[tko]

Has anyone ordered from FC Moto that lives in the US? They have a helmet I like but there is a note on VAT that has me leery. Appreciate anyone's insight!

The helmet is quite a bit cheaper there than here but not sure it's worth the risk of some stupidly high added tax.

 

[Dingo]

what's the VAT note?

 

[tko]

On checkout its warning you that there is a potential value added tax and import taxes. Probably a moot issue now as she changed her mind on the helmet!

 

[dougo1199]

For what it's worth... I have purchased a ton of gear from overseas companies, FC Moto being one of them. Of course it depends on the current exchange rate, but for the most part you will find a significant price advantage. Not to mention the availability of items that are not even offered here in the US. The VAT is a non issue when purchasing from the US. Most european websites have an option to where you can view pricing in USD which automatically removes the VAT. I have found shipping to be faster, and significantly less from the German based companies vs the Italian based ones. It's also best to check out a few different sites (item + shipping) to find your best deal as the item pricing does fluctuate quite a bit.

 

[Dingo]

I was looking yesterday at some boots - Dainese Dyno D1 - locally here in the Dainese Newport Beach store they cost $249.95 - not including tax. FC Moto has them for $207.82 plus $22.70 shipping for a Total of $230.52. If I get a 15% discount at the local store it cost me about $231.58 out the door (9% tax I think here in CA). The question becomes: do I want to wait a minimum of 3 weeks to get my boots or do I want to walk out of the store with them on, 2-3 weeks if they're not in stock for the same price locally. On top of that I'm supporting local business and they're more likely to give me more discounts the more purchases I make (I think).

 

[MotoMillion]

On checkout its warning you that there is a potential value added tax and import taxes. Probably a moot issue now as she changed her mind on the helmet!

How much is the total amount and what do they use to ship?

You may end up with brokerage fees by FedEX, UPS etc... It'll be about $15-25 USD depending on the value of the item and what they classify them under.

You need to make sure the shipper includes an HS Code on the invoice so that the importing company classifies them under the correct HS Code.

I've seen many times where people have bought leather gloves from over seas etc... and in the end they get dinged up with ridiculous amounts for duties on leather goods.

 

[dougo1199]

Motomillon is correct in regards to having the correct classification for the items purchased. I had a delay the first time I ordered a race suit due to customs classification. Once I filed the correct papers (which customs sent me) I had no issue, and have not had an issue on anything since. That said, purchasing from the european sites is not always the most best way to go. It's not always the most cost effective, and you lose the benefit of local support and being able to try on before you buy. Where I live there are no local shops that carry the type of gear I buy so I don't have that luxury. It takes a little research to determine your best option on any given item.