?

: I haven't used either of these.

: In Aus, I've had excellent service from Phantom Cycles, phantomcycles.com.auphantomcycles.com.auOpen ↗,
: although their on-line catalog seems to have shrunk a lot recently.

Just give Kerry a ring - phone number on the website - and ask about what you seek.

I was once quoted US$52 by Supergo to have a $9 part freighted via FedEx. I guess they didn't want
my custom. And Supergo, Nashbar and Performance Cycles are now all the one company. I haven't
bothered to enquire again in a while so things may have become more reasonable.

I was also quoted a US$20 shipping and handling fee minimum by another US retailer - they often
advertise in rec.bicycles. marketplace. Despite my protestations they simply would not budge. It's
quite frustrating knowing that they could easily send something surface mail, or even use the $5
Gobal Priority envelope.

Be sure you sort the shipping issues out before getting too excited about buying from OS.

Cheerz, Lynzz

On 27/11/3 I said:

I'm presently waiting on my first order from XXcycle, xxcycle.comxxcycle.comOpen ↗. They have a good
catalog (helps a bit if you speak French - which I don't). Don't be put off by their indicated
freight charges. When you order, you get the choice to use post (a lot cheaper).

That order arrived this morning - three weeks after despatch.

Usually, I find orders posted from the UK or US take a week.

The Stronglight JP400 bottom bracket I ordered from them is excellent quality at a great price (and
JIS sizing, and taking a Shimano removal tool too). Cheaper than the heavier Shimano unit I can get
locally, even with freight for the whole order included.

John