Buying from outside the UK

[Mike Alexander]

I'm considering buying the new Wahoo RFLKT display to use with my iPhone and the Cyclemeter app. The best price I've found is at Pro Bike Supply, who are a US-based company. It looks like their low price is due to the fact that UK VAT isn't included (as they're a US company). Does anyone have any experience of purchasing anything from Pro Bike Supply, or any other non-UK company, specifically whether items are likely to get stopped at UK Customs and kept until I pay the VAT?

 

[Lee_M]

you take a punt - sometimes they wont get you sometimes they will

don't buy assuming you won't get a bill

 

[Davidc]

Most US and Canadian companies are part of a scheme where they charge VAT on sales to the EU. They show the base price and add it to that in the same way they add the relevant sales tax for different states within the US.

Purchases from within the EU carry the VAT rate for the country you buy it from.

 

[accountantpete]

Looks like they just post and let the UK decide whether you are going to get charged - which I think incurs an additional £8 handling charge by the Royal Mail. So that is £30 extra if they pick it up.

Having had my share of naff cycle computers I'd also need to be pretty sure that one does the job.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

most of the stuff I have received from the USA comes via UPS which charged an additional £15 handling fee last time I purchased something that way

 

[vickster]

My experience is you'll get stung, about 30% and courier / PO handling charge

How much cheaper is it? Complete faff if there's an issue too

 

[jowwy]

arent they available from rose bikes in germany????

 

[Mike Alexander]

How much cheaper is it? Complete faff if there's an issue too

£84.79 from Pro Bike Supply, just over £30 cheaper than the £115 UK RRP, or £22 cheaper than the lowest price I can find in the UK (£106.95 from Wheelies). Given it sounds likely I'd have to pay 20% VAT (£17) plus a £8-15 handling charge, it doesn't look to be worth the risk.

 

[vickster]

Nope and you'll get it quicker

 

[400bhp]

Just buy a GPS

 

[Mike Alexander]

I did think about buying a Garmin 510 or 810, but my reasoning is that I'd still carry my iPhone with me in a jersey pocket, so why not use that as my GPS with the RFLKT simply acting as a display driven by an app on the iPhone. That way, I get the best of both (GPS tracking, being able to make a call if I need to, and a small bar-mounted unit with key stats), plus I can still use my Bluetooth Smart speed/cadence and heart rate sensors.

 

[400bhp]

Because phones pale into comparison with proper gps devices.

 

[Mike Alexander]

Do you mean in terms of GPS accuracy, or in other aspects?

 

[400bhp]

Do you mean in terms of GPS accuracy, or in other aspects?

gps and battery life, plus durable construction.

And FWIW, carry your phone in a bag if you can, not in a pocket. You come off-phone in bits.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Given that their cheapest shipping charge to York is £32.51, it's irrelevant what duties may be payable as that takes it over the UK price anyway.


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