importing stuff

[Sibbo]

I am sick of crap service from local bike shops and wish to not support their antics anymore. I have been looking at prices on the web for general stuff and it is so so much cheaper (even after the $$ conversion) than most of the prices here.

Now my dilemma is, getting the stuff from the online seller to my house. I know that US postal have a cheap economy service to Australia, but the online shops I have spoken to are not willing to send it overseas. The only shop I have found that does overseas postage absolutely rip you off in the postage charges and make it not viable.

Dose anyone have know of an online shop that will send their goods via US postal and not have a 400% mark-up on postage costs?

[discobob]

The reason they wont ship overseas is that manufactures of these products are protecting the Australian distributor, no one said they were any good but thats the reason. If they do sell direct then there is a strong chance , if they get caught, that they will no longer be able to buy from the company.

[Sibbo]

Bastards!!! :evil: That is bloody peter steves brother in law that runs monza imports fault! Bunch of pricks.

[discobob]

Is it the importer or the bike shop ?
If it is the shops you are not happy with find one that will send to you directly. A few years ago I used to deal with Ballards (www.ballards.cc) and if they got the order and in stock i would always receive it the next day. Maybe try that.

[Wobbly]

Ebay is your friend.

For example I got cams shipped over here for the same cost as serco wanted for ONE cam. To me that's blatant profiteering on serco's part given that I bought them at a retail price (albeit discounted), so they must have more than 100% markup on them, plus shipping costs. So as far as I'm concerned they can jam it up their arse. :D

Try places like rocky mountain m/c as well.

[Sibbo]

My first issue is getting a filter for my new ride (not telling, as you will all pick on me :? [Ash, I let my guard down and the bloody heavy bastard 4 stroke followed me home, watch out every one, you could be next!])

I was trying to get a UNi filter. They have it on the US site for US$14, but on the Aust owned and made Uni filter site they dont have it. when i called them, they said they dont have it and were even confused when I asked for blank foam. They were helpful, yet knew not much. Update: Just got off the phone to Uni filter (they called back!!!), all they need is the measurments and will cut me a bit of foam for me to fit. :D Looks like I can ride the motObikeO to work, whoopie. Could be a big tick for Uni flter, but time will tell.

What was i saying?

I am pissed at most bike shops (poor service) and the importers (making too much money). One US site that looks OK is http://www.denniskirk.com/ Anyone seen them before? I am waiting on an email back to see how their postage works, but it looks good. If it is good, it could be bad for the credit card.

My Rant over....for now.

[Muzzard]

Ditto...

[Lee1170]

"Ol Smokey" :oops:

:lol: Good Luck with yer Thumper! :up:

Im counting down the posts until you start slagging the 2 smokes!

[scozzie]

There's an issue with Aussie Customs too isn't there?

If it's over $100 worth (what isn't these days) don't you end up paying duty on it which bumps the price up yet again.

[discobob]

You will pay GST but usually no duties , just depends on who checks it. The problem with sending stuff via US postal is the time it takes to actually receive the stuff, I have had stuff sitting in Australian customs (postal) for 3 weeks. If it is sent by DHL etc then it is delivered door to door but costs more.

[Muzzard]

I agree with the service DHL offers, but when you are dealing with global container freight they are the dearest also...
By using an agent located where you source your goods from to handle forwarding proceedure at point of departure you get best time advantage and certainly better rates.

Contact JR...
He may be in a position to do you right on the postage of items at the correct rate.

[jakestein]

DHL can go to hell and burn :evil: all of em....

I am looking at some graphics from mx south ( yes Muzz the cool ones with skulls and shit) :D

[Flash]

Got a web site for mx south?

[jakestein]

www.mxsouth.com ;)

http://www.mxsouth.com/xgxracing/xgx277toc.htm (Yamaha)

[Sibbo]

how well do Aust customs do their job, will they sting me for not paying my GST or will I most likley sneak my stuff through? I believe that the min amount for customs charging is $150, so my stuff will be a bit over that.

Lee, I will never slag off a stoker. Well, maybe when 4s have more hp for the same cc and cost the same $$, but untill that day, i shall be mixing my fuel like a man. The worst part about the new bike, it has 4 little 4stroke pots attached together.

[Muzzard]

Get onto JR and send him the cash, get him to purchase the said items, post them direct, no GST then mate...

[Wobbly]

It's pretty hit + miss with customs ... my $350 cams didn't get hit with anything...

[Lee1170]

1.... :)

What did you get, what did you get...

[Flash]

Hey Brett what sort of diesel followed you home?

