Wish I was living in UK just for…
- This topic has 8 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 6 years ago by SharpPencil.
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19 July 2017 at 4:39 pm #313865
Hello,
I’ve been browsing eBays UK store and I noticed how inexpensive the vintage woodworking tools are. However, I noticed that most of the sellers do not do business outside of U.K. I don’t really know what’s the true reason behind itโI can assume many moments, such as how Dunhill cigarettes are sold only at shops that are authorized by the queen… so, I won’t assume. Instead, since this forum exists (by the way, I just admire Paul and that’s why I’m subscribed to this forum in the entire Internet) I was hoping that the founders of this website can come up with tools to help woodworkers outside of U.K. to purchase tools at low costs. What I’m suggesting is an online store offered by this website to sell the tools to woodworkers who would like to use Paul Sellers methods.
Jake
You may just have to look further as it’s seller dependent. I’ve ordered a number of things from eBay that have come from England (and other locales). The shipping costs can be hefty and there is more angst in knowing your tools are being packaged thousands of miles away and you’re likely stuck with whatever condition they arrive in, but that’s the risk I guess. I picked up a Stanley 4 1/2 that was shipped from England not that long ago. Maybe some folks just don’t want to deal with the hassle of international shipping but I think ebay does a decent job making it as painless as possible.
20 July 2017 at 1:25 am #313882David,
I’ve tried every possible diplomatic approach ๐ but I felt that the seller was a stuck up…
I still think that it would be nice to see Woodworking Masterclasses possibly selling or raffling a series of tools which master Paul uses and which are affordable in the U.K.
P.S. I usually shop at eBay (do not bid tho–only use buy option)
Hi Jake
You are not the only one.
I have a similar experience. Ive had a look at buying tools through e-bay, but the shipping makes it prohibative. For example, if I were buying a tool for 5 pounds, I would automatically have to add 20 pounds for postage. When the tool got into the country I would have to pay an additional 20% import duty (value of postage and item). A tool that costs 5 pounds in the UK would therefore cost me 30 pounds. It would also take 4 to 10 weeks for the tool to arrive, and the seller can generally not tell if it will be delivered into the local government or private postal systems (which does make a difference).If your system is similar to this the sellers are right to be weary. Theres a lot of risk. Too much can go wrong. Tools disappear. Even if they dont, long delivery times make for angry customers.
Also you are at risk yourself. While E-Bay has guarantees, they are not great because they mostly rely on return-postage. So another 20 pounds to return the product, and 20 pounds to get a new one sent out, then 20% import duty on the next one. I could do better things with 80 pounds. Some sellers might know that it will be too expensive for you to return something if it is not right…
I look on local online sales platforms, even though prices are sometimes fixed at e-bay+import rates by dealers, there are other sellers who only expect a fair and reasonable price.
My biggest success has been the tool specialist at the local market. It takes me an hour to get to the market, but I can pick up a tool and inspect it before I buy it. Even though the stall holder spends the week finding tools to sell on the weekend – they are often cheaper than the e-bay UK price, or anything else I can get online.
With a little luck, you will find a tool source that works for you, like I have.
Good luck.
23 September 2017 at 3:28 pm #320999I have thought the same thing, but then it is a beautiful country with a lot to see if you love history.
7 November 2017 at 2:28 pm #358378By contrast, we face the same issue on many other things that are dirt-cheap and abundant in the US. I’ve had to pay $48 postage for a $3 magazine before, and Customs charges include the postage in the valuation of import tax!
7 November 2017 at 2:31 pm #358383The grass is always greener on the other side. But those old tools are really green.
Hello Jake,
We can’t buy from the USA too easily. If USA sellers ship to the UK, we have unfavorable Exchange Rates, extortionate Postage, Import Duty, Customs Inspection Fees, Value Added Tax (on ‘presumed value’, not Price paid), and we have to collect it, it’s not delivered.
CERTES Regulations on hardwood handles means they could confiscate them.
Customs regulations restrict sharp things.
All this, while you prey the seller did more than stuff it in a used cereal packet and Sellotape just one end!
Then you run the risk that it’s complete, undamaged, worth owning, and the pictures were of the ACTUAL item in the first place.Tracking in most other countries is so vague. They don’t guarantee recipients sign for parcels, even if they do get as far as delivering them.
If a buyer abroad says they want their money back, you might as well say “Keep it for free”. Two-way postage renders it worthless.Don’t get me wrong, I have bought quite a bit from abroad. I like Roulette.
24 March 2018 at 9:59 pm #507644Wow that’s a shock to me ….I’ve sold loads overseas never knowing cost of post to buyer……John 2v
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