eerriicc

So I found a rare bike that I have had a crush on for a while, the only problem is that the bike is in France and I am in California. The seller says that the cheapest shipping option (fed ex or something obvious like that) would cost 500 euros. As much as I like the bike, that's just a bit too much for me to be able to rationalize. There must be a cheaper way to ship a bike, I don't care how long it takes to ship, does anyone have any tips for a good way to ship a bike overseas?

Juha

For 500e you could almost fly over and pick the bike up yourself. There are alternatives, google for "sea freight quotes". Here's one for example: https://www.excess-baggage.com/. I have no idea if they offer door-to-door delivery etc. Also, if the seller is accustomed to using a particular service it may be difficult to interest them in alternatives.

--J

travelmama

Have you bothered to check the various freight costs from point A to point B? People can play the guessing game all day long but if you don't know exactly from where the bike is being shipped, how will anyone know the exact cost?

Machka 

+1

There are a lot of guessing games played here on these forums when people could make some calls, send some emails, or look up the information on the internet. Sometimes places like FedEx and UPS have an online shipping calculator which will allow you to input the size and weight of the package plus the departure and destination locations ... and they'll produce a price.

But also check International Movers.

apclassic9

you might even buy your intended an actual plane seat?

eerriicc

Thanks guys - yeah, I guess the problem is that I don't know who to call or where to check about prices because beyond the usual options like fedex and ups I don't really know what there is. I was sort of considering picking it up on my next trip to France, but I don't know when that will be and with Delta (I have relatives who were employees, so basically the only airline I fly) shipping costs for a bike international are 300$ - so still not a great price. I have heard rumors about different shipping options by sea that takes upwards of a few months, but I don't really know much about it.

spinnaker

500 euto is about right. A bit high maybe I would guess around $400 US (I have checked into it before). Add maybe another $50 US for professional packing and it is not too far off the mark.

I'd keep an eye on airline fees and go get the thing and ride it there. Bring it back with you after vacation. It will cost more thatn 500 euro but it will be money invested in a nice vacation and not just shipping.

spinnaker

And it is all what the shipper is willing to do. Fedex is easy can't asy the same or not to have the bike shipped in a container.

What about driving to a neighboring city for a flight on a different airline? You could fly there but then you would have two problems. The first being that the first carrier is only responsible for getting you to the other city and not Europe. If something happened to the connection you would be stuck. The problem is that you might lose your savings on the way back. You would have a fee for the bike from Europe then again back to your home city.

Machka 

As I said before ... look up International Movers. I'm in the process of shipping all my stuff from NA to Australia that way.

You might also check with the cargo departments of various airlines.

And there's always the Post Office.

eerriicc

where do I find such a thing?

Machka 

Hmmm ... maybe you could look up International Movers. Do you know how to use Google? Start Google up and type in International Movers.



Let's see if I have to say this a 4th time!!