cheaper parts from the US?

[TopDMC]

My other "motor" is my Husqvarna ride on mower which is in need of some TLC to get a few bits repaired before the Spring.
Nose roller, ejector chute, blade mandrels - things that won't mean anything to many!
So I go online to order the parts so as I can work on replacing the broken and worn out bits.
Not many suppliers in the UK were coming up on Google search; but loads in the USA.
What really riled me though was the same parts were a quarter of the price from the US - the total from a UK supplier came to over £430

So I decided as a one off to experiment and order from one of the stores in Kentucky.
All items arrived today after just 4 working days delivered by UPS.
Breakdown of the costs as follows
Parts £137.52
UPS delivery £74.41
Customs charges £40.56
Total £252.49

How is this possible :x
Is this another example of rip off Britain?
I did try to see if BMW parts were cheaper elsewhere; but could not find comparisons.

 

[Stratts]

No different to buying new suspension parts (e.g. Eibach springs) from Germany. Always half the price of any of the UK sellers, just the way it seems to be.

 

[Toe-side]

I buy alot of my boat parts in the US............ same price in dollars as they are in pounds here .
The volvo website (Volvo Penta) prevents you from accessing the US website if it recognizes you are from a UK based PC (cookies i guess)

 

[Angie4m]

The volvo website (Volvo Penta) prevents you from accessing the US website if it recognizes you are from a UK based PC (cookies i guess)

No it'll be your IP address which can be 'played' about with and changed to make it look like you are not where you actually are.

 

[Xiaxio]

Its because we are better and much more superior, bow down before the all mighty power of the U S of A! Mwahahahah!! :evil:
:guns: :winner: :whip: :bow:

 

[Geezah]

Its because we are better and much more superior, bow down before the all mighty power of the U S of A! Mwahahahah!! :evil:
:guns: :winner: :whip: :bow:

Keep taking the tablets my friend, though I'd recommend a stronger prescription in your case!

 

[Xiaxio]

Its because we are better and much more superior, bow down before the all mighty power of the U S of A! Mwahahahah!! :evil:
:guns: :winner: :whip: :bow:

Keep taking the tablets my friend, though I'd recommend a stronger prescription in your case!

I bet we make the tablets too! 8)

 

[instigata]

I have been exploring this, and it seems cheaper to get stuff from Germany too. If I recall correctly, complete brakes set (discs, pads, sensors - front and back) - shipped to the UK was for £215.

 

[GaryT]

I bet we make the tablets too! 8)

:lol:

 

[cj10jeeper]

Been buying all the parts for my Jeeps direct from the US for years.
Simples is that the weak dollar/strong £ combined with a lower tax country and generally cheaper prices (because of it being a larger market, greater efficiency, etc.) just makes things so much cheaper.

My rule of thumb has always been between 1/2 and 2/3 price of all in price for same items.

If the seller is helpful then the value of the goods on the invoice can be very favourable reducing the total price :wink:

The bit I love is that in general they can get a part packed shipped and into the UK in a few days and often no slower than UK supplied.

 

[Denis O]

The bit I love is that in general they can get a part packed shipped and into the UK in a few days and often no slower than UK supplied.

This is so true. I ordered some parts for my TJ from Morris 4 x 4 on Friday and they were delivered on the Monday. Excellent service and priced about 25% cheaper than UK supplier who would not have stock for 3 months anyway.

 

[Geezah]

Who are the favoured foreign suppliers for our Zeds then?

 

[Toe-side]

The volvo website (Volvo Penta) prevents you from accessing the US website if it recognizes you are from a UK based PC (cookies i guess)

No it'll be your IP address which can be 'played' about with and changed to make it look like you are not where you actually are.

I will look into that.... ta

 

[cj10jeeper]

The volvo website (Volvo Penta) prevents you from accessing the US website if it recognizes you are from a UK based PC (cookies i guess)

No it'll be your IP address which can be 'played' about with and changed to make it look like you are not where you actually are.

I will look into that.... ta

Use a free vpn. You can then choose virtually where you are. Could appear to be in the us if you wish.

I use the same from Spain to appear to be in the UK so that I can say access the BBC news.