Buying accessories from other countries due to exchange rates

[flip]

I was just curious if it's practical to purchase accessories from other countries and have them shipped to the USA when the currency exchange is in our favor? The US dollar seems pretty strong against the Canadian dollar right now. I've searched for Canadian m/c accessory companies but have come up short. I was thinking specifically about shocks but I suppose the question would apply to any item.

If it's a stupid question, I'll blame it on the meds and boredom of recuperating from my latest surgery...well, no, I should be honest with you guys, I actually think about a lot of stupid stuff so that excuse won't fly.

[Scud]

You've got the right idea. When the US dollar is strong, the $US equivalent of a price is lower than when the US dollar is weak. But which country and which currency? They don't all move together against the US dollar. So you just have to do the math and figure out if you like the price in $US. The Euro has become about 25% less expensive in the last couple years. So if you want to buy from an Italian company, such as Ghezzi-Brian, your dollar will go a bit further. Most merchants take PayPal or credit cards, but if you're going to make a big purchase, you might find out if there are any fees on top of the transaction.

[molly]

The UK pound was strong against the euro last year and I bought tyres and boots  from Germany and France and got some good deals. I would have thought the US would not need to pay the 20/23% VAT  (tax) neither.
Shipping costs maybe restrictive, for some reason postage is cheaper into the UK from China than it is from the US. Even sending stuff to Canada is cheaper, whatever happened to the Atlantic bridge?

[Kiwi_Roy]

We have several parts companies in Canada where parts are quite cheap but none as far as I know for Guzzi.
I haven't dealt with any of them directly but I know my local shop uses them all the time.


You may have noticed that a Google search turns up mostly US dealers just as mine turns up Canadian, if I use the zip code of my mailbox in Blaine WA it gives a different result.

[LeRoy]

It is currently a great time for U.S. customers shopping with dollars to look at places like Stein-Dinse in Germany, Teo Lamers in the Netherlands and others. I mean no disservice to the many highly competant U.S. dealers and suppliers, but it all comes down to getting the bang for one's bucks.

[Demar]

If you purchase from overseas you don't pay a VAT tax. US customs usually lets purchases of less than $200 come thru duty free.

[flip]

I finally ordered a Matris shock for my Shiver from Carpimoto. From order to delivery was about 2 weeks. I haven't yet had a chance to install it but it sure looks great. It cost me $500 with shipping from Italy. They have stuff for Guzzi's!

[segesta]

On the other hand, saving a few percent because of a favorable exchange rate is often immediately negated by having to pay a huge international shipping fee.

[jas67]

Back in November, I priced out a pair of Agostini mufflers, shipped direct from Agostini in Italy at around $710 USD, including shipping.    AF1 Racing wanted $1,000 for the same mufflers.

Yes, even with shipping, it can be a deal, esp. when buying direct from the manufacturer.

Now, I just need to save up a little more so I can order them before the exchange rate shifts and the price is higher.

[flip]

On the other hand, saving a few percent because of a favorable exchange rate is often immediately negated by having to pay a huge international shipping fee.

The shock I ordered is 424 euros and shipping to the states is 18 euros which worked out to $500 and a few cents at that time. They have the same shock for the Breva 1100 and Griso for the same price. At Guzzitech, that same shock is $799.99  and I assume shipping is added to that.

[segesta]

Back in November, I priced out a pair of Agostini mufflers, shipped direct from Agostini in Italy at around $710 USD, including shipping.    AF1 Racing wanted $1,000 for the same mufflers.
Yes, even with shipping, it can be a deal, esp. when buying direct from the manufacturer.
Now, I just need to save up a little more so I can order them before the exchange rate shifts and the price is higher.

And I'll contradict my earlier post by agreeing with you--I just found a clutch slave cylinder from Oberon, including shipping from England to US, for $40 less than ordering it from US-based Pirates Lair. Which is too bad, because the Pirates Lair guys are great--but in this case, the price difference overcame my loyalty.