Poll

Would you buy from the USA?

I would buy from the USA as it would save me LOADS of money
I would not buy from the USA because of the shipping costs and tax
I would not buy from the USA because of the monstrance/servicing could be problematic
I would not buy from the USA because of other reasons (please specify below)
Would you buy from the USA?
« on: February 26, 2006, 04:33:24 pm »
Seems to me that in the USA carpet cleaning machines are much cheaper than in the UK. 

Has anybody got experience purchasing from the USA?

What would you say about “This Complete Equipment Package”?

Kind regards,
Arthur

john rees

  • Posts: 391
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2006, 04:51:48 pm »
I have bought from the usa and the service i get is great!nothing seems too much trouble for them! ;D
john

mark_roberts

  • Posts: 1899
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2006, 04:58:19 pm »
Buying non electrical is not a problem.  Buying electrical then youll need a transformer which would be a pain and every part you buy would need to be 110volt.

You could get it changed over to 240volt though and that would be better.  However Ashbys Ninja does have a few unique tweaks which are nice.

Mark

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2006, 05:05:44 pm »
Mark,

“This Complete Equipment Package” has already been adopted for the UK electricity supply.

Kind regards,
Arthur

craigp

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2006, 08:12:47 pm »
wow! that ninjas about a £1000 great value!

therapist

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2006, 08:27:48 pm »
now then, just who is seeking to get ' the best price ' wouldn't be the same people who are preaching to everyone else to, raise their prices and  don't believe that successfull people, shop around for better prices.

Seems to me, like double standards.

rob m


Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2006, 08:51:27 pm »
I think most of you will know my answer.....I buy all my machines and chemicals from the US, well almost all.........110 volts is a pain sometimes but a legal requirement for those doing comercial work and or work in and amongst the public....... in comparison the service I think is better from the US....., Best, Dave.

Nigel_W

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2006, 09:22:51 pm »
It is also worth considering whether electrical equipment supplied from the U.S. has CE approval.  It is only a small risk but it is probably illegal to use non approved equipment in the UK.

Nigel

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2006, 10:18:57 pm »
I think most of you will know my answer.....I buy all my machines and chemicals from the US...

Dave,
Could you reveal your USA suppliers?
Kind regards,
Arthur

garyj

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2006, 11:40:09 pm »
The price of that Ninja is 'from' $3145 thats £1807 add import duty & shipping, its not such a good deal. Plus you aren't going to get any after sales service if it goes wrong.

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2006, 11:49:13 pm »
Gary,

What do you think about “This Complete Equipment Package”, which has already been adopted for the UK electricity supply.

Kind regards,
Arthur

garyj

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2006, 11:58:51 pm »
I don't think that 100psi is enough anymore, although it does say upgrades are available ( to 400psi I presume ). Then the price would really rocket.

I bet you could find a used Ninja if you looked around. Ashby's do  sell reconditioned machines but they can't fit the new motors in  the old machines!!
I bet someone on here could though.

Still  not sure of the Rotovac system, again some swear by it and others never use it.

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #12 on: February 27, 2006, 01:31:57 am »
I get my machines and chemicals from Steamway West in Southern California.. ...As an individual you dont have to pay import tax or vat........and regards the shipping, it doesnt cost any more to send a 1000lb palate as opposed to a 500lb palate so the idea is you buy a lot at the same time.....anything one at a time isnt that more cost effective....

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #13 on: February 27, 2006, 01:35:18 am »
P.S. I know this will cause a riot but here goes, if you are going to the trouble of buying a machine from the US why would you buy a Ninja? At least buy a decent machine, best, Dave......

Art

  • Posts: 3688
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #14 on: February 27, 2006, 01:48:43 am »
P.S. I know this will cause a riot but here goes, if you are going to the trouble of buying a machine from the US why would you buy a Ninja? At least buy a decent machine, best, Dave......

What would you say is a decent machine?

Arthur

Ian Gourlay

  • Posts: 5748
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #15 on: February 27, 2006, 08:14:44 am »
Regarding buying from USA would company in USA sell Rotovac direct to a person in UK?


Re Ashbys not fitting upgrades to old machines.

