Thinking of looking to the states to get a cheap SRAM x.0 mech (about £70) anybody had any experience of importing bits?

I was looking at JensonUSA.com unless somebody has a better idea...

don't forget to add the shipping, VAT, import duty and 'administration' charges to that

That said there's a BNIB X.0 rear mech on STW at the mo for £100

it's not mine BTW

The import tax for bike components is about 4.75% and you also have to pay 17.5% VAT on the cost of the whole package including the shipping, which is a bit sneaky. Then the courier service will charge you admin for bringing it through customs so it can all get a bit pricey. I've found that by the time you pay all that, you could have got the component for the same price in half the time from a UK site.
Importing only really works out cheaper if you're actually smuggling, er, I mean bringing it into the country yourself.

You only have to pay the import duty and VAT if it gets noticed.
Ive had stuff imported a few times and about 50% of the time got away with no charges.

I think Brant has a bit of XO stuff at the on-one website.

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Darn

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mm



You could try ebay :)

Thought you'd like to know how I got on. Ordered from www.jensonusa.com the following:

sram x.0 rear derailleur $120
sram 05 front derailleur $30
sram 05 x.9 shifters $99

shipping was $33.12

They arrived today (6 day turnaround) didn't have to pay VAT or any other duty. So I got the whole lot for about the same cost as the X.0 in this country Woo Hoo!

And I have to say the X.0 is a seriously sexy peice of kit!

In my experience of importing bits and pieces from the states, it's whether the vendor 'remembers' to write up the customs label correctly that determines whether HM Customs (actually parcelforce, or Post Office do the work, and charge the admin fee) pick it up and wipe out your margin.
I have imported many items in the past year, and only one supplier so far has filled in the customs label accurately.
Bikesmart.
It's definitely worth discovering who'll be slack and lazy with the paperwork, as it could save you quite a few quid!
So, jensonusa.com, you say........
Nice!