Aibu to not be sure if I’m going to get stung with a massive tax bill

[Yestoallthecake]

I’ve been after a bike for my son for months, and due to ‘The Great Bike Shortage of 2021 I’ve been struggling.

I’ve always bought 2nd hand bikes, but due to the lack of ones for sale prices are so much that I might as well get new, as they’ll get handed down.

I’ve found one on a European website, cost €371, delivery & handling €94 but how much tax will it be?

Searched online and as it’s a sporting good I think it’s exempt. But is anyone sure, is there a website to work this out? Yes I’m probably being thick but I could do without a massive surprise bill!

We are having real issues just shipping out own personal goods in snd out of the U.K. to the eu. Get it shipped to France and then ride it back …

It shouldn’t be an issue getting the bike, it’s just I’d like to know the full cost before I place the order.

Any VAT or customs duty due should be collected by the vendor at the time of purchase. I say should be, it may not, and you will need to check. It will not be VAT exempt though.

When I go to checkout a message pops up to say any vat is up to me to sort.

You'll need to pay 20% VAT plus the relevant customs duty for bicycles. Different items attract different rates, so if your information is correct that will be nil, but you're still liable for VAT.

Taxes are payable on the cost plus postage.

On top of that the courier will charge an admin fee of £12 upwards.

I don't know but I ordered some t shirts costing £150 and got a £62 bill for "taxes"/admin from UPS....

VAT only has to be collected by the overseas seller if the order is under £135. So you’ll pay the 20% VAT on receipt plus a handling charge of about £12.

@Yestoallthecake, is there really nothing in the UK suitable. The best part of €500 is a good price, there should be some choice
What size/type of bike are you wanting?!

Thanks for all info, I’ve been looking for Isla, Frog, Woom. Something really light for a nearly 6 year old. He’s in between sizes on loads of the bikes so didn’t want to buy one and he need another in 6 months.

The thick end of £500 for a six year olds bike. That seems a bit steep.
Blimey long time since I bought a bike for a six year old but wow.

@Yestoallthecake Treadz have a limited selection of Frogs in stock, available for immediate dispatch.

Frog 55
Frog 52

You could also check out the Frog preloved group on Facebook, there's generally a few on there. Probably easier than shipping from overseas

Just go to Halfords and save yourself the stress for a 6 year old!

Have you tried Squish bikes? Lightweight like Isla or Frog. Lots of different stockists £299. www.balfesbikes.co.uk/bikes/squish

@BikeRunSki thanks, I’d got hold of a frog52 but it was far too big for him, leg size only 47!

@Pinetreesfall ha ha, yes the cheap ones are just so heavy he gives up after a minute. I’d like him to enjoy riding and not have to carry it back when he’s had enough!

I have some very bikey friends and we do a fair bit of off road stuff with the kids. Are on our second Go Outdoors "wild" bike. Probably is 95% as good as a frog and much cheaper. They had some in stock 6 weeks ago.

@Bakingdiva thanks will have a look. Might have to get some blocks for his shoes, bigger bike and it’ll last him years

@livingthegoodlife I liked the squish ones, will have another look, first time I’ve seen them in stock for ages

@CheshireSplat that’s great will have a look

@Yestoallthecake - have you looked at Decathlon. Obvs not as good as Isla/Frog etc, but the more expensive of each range/size is often “the best of the rest” in bike reviews.

Decathlon

Will go and have another hunt round tomorrow I think. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Have you looked on eBay for bikes available locally?

We've really struggled to get a bike for my son and ended up using the Bike Club - works our about £10 a month and once you've made 32 payments (I think!) You can keep the bike. You can also swap for a larger/different one for a small fee during your rental period. It's the only way we could get hold of one for months!

Frog have a factory shop located in South Wales they sell refurbished items

I had a look on the bike club, looked a great idea but all bikes my sons size are out of stock.