Acording to the Ashby web site it says you can start with a basic Machine and like a Computer you can upgrade at a future date. I take this to mean putting in a larger pump etc.

stuart_clark

  • Posts: 1879
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #16 on: February 27, 2006, 08:29:03 am »
Woodbridge Commercial sell 400 psi pumps at a fraction of the cost of other suppliers !! mentioning no names!!! Stu Clark

cleaning co

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #17 on: February 27, 2006, 08:55:12 am »
yes if the ninja is crap machine what would u say is good from usa ?

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #18 on: February 27, 2006, 11:53:07 am »
Gary, didnt mean it was crap lol, just limited, most portables now have electric truck mount solution pumps in them so as to perform tile and grout cleaning..... with being able to have 1200 psi or more obviously the recovery motors have been upgraded too, my machine has 4x 3stages in it and the psi is 1400 ish. Comfortably it runs 150 feet of hose but it is capable of 250, handy so you dont have to have the machine in the house......I know you have yours in the van but what do you do when you need 200 feet or more once in the house?? I am of course biased to the machine I use and because of its distant so to speak I dont have the problem of poor indoor air quality which sadly a portable inside a house creates.......... again didnt mean it was a crap machine just limited. best, Dave.

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #19 on: February 27, 2006, 11:59:19 am »
Ian, I have to phone the US later today so I will try and find out about the rotovac, I havent a clue as I dont ever use one, nor would do.....Gary, I will get some names of some machines for you but there are quite a few......The Ninja isnt that well thought of over there although I have heard good things said about them over here......... Bridge Point, Steamway, Steam Genie are a few suppliers that might have web sites to look through..... Steamways isnt the best of sites but does show and go through all you need to see.... and you can see my truck mount too..... best, Dave.

cleaning co

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #20 on: February 27, 2006, 12:09:10 pm »
hi dave out of intrest what make and model is yopur one with 4x3 stage vacs how many cords dos it hav ?has it heat ? only ever seen on machine before with 4 vacs and that was made by alltec a few years back but dont no anyone who has one
gary

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #21 on: February 27, 2006, 01:03:05 pm »
Not totally relevant but...........

Wanting to book a cruise on Disney Wonder, I proceeded to ring a UK cruise agent, on an 0870 number (charged as national call):

After 10 minutes on hold I was answered, told that as it was a Disney ship I needed another department, and put on hold again. I gave up after another 5 minutes. ???

So I rang a US cruise agent on an international freephone number:

Answered immediately (and in an accent I can understand, unlike some of the call centres used by uk firms). A very friendly agent took my requirements and promised to ring me back.

Ten minutes later, he rings back with price, itenary, everything.

Guess who got the booking?  ;D

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #22 on: February 27, 2006, 03:54:33 pm »
Gary, it is an upgraded ultra 900 (which I dont think they make anymore for reasons I said earlier)......... 3 cords, 1 for the solution pump, and 1 each for two vacs....... It has an in line propane burner which will boil the water, obviously no good for us as cleaners but nevertheless it will boil it.... Yes perhaps it is over kill but you know the house and properties I go into so I do need it...... Oh yeah, its bloody heavy, 185 lbs, but you get the knack in moving it around, it also uses 3/8 solution hoses and 2 inch vac, for obvious reasons, its good kit! anyway, best, Dave...... P.S. the inline heater being propane obviously doesnt need a lead for its self, 3's enough isnt it????

therapist

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #23 on: February 27, 2006, 05:42:08 pm »
C'mon Dave,

I am a frequent visitor to the most active forum from accross the pond and the most popular portable, by far is still the Ninja.

rob

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #24 on: February 27, 2006, 06:01:17 pm »
.. ...As an individual you dont have to pay import tax or vat........

I might be wrong but i don't think this is true,

also what is classed as an 'individual' are we not all 'companies'

could anyone clarify this

Mike
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

stevegunn

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #25 on: February 27, 2006, 06:25:12 pm »
I think if its marked gift no vat or duty to pay

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #26 on: February 27, 2006, 06:49:40 pm »
.. ...As an individual you dont have to pay import tax or vat........

I might be wrong but i don't think this is true...

I have recently bought an electric appliance from American eBay seller, had to pay both: import tax and vat.

Last year I bought from the USA some stuff for my digital camcorder, also had to pay both: import tax and vat.