What happened to the CR500???

[scozzie]

Jakestein and Flash.

Those stickers you want are available over here.

www.motoxtrail.com or phone (03) 9266 1468 oe e-mail mtxstickers@optusnet.com.au

Looks to be a wider range too.

[jakestein]

Thanks :)

[danno]

Gusy, I've done a lot of importing and exporting... containers all the way down to stuff that fits in an envelope. Bringing things in from the states, the best and most legal way is the following. If you can get someone local (States side) to receive the items, then post them to you, I think the latest cap is $400 for items. If the person decides to 'gift' them to you and put a nominal amount on the item, most times it will fly through customs and the mail in the usual parcel time. Best thing to remember is keep the packages small, even if you need to send a few items. Always declare what is inside the box. If you lie and get caught, it will cost. Pay for the item with your credit card and have it sent to your contact (eg. JR if he's into that), then paypal JR the money or do some contra so you don't have to wire money, as that can get expensive too. At the end of the day, the manufacturer does have to protect its local arrangements, and business is big enough in the states that the hassle of sending stuff internationally just ain't worth it. Heck, they even cough up a lung when they have to send stuff to Canada. Anyway, my two cents worth.

[scozzie]

That's 'cos they think it's next to Norway :D

[Sibbo]

Thanks all for the advice. We will see how we go.

On the bike front, it is a 96 Kawasaki ZX-6R. Dont ask why, it was just cheap and from a mate. It is mostly to ride to work, as cheap transport that can be sold for what I paid for it. But the good thing is that I can come on the road rides and talk shit! I still want a YZ250WR dedicated corner eating wheelie monster and the 500 is NEVER off the cards.

Update on Unifilter. The filter just came in (2 working days). Now all i have to do is cut it to shape (as i just got a plain bit of foam) and oil it. Lets hope it has a nice loud intake roar. So, from my little experience, Unifilter gets a big thumbs up from me. K&N (~$150), Original (~$55), Unifilter (delivered $16).

[Wobbly]

So when do the MX bars go on it? :lol:

And I'll have you know all of our conversations are of high intellectual value ;)

[Trubritbiker]

2-strokes are for lawn mowers :lol:

[Flash]

2-strokes are for lawn mowers :lol:

reliable and powerful :D

[Wobbly]

I agree - my Victa rips!! :rofl:

[cam0063]

I caught on to this thread, tho not being of great help have a few comments that may make things easier or give a few options...

Dennis Kirk: is a very big US parts and accessories retailer. I have a couple of friends who have sourced gear for their Harleys from them...

I import quite a bit of stuff from the US - commercially and for myself. get quotes from:

Fedex - http://www.fedex.com go to their Aussie site...

TNT Express - http://www.tnt.com.au

They airfreight anything from an envelope thru to a car or more...

Tell the shipping agent what you plan to import [size and weight also] and that it is a product sample/s, that you are planning to follow up with continual orders. If they know it is a one off shipment, they will not give you the best rate! Knowing there is potentially a regular import from you, they may then quote you a discounted rate... Discounts can add up to 40%. So is worth a look. Go to one another company with the oppositions quote and they will more than likely beat it... I have an account with Fedex and am also negotiating with TNT Express right now.

There is a good chance you will pay Duty and Gst on your import. There was a time when I was sent personnal imports as gifts and these taxes were waived as many packages were not opened. However since 9/11 and the much more thorough scanning of shipments and their documents, I have not received any packaging not physically checked, therefore you will more than likely be taxed... It appears bringing things in as gifts doesn`t cut the mustard as it use to with customs. Many US companies will not package as gifts for this reason now. I have a friend in customs, so I get feedback from there.

With Duty and GST added and our $$$ at around 75cents US, import can still provide great savings. Some companies dislike to export as they can`t be botherd. If you have your shipping quote and customer No from the agent, they may be more willing. Some companies will not export if the product in question is distributed here. This is enforced upon them by the manufacturer. I have imported Levis 501s- $16.95-$35.00 US as against $138.99 Aus on the local market. Levis USA stopped the suppliers from exporting to here - big penalties for the US retailer...

I travel to the USA reasonably regularly and have recently established a business importing and distributing work and casual wear. Some of it jeans and boots which I will be marketing to the Motorcycle Industry shortly. I have been burnt by a shipping agent with goods I freighted by sea and am now much the wiser. Stick with the Big international shipping agent and not the great local bloke as I once did and ask for an all up cost landed to your nearest international airport and also to your door for comparison. Customs can give you the exact duty and taxes on your goods. I am not against supporting the local bloke, but I know all about crap service, crap products too ;) It may sound like a big deal, but once you have the format, you may find the option of importing later with other items a serious option...

good luck,

cheers,

Cam...

