Bikes from the US.

[Drewson]

I recently tried to obtain a very nice looking and rare early 90's Alpinestars Almega XT (I'm sure people saw it) on ebay from the US. Unfortunately, the seller told me he couldn't send it to the UK because it wouldn't fit in a box that was acceptable for postage.
I can't remember who he was planning on sending it with, and i didn't have time to check with other courier services, so it went to some other lucky chap/chapess.
I asked him whether he could dis-assemble it somewhat, but apparently it wouldn't fit even dis-assembled.
Is it just that the courier he was using had its own size restriction, or is there a standard size? It would be nice to think that this problem can be resolved in future, as i don't want to miss out on a good find again.
Drew.

 

[Corduroyboy]

I've had similar problems when buying from Germany. I genuinely believe that people just can't be arsed to strip the bike down. :roll:

 

[Drewson]

If that was the case he should realise that he would probably get a better price from the UK or Europe, esp with the exchange rate. I could have paid off his sub-prime mortgage...
It is a shame if people can't be bothered to box stuff up....
Maybe i should have given him more incentive? Who knows....
Drew.

 

[Crell]

Regular sellers know the score - full bikes are 2 box for UPS priority services, and postage costs accordingly. USPS does go single box. As do others. It's usually first timers that get it wrong.

The trick is to ask the question early if you want it...or late if there's little bid interest. On my last frame the seller offered postage for 100 USD, then claimed it was 150 after I won - I offered to meet half way which he accepted.

I've tried the Sterling strength arguement - it works with some, but not all. Basically some folks want a simple, no hassle dmestic sale even if they don't get a premium price.

International shipping is more hassle, so be flexible

 

[Drewson]

With my last purchase from the US the seller told me u can't get a tracking number for international despatches when using USPS. Anyone confirm this? He did send an attachment which showed the receipt for despatch from his local post office and the courier form. I also have his full name, address and phone number.
This was a frame sent on 23/03/08 and i'm awaiting delivery. Now i'm not expecting it to be here yesterday, but anyone know how long it takes roughly to receive a frame from the US? I suppose i could e-mail him and see what length of time the post office suggests, but i just happen to be on here so.....
Drew.

 

[Tallpaul]

With my last purchase from the US the seller told me u can't get a tracking number for international despatches when using USPS. Anyone confirm this? He did send an attachment which showed the receipt for despatch from his local post office and the courier form. I also have his full name, address and phone number.
This was a frame sent on 23/03/08 and i'm awaiting delivery. Now i'm not expecting it to be here yesterday, but anyone know how long it takes roughly to receive a frame from the US? I suppose i could e-mail him and see what length of time the post office suggests, but i just happen to be on here so.....
Drew.

He speaks the truth, although USPS should be able to track it themselves as far as UK customs.

If he sent it Priority then it will reach the UK in 10 days. Unfortunately it then falls in to the hands of customs then parcel force. Expect 3 weeks as a realistic minimum for a large item like a frame. Small items have reached my door in less than 2 weeks.

 

[pinguwin]

If all else fails, see if they can find a bike shop to handle it for them. That way, they drop it off, pick it up in boxes, all ready to go. Something to think about.

 

[Corduroyboy]

If all else fails, see if they can find a bike shop to handle it for them. That way, they drop it off, pick it up in boxes, all ready to go. Something to think about.

That service has got to cost! Another factor which would deter sellers from posting abroad (even though the buyer would probably pick up that cost) :roll:

 

[pinguwin]

That service has got to cost!

There have been some sellers who charge $50-60 a bike shop to do it. So yeah, it's going to cost, but if the alternative is to miss out on that grellow-colored Yo Eddy...

 

[Drewson]

Thanks folks. Glad i know how long to wait for my frame now....I obviously don't need to start panicking just yet!!
It's being sent to my business so i can make sure someone is there to collect it anytime...hopefully wouldn't need a bikeshop, but thanks for the advice.
Drew.