Advice on buying from over seas

[dave-yzf]

Hi I'm looking for some advice.

I am thinking of buying a few items does any one know if laser sights, forgrips, lights ect are legal to import.

Thanks for any help.

[Bezza806]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

you can import almost anything to do with airsoft from over seas, metal bodies, lasers etc. if it is just accessories then you do not need a UKARA number. I buy everything from overseas and i have found that it is usually best to get everything you need in one go, that way you do not have to pay multiple amounts of packaging and handling fees

[jagillham]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

Bear in mind anything over £18 declared value may well be stopped by customs. It's about 20%, plus the lovely parcel force adds a £12 flat fee.

Just got to total up where it really is cheaper.

[centaur]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

It is not advisable to buy small items abroad as already been mentioned, you'll pay more: P/P, custom charges and yup as mentioned the dreaded flat rate handling fee by some couriers particularly parcel force.

[Caveira]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

You can often find things cheaper than here in other EU countries and these don't attract duty or VAT.

[ThatblokewiththeScar.]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

You have to do a lot of shopping around but there are quite a few bargains out there. Almost all HK and China company's mark small packages as gift's as long as you keep the value under £36 you should be fine. Always pay by paypal in case it doesn't turn up. And never spend more than you can afford to lose as some electrical kit will only be good for a paper weight...

[Sci Fi Steve]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

To be honest I would only order from abroad if I could not obtain it in the U.K or the exchange rate was mind blowingly different, after you wack on Shipping Custom charges, courier fees and the possibility of having to return faulty goods (If you can return them as some countries don't have the same trading laws) it could end up costing you more.

[ThatblokewiththeScar.]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

It really depends on what you are buying. If you are buying Guns it'd borderline whether you make a saving or not. But for most other stuff it's much cheaper if you are sensible about it. Remember that 95% of what is for sale in the UK came from HK or China in the first place so it's not like it's some big secret.

There is no point in buying BB's or battery packs from HK but parts, accessories, Gears, Pistons etc why not buy from the source. Plus service in the UK is not always as good as it should be, I have had stuff turn up from China quicker than gear from the UK.

Very little of what we buy or use is made in the UK which is a shame but what are you going to do, as long as company's put profit over good service then we are always going to look at price first. (got a bit militant there) I would like to say that I have always had very good service from Z1 but I don't use them very often and I know other people have not been so lucky. But I have never had bad service from any HK dealer Ever!

[dave-yzf]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

Thanks for your advice.

I'm just gonna get the one thing from them just to see how it goes.
Its a M900A forgrip with flash light that I am finding difficult to find in the uk.

I'll let you know how it works out in 7 to 14 days in case anyone would like to know what this site is like.

[dave-yzf]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

Bought two items from two different sites and they have both arrived with no problem.

One site was slightly better than the other but I'm not sure if I can name them on here.

Thanks again for the advice.

[Panoptes]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

It has to be said that range and availability of parts abroad is light-years ahead of UK retailers.

[Fizzy]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

Understandable really, the UK is a fairly small market and as most kit is made in China, HK retailers can sell stuff cheaper

[jfox61]

Re: Advice on buying from over seas

A post earlier mentioned not buying battery packs from HK. I beg to differ but this is only my view from personal experience. I purchased 2 Li Po's from a well known auction site. batteries were 11.1V 4800 packs cost me 1p each postage was 25 quid though so all in all £12.50 each battery. Now if someone can show me anywhere in the UK I can buy 2 Li Po's of that capacity for 25 quid then I will eat my SLR. Both batteries are good quality and not some cheap poo either