[Muzzard]

Very informative post, Thanks Cam.
There are many of us that have been stung buying from O.S before too and hopefully this thread may solve a few FAQ's... :D

[cam0063]

Thanks mate, my pleasure...

I imported some gear last year from Texas. Thought I would do the right thing and use/support a local WA based shipping agent, instead of the regular big global shipping Co's - Mistake!!! The goods totalling 100lbs in weight were sent by sea, took 4 months to get to Fremantle and ended up costing me $2200. I could have flown to Dallas, stayed a weekend there with friends. Gone to a Flat Track race :D and come home with the products as personnal baggage for the same price! Buyer beware or I should say - shipper beware!

I heard from Neil [NMilne] recently and I am sure he mentioned you are supplying rims here? I plan to locate a DRZ400 to street motard and would be interested in some 17" rims for it. Right now, I am rebuilding an old XS650 into a Street Tracker. I am thinking of setting it up with 17" rims instead of the standard wheels and make use of the great tyre selections available. Not to mention having a nicer looking wheel than factory... The bike would then be even more of a hybrid - Street Tracker/Streetfighter/Motard ;) The swing-arm won`t take a wide tyre past about 130, tho guys in the US are attaching FZR600/400 and GSXR600 swingarms. If I can find some info to do this Mod I will need some 17" rims... wouldn`t mind hearing a little more about Rims available here...

cheers,

Cam.....

[Muzzard]

You heard right Cam,
I am starting a production run of 17" rims in all colours for common motard sizes of 17 x 3.5 and 17 x 4.25...
These will retail for $500 @ pair in either 32 or 36 hole variations...
I am heading West where I presume you are located, looking for agents there in about 2 weeks time, and will have a range of things for you to look at if your building a Street Tracker...
Using the original frame, or going with the C & R from the U.S?
By the way you mention catching a flat track meeting I take it thats where your roots are. Me too, I raced there during the late 70's on a XS based machine, but in the 750 format. Have toyed with the idea of a C & R Street Tracker kit cause I think that would be way cool! :twisted:

[Tom]

Jake,

Just thought i'd let you know those stickers you were after are now available on Ebay. Link below.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32628&item=4564060523&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[Muzzard]

Cam,
And further to you asking about rims, I have gone to whole hog and contracted the manufacturer to some sweet 5.50" units too as of last night.
Although I am told the production has again been delayed with the wrong tooling sent from USA...
I know this to be true cause I ordered the tooling... :roll:

[Flash]

DOH!!!

[Wobbly]

Whoops! :snigger:

[cam0063]

Hi Muzzard,

Thanks for the note. The 5.50" rim would be great to see. I would love to put a wide rim on the XS project. The standard XS swingarm takes the 2.75" rear and approx a 120 tyre. Too small for my purpose. Installing a wider swingarm is an option. As mentioned several US builders go for the FZR 600 front and rear ends. I heard from a guy last night who has installed an FZR600 swingarm and Suzuki Bandit rear wheel, also an offset counter sproket [is a narrow motor too] so he could take the 17" 160 tyre...

I am also considering a custom built swingarm and possibly an offset Monoshock. If it works and doesn`t bankrupt me, I may also be able to send these swingarms back to the US market. XS building and customising is big time there. Still in the thought faze. Am going to talk with a mate who is working on my frame at his Servo. Then to talk it over with someone to build it ;) A wide rear tyre would be excellent for my bike! keep me posted...

[discobob]

Just some thought on the 5.5" wheels, the right size tyres for a 5.5" is a 180 profile tyre or super sport. We have put some 5.5" rims on Yamaha yzf450 and also Husberg, the yamaha is not a good idea but does fit the Husberg fits. i would not even try to fit one to a Honda.
The 5" rims is made for the 160-165 tyres.

[B_Comp]

Hey all,

Just a quick note to let you ppl know that I have an account with TNT which has been approved with international shipping.

If anyone needs me to quote them on shipping anything anywhere just message me.

Cheers, Chris

[jakestein]

Jake,

Just thought i'd let you know those stickers you were after are now available on Ebay. Link below.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32628&item=4564060523&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Thanks :) I like the camo one or the innocence decal.

[scozzie]

Chris that's bloody decent of you.

Thanks Mate. That could come in very handy. :D

Cheers,
Scoz