Ebay and foreign seller

HarryB
HarryB Posts: 197
edited October 2007 in Workshop
Has anybody had any dealings with an ebay seller called Italian Race Bike Store? They have a very expensive bike that I'm interested in but I'm wary and am concerned about delivery/payment.

How much is pay pal going to cover me for is something goes wrong?

What if the bike goes missing or is damaged in transit?

Will I have to pay any tax/duty?

Are there any other issues I should be worried about?

Most of all would you risk it?

Comments

  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Depends what you call 'very expensive' but if you're talking 4 or 5 grand then I would not go down this route. You will always have these concerns with sites such as eBay.

    A visit to a reputable LBS who will help you every step of the way is far better - and safer!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    What's their feedback like? If they're a bona-fide seller with positive feedback from hundreds of buyers, then I'd be happy to deal with them. Check their feedback to see what other things they're selling - if he's moving quite a few bikes to satisfied buyers you should be OK. For products from Europe, you only pay local vat, normally 19% in Italy - make sure prices quoted include local taxes - there are no additional charges apart from shiipping to the UK.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • jkm
    jkm Posts: 80
    you wont have to pay duty as its coming from within the EU. i am tempted by the cinelli experience he has for sale.
  • LangerDan
    LangerDan Posts: 6,132
    jkm wrote:
    you wont have to pay duty as its coming from within the EU. i am tempted by the cinelli experience he has for sale.

    True, but watch out - one of the big ,reputable Italian bikeshops on t'net quotes their prices exclusive of VAT.
    'This week I 'ave been mostly been climbing like Basso - Shirley Basso.'
  • HarryB
    HarryB Posts: 197
    Feedback looks excellent. Have asked them about tax.
  • Aggieboy
    Aggieboy Posts: 3,996
    Monty Dog wrote:
    What's their feedback like? If they're a bona-fide seller with positive feedback from hundreds of buyers, then I'd be happy to deal with them. Check their feedback to see what other things they're selling - if he's moving quite a few bikes to satisfied buyers you should be OK. ]

    While not wishing to cast doubt on all ebay sellers a friendly word of warning here chaps. I'm aware of someone who had sold in the region of 100 stolen bikes. There were others stacked up waiting to be sold and he had made, on average, £5000 a month over the last year. Please be careful and if tempted by a bargain think how you'd feel if it was your pride and joy that had been stolen. Please take this post in the manner in which it is intended.
    "There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world, t'would be a pity to damage yours."

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