Should you buy your cycling parts from overseas sellers? This discussion could be for both buyers in the USA, and buyers outside of the USA ordering overseas. Here are three simple rules to decide whether or not to buy your bicycle parts from an overseas seller:
1) See if the seller you are considering offers or knows how to ship overseas.
Many sellers do not offer to ship overseas, or have little to no experience in handling overseas shipments. Customs forms, taxes and duties, and shipping methods can be complicated or overwhelming to smaller sellers, and larger sellers alike. An experienced overseas seller will have pricing listed, methods used, and remarks regarding duties & taxes on their listing page. If in doubt- contact the seller and don't take general answers!
2) Check the shipping rates!
What would happen if you ordered a $5 part, and then were asked to pay $50 for shipping? Check with your seller before you commit to buy parts from them! Of course it is reasonable that shipping overseas is going to cost substantially more, but how much are you willing to pay to get your item shipped to your country?
3) Consider Import taxes & duties in your purchase decision!
By law, you are required to pay duties & taxes- per your country's laws & regulations. Sellers who offer to write "gift", or put a low declared value on packages are breaking the law. Find out your country's rules on importing, and factor in the cost of duties and taxes before deciding to purchase from an overseas seller.
Buying overseas does not have to be a negative experience. Wheel & Sprocket ships hundreds of items overseas each week, and we enjoy a healthy relationship with our customers! Know your seller, know all the costs involved, and know what you are willing to pay for an item including shipping, duties & taxes!
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