However with the $ - £ exchange rate, which has been good for UK buyers, you can sometimes save LOADS of money. 


...also what is classed as an 'individual' are we not all 'companies'...

To my understanding import tax and vat applies regardless whether you are an individual or a company.

I think if its marked gift no vat or duty to pay

There is a limit for the value of the goods you are getting from abroad, without paying tax and vat.  Everything above that limit is tax and vat payable, regardless whether it is gift or not.

Kind regards,
Arthur

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #27 on: February 27, 2006, 06:54:49 pm »
Mike, it is true or I have been geting "away" with it for a long time.....If you phone Customs and Excise they will let you know..... what you are buying are tools of the trade and under that heading you dont have to pay import tax or Vat...... The gift idea doesnt work over a certain value but I dont know what that is. When I buy stuff it is always a lot so I dont even ask...... What you are charged for and of course is Vat able is the receiving end. Those who off load it and clear it through customs do charge, too much I might add........ I have a spotting machine that should turn up fairly soon and that is from door to door, accordingly that just turns up on my door, as yet I have never had to pay anything, but I am 100% right in terms of tools of the trade......I have the number somewhere of Customs if you need it......., Best, Dave....... Rob, you may well be right, however, for the 12 years I was living there The Ninja operators wouldnt even turn up to clean offs and hey even the chemical dryer people turned up. They lost dismally but at least they did show up.....but again most of the people I dealt with had truck mounts and wanted a portable to be as close as possible and of course The Ninja wasnt close.............As before I have heard nothing said but good about them  over here....

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #28 on: February 27, 2006, 07:09:05 pm »
Artrhur, I read your post and the only thing I can think of is two things  1) your goods weren't tools of the trade and 2) did you apply to be exempt from charges, if you dont ask to be exempt they wont exempt you on their own, it is the government after all!!!!!!!!!! It is a lot of paper work but believe me I didnt pay anything, just a fortune in comparison for the receivers...... Best, Dave. P.S. There is a web site somewhere that has it in writing about what I am saying....... A certain Mr. Saunders knows all about what and how I did what because he was bummed that he couldnt do the same thing.....

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #29 on: February 27, 2006, 07:09:40 pm »
...What you are charged for and of course is Vat able is the receiving end...

Dave,
That is why the VAT has never been an issue for you.

Mike, it is true or I have been geting "away" with it for a long time...
...Those who off load it and clear it through customs do charge, too much I might add...

Dave, some time ago I had to deal with "those who off load it".  The reason their bill seems so big is because they include the import tax in it , which you may just have not noticed.

But let me just say that if you still buying from the USA directly it does make sense in terms of £££.   ;)

Kind regards,
Arthur

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #30 on: February 27, 2006, 07:12:03 pm »
Artrhur,
...but believe me I didnt pay anything, just a fortune in comparison for the receivers...

Dave,

Who knows, I may be wrong  ???

Kind regards,
Arthur

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #31 on: February 27, 2006, 07:20:30 pm »
I looked up the paper work, well my tax lady did, and there wasnt anything else charged for by the receivers other than unloading it, clearing it through customs and then storing it. The only Vat was just normal on their bill, anyway I am registered for Vat so it doesnt really matter...... Like you said though with the dollar in the loo so to speak even after all the red tape it is still so much more economical to but there and have sent over, way more choice too. Best, Dave.

john rees

  • Posts: 391
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #32 on: February 27, 2006, 07:22:52 pm »
I bought a truckmount from the us in 2003 and the import duty was 2.4% when I bought one in 2004 the duty was about 15% because there was some sort of trade war going on between the us and europe to do with cheap steel we were shipping to them, so the us imposed a tarrif on the steel from europe, then the uk placed higher duties on the us imports! not sure what they are now though? :(
john

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #33 on: February 27, 2006, 08:26:13 pm »
The poll show that majority of people would by from the USA to save the money. 

My concern is what if I get a faulty peace of equipment or else?

Has anybody had a nasty experience buying from overseas?

Kind regards,
Arthur

Vernon Purcell

  • Posts: 217
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #34 on: March 07, 2006, 06:59:17 pm »
Phone Roto vac tell them you want to buy it and see where they send you.

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #35 on: March 07, 2006, 08:57:34 pm »
Phone Roto vac tell them you want to buy it and see where they send you.

