Buying clubs from the US

[m10johnson]

I having been searching around for a new driver and have found that with shipping it still costs a lot less by buying the product from the USA.

Anyone had an experiences with buying equipment from the USA?

 

[beggsy]

what website have you seen it on maybe then we could offer help or thoughts

 

[Richie13]

cost is added after the item is in the uk in the form of import tax, and can be a fair bit, i'd be wary of this fact as it could turn a good deal into a stinker

 

[full_throttle]

if the items enter the country via Parcelforce, then expect VAT and clearances charges to be applied.

not all deals are good/bad, i have seen golf clubs come into the country and have charges as little as £20 levied on them but i have also seen £70+.

if you wish to take the chance on importing golf clubs always ask for the cheapest postal option, items that come in as EMS (express items) are subject to higher charges

 

[Hobbit]

Some Chinese sites have set up sites with addresses both in the US and the UK - and the gear is .... slighly different(?)

 

[Ethan]

I have bought loafs of stuff from the US over the years. Buying from a reputable seller such as Edwin Watts or Callaway Pre-Owned is easy and can be good value especially on run-out stock and stuff that is about to be replaced.

Price the club you want including costs of UK shipping. UPS/DHL/FedEx are much faster than USPS (American version of Royal Mail/Parcelforce) and some big sellers get huge discounts with couriers that they don't get with USPS. I bought some stuff recently from Edwin Watts and shipping was $45, 2 day delivery. Courier companies don't have delays in UK Customs either. With USPS, they hand over to Parcelforce, then the delays start. Assume 2 week door to door with USPS/Parcelforce.

Part of that delay is payment of customs charges. You will be charged VAT on the total of goods and shipping, so factor that into your costs.

There are some good bargains in the US right now, and some places have frequent offers. Shipping is also often fast. I bought a set of Callaway irons from Callaway Pre-Owned, ordered at 7.50pm on Wednesday and they arrived from Texas on Friday morning.