Ali Express, thoughts.

[Wafty Cranker]

Been on Ali Express and compared like for like on what’s for sale here, on EBay and Uk suppliers. Since leaving the EU do we now have the additional cost of VAT and Import duty ? I have never purchased anything from them before and would welcome some feedback from those in the know, thanks Wafty.

 

[Nealh]

Yes, import duty now carries a hefty anti dumping tax thanks to the EU major producers who are anti competition. The likes of Bosch wants every one to buy there 2 year warranty bikes with no redress after the warranty expires, being a closed system and anticompetitive there is little chance of the bike being repaired electrically. Mechanically their is hope via a niche UK company called Performance line bearings for all mid motor bikes.

 

[Nealh]

This thread will give an idea on the total bike cost, vat & duty is added multiple times to compound the high prices. Your £600 import may end up costing over £1500 and then when it goes wrong, where are you going to go ?
Average shipping cost from China to UK? | Pedelecs - Electric Bike Community

 

[montwo]

Yes, import duty now carries a hefty anti dumping tax thanks to the EU major producers who are anti competition. The likes of Bosch wants every one to buy there 2 year warranty bikes with no redress after the warranty expires, being a closed system and anticompetitive there is little chance of the bike being repaired electrically. Mechanically their is hope via a niche UK company called Performance line bearings for all mid motor bikes.

The anti-dumping levy is just for complete bikes, not parts - kits / wheels / batteries / motors though. I'm guessing from the OP's 'like for like' that's what they mean, but...?

 

[RonnieX]

In essence AliExpress was generally cheaper than eBay but goods took longer to arrive. Now the prices are loaded with VAT and/or Customs Duty its no longer a cheaper alternative.

 

[sjpt]

I think the anti-dumping levy applied mainly to complete bikes, not so much components.

Before shipments from China often avoided VAT and import taxes because they were too complicated to collect. That effectively meant there was a non-import 20% tax. With leaving the EU they tightened that loophole, leaving a much fairer system (though inconvenient).

 

[vfr400]

I've never had to pay anything on Aliexpress items. I've bought a couple of bottle batteries, several controllers and loads of other stuff, though mainly small items. It's the same with Banggood and Wish. I've only had to pay with a few big items from BMSbattery and other kit suppliers like that- mainly when a battery is included or the box is massive. I think during covid, the Post Office have stopped collecting because one time I got a notice of something to pay, but nobody ever followed up.

 

[Wafty Cranker]

The anti-dumping levy is just for complete bikes, not parts - kits / wheels / batteries / motors though. I'm guessing from the OP's 'like for like' that's what they mean, but...?

Yes mate, looking to buy complete kit. Motor, controller etc.

 

[Nealh]

If only parts then you won't get caught for much, you will be unlucky to pay more then £30 extra if picked on.

 

[Gedge]

I’ve used Aliexpress a lot and never had to pay any duties or additional fees ..currently deliveries are slow due to covid / Brexit but stuff arrives .. I’ve just received my 13.5ah bottle battery that ordered on 8/1 so if you are in a hurry it’s not the place to buy ..

 

[Wafty Cranker]

Thanks everyone for your words of wisdom, doesn’t seem quite as attractive as first though, however will continue to look and learn ! Wafty.

 

[Gringo]

I’ve used Ali quite a few times in the past when we had ”low value = no import duty”
on average I’d pay about 40% less than UK price, I didn’t mind waiting for delivery which could be as little as 10 days, occasionally my goods didn’t turn up and it then took months to get my money back. Now all things are taxed, the last time I looked on Ali the prices were too close to eBay to risk a long delivery.

 

[Wafty Cranker]

I’ve used Ali quite a few times in the past when we had ”low value = no import duty”
on average I’d pay about 40% less than UK price, I didn’t mind waiting for delivery which could be as little as 10 days, occasionally my goods didn’t turn up and it then took months to get my money back. Now all things are taxed, the last time I looked on Ali the prices were too close to eBay to risk a long delivery.

Thanks Gringo, l have come to the same conclusion myself .

 

[jokskot]

Also the customer protection on AliExpress is very Byzantine whereas with eBay, the customer is always right and is quickly recompensed in the event of problem.

 

[Homer Jay]

Buying from Ali is like buying mail order from Del boy. You may get what you ordered, you may not. If it breaks, you’re on your own - he’s got you money and you have his problem. I’ve bought many things over the years from AliExpress / Baba and only once did I not regret it. Not going there anymore.