FAO: FBM Custom Frame Owners in the UK

[lifeloveregret]

I want to order a custom frame from FBM, but I am concerned that there is going to be a substantial customs fee when it is sent over the pond. Can anybody in the UK reveal their experiences?

[meathead]

wouldnt just yet mate , still waiting for the AOD frames to arrive ... only a little delay of 8months on them tho

also they are having a load of bollocks with the painters

[Sasha]

Topsey has one. He waited a long time and got a customs fee iirc

[WoBBLE]

I had a custom autopilot several years back (ordered through Empire). Took a few weeks to get from FBM to Empire then a week or so from there to UK. unfortunately i got hit big time through customs, and had them same problem when ordering my Forecaster from state side too. Worked out to be a fraction cheaper than ordering from within the UK overall, but when you consider that the price is for a unique and personal frame, it could be worth forking out for.

[dude...]

i remember the good old days when you could get a custom solid for under 200 quid shipped

[Kinchy]

What's going on with that UK custom company?

[JFax]

A good friend of mine just got a custom FBM. He was in the states at the time and it took 6 weeks to get.
He expecienced same problem with the painters as someone else mentioned. They have since changed company they work with though.

I am swedish and our customs agency has a calculator tool where you type in product type, country of origin and price and it gives you the tax and custom fee immidiatly, I expect that there is something similar in the UK.

[dude...]

it used to be ok then i think the uk distros complained cos people were ordering from america for cheaper and taking their business.

in australia where i live everyone used to just order from dans, theyre getting better at supporting local shops now though

[JFax]

Was the same in Sweden when the dollar was like 50 % cheaper and flatlandfuel and Empire used to play with the custom declaration. FF used to write "Childrens bicycle parts worth $20" and it flew through customs. Empire got caught by the US custom agency though and had to stop.

[Dr. Steve Brule]

Get a Limit.

[Sasper]

Have someone from the states order one for you.once he recieves it he will send it to you, marked as a gift.so it should be no taxes. Bought my vr6 pistons like that. Probably saved around 200 eur and many days in time.

[Sasha]

Get a Limit.

I would strongly advise against this.





Get a Ted James.

[Danno]

A guy at Rush had a Ted James and it was very nice!

[Dr. Steve Brule]

Get a Limit.

I would strongly advise against this.





Get a Ted James.

Not a good example obviously. Pat's work is mint, Ted too, think they're both a similar price, £400+.