Everest

I know a number of you have bought bike frames from Europe and had them shipped to the states and that a number of you live across the pond, I need your help. For those who have purchased frames over seas or know about it I have a few questions: Was it an easy transaction or did you run into problems? I assume I can just use paypal and the seller handles most everything else correct? About how long does shipping take? Can you get shipping insurance? About how much should I expect to pay for customs? Will the frame be held up there? The seller has offered to lower the stated value of the frame to lower customs costs, would this be wise? Are their any reprocutions from doing this? Finally can you give me an account of your personal expierence so I know what to expect? For those members who live in Europe, the seller seems to speak some English but should a problem arrise is their anyone who can help with communication? Also any other insights yo have are appreciated? Also I checked the guy out and seems very legit and to be a bike enthusiast, he has 61 feedbacks? all 100% positive. Thanks for any help

repechage

Stuff coming to the USA from Netherlands and or Denmark seems to take forever. I was worried once, bought a bike, no bike 14 weeks later, I wrote it off as the window to complain or reverse had long past, bike arrived in 16+ weeks. It was not as stated, but that's another problem. I would "pay the price" to get it here quicker to have some recourse, be sure if it is used, that it states so on the declaration, don't fudge on the value, and consider escrow, all raise the gross cost. Pay by CC otherwise, might bum out the seller, and the credit card guys have really skewered the exchange rates and added fees, like 3%! So, it depends on the willingness to risk.

If one is going to gamble, be sure to leave feedback within the window of opportunity, (Just within) even poor feedback can be amended, no feedback is just that a lost avenue.

cuda2k

I had my Gazelle shipped from the Neitherlands, I think it took maybe 4-5weeks. Since it was an individual seller I didn't get hit with any duties, also likely due to the low cost of the transaction (sub $200). As the seller about forms of transit that will allow for some tracking and or insurance options, state it in a way that you want to ensure both of you are comfortable about the long distance of shipping. Good luck, and what bike are you looking at? As I'm sure Lotek will say, and I'll agree to, Dutch frames are great.

Everest

I asked the seller and he said shipping should take about two weeks and that he can provide a tracking number. As for the escrow thing, paypal has pretty good buyer protection right? Also I am still trying to decide what to do about customs mainly wether or not to state a lower value to keep cost down, I want to make an informed descision so does anyone know what the possible reprocutions are of this? All my original questions still stand as well, thanks for all the help.

Citoyen du Monde

Duty is due on the market value of the bike, regardless of what you claim or show that you paid. Customs can in fact decide on their own what the frame is worth. They will generally accept declared rates, but if they suspect that you are lowballing it, they will question it if they have time. I therefore always declare full value, besides you cannot keep insurance on the true value of the frame and then understate the value to avoid payment of duty. In any case the duty is only 3.9% on a frame (should be declared on the accompanying documents under harmonized tariff code 8714.91.20.00)

mozzy66

I shipped hundreds of item to the states from Europe with the postal service: 2 losses, 2 damages. I recommend expedited shipping because there is less time for the item to being damaged. But all in all, no problems at all: reliable, all parcels are insured (just in case) and free of charges (customs). Expedited shipping takes around 15 working days. Depends also on the seller, how much he is dilly dalling around before shipping. Regards, Thomas.

lotek 

I've had 2 bikes shipped from the Netherlands, took 2 weeks for them to arrive.
I had one ship from Australia and that took a week and a half. I didn't pay exhorbetent
shipping rates (maybe $60.00 for the 2 from Netherlands and $40 for the Aussie bike).
I paid exactly $0.00 customs fees.
Bikes were valued at my cost on the customs forms, just be sure to state it
is a used bike.

Marty