Out of courtesy I sent to them email asking about their 230V starter package, which includes Rotovac.  They referred me to ALLTEC.

Kind regards,
Arthur

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #36 on: March 07, 2006, 11:02:53 pm »
I think there is a question missing in this poll.  People think they can save LOADS of money buying from the USA, but how many of us actually have gone that way.  That is the question I forgot to ask.  Without such question this poll is pointless, I am afraid…
Kind regards,
Arthur

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #37 on: March 07, 2006, 11:04:46 pm »
"As an individual you dont have to pay import tax or vat"

Absoulut poppythingy!

You may as well say As a Individual you don't have topay TAX or VAT on purchases. If so why do people keep geting done for evading import duty?


You have a allowance of £15ish ( that's why you get some amazon dvd's shipped from jersey)( especially the special intersest ones)( brazilian beavers in their natural habitat being my fav)

You might get away with it for so long if your not spotted, or you could brag about it on a forum, then someone will have a quite word with "THE REVENUE" and poo will ocur at some point in the future!

Mind you only had this information from the HM Customs & Revenue websites snich/helpline, maybe they are wrong, but  am not getting on the wrong side of them, You can pee of the taxman his power dat back to 1500 (or aleast a long time ago)and he will get annoyed and fine you 6 turnips. BUT never pee of the VAT man as his powers date back too only 1960 and he will have your house,car and the fluff from your pocket in 5 seconds flat if you can't pay what he wants.

Cheery thoughts, sleep well those who have paid their dues.



www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #38 on: March 13, 2006, 12:24:28 pm »
Paul I had to reply but wanted to wait till I got what I had had sent to arrive. I had a small machine arrive into Customs last Wednesday along with a couple of glides....... I filled out the forms which is a C3 form to comply with the laws with regards sending over "stuff". This done and certified by Customs was accordingly released and arrived to my house today. There was no charge of import tax nor Vat because as I have said before tools of the trade come under a different section than that of maybe what you are looking under. If any charges are due they would not release the package untill they are paid so it is more difficult to evade  import duty. As you accused me of being a liar I now put to you in writing that you are incorrect in your accusations. As for the allowance of 15 pounds that is also incorrect but I am not sure what it is, just know it is around the 400 pound mark. Just so you know I have run a business here in England and also in the US for almost 15 years now so do have some knowledge of what I am saying where as I think you do not. I have never and dont brag on here about anything, people who know me know what I do, what I charge and are aware that most of what I use comes from the US. As does the tax man and Vat man......On another subject it was brought up about how much was being paid to have stuff sent here from the US to here. The box I just received weighed 37 pounds and it cost me 120 dollars to have it sent. I paid a little more to have it here within 48 hours...... Best, Dave.

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #39 on: March 13, 2006, 07:05:45 pm »
HMRC Reference:C 3 
Bringing personal belongings to UK from outside the EC


A form to declare personal belongings to Customs and claim any duty and tax reliefs that may apply when returning or transferring residence to the European Community.
]


So you bring these items in as you are returning to reside in the UK?

Not because you have imported them, they where already yours?

www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Ian Gourlay

  • Posts: 5748
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #40 on: March 13, 2006, 07:24:51 pm »
Dave,

Did you import your Truckmounts or mounts?


Are you British?

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #41 on: March 13, 2006, 07:34:10 pm »
Here is the form C3 text in full the most relavent part is this

"Your belongings are the goods
kept by you or your immediate
family for household or personal
use. "


No matter how you word it that can't mean tools of the trade, unless you just clean your own carpets/upholstery I guess.

Personal use does not mean business use, the tax man is very clear on that.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_CL_000308
www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Liahona

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #42 on: March 13, 2006, 08:13:42 pm »
Paul to close the subject......in your post you clearly state tools of the trade therefore I rest my case....... To Ian, I am a yank by birth but I have an I.L.E. and since became a dual citizen. But I have lived here long enough to consider my self civilised..... I live in both countries so yes what I move from the US to here was aleady mine. I have brought in or imported or whatever you want to call it just the one truckmount and everything else to set up the business over here at present but as I have three I can still bring over the two more untill I would be "up" to have  it classed as an import, hoping that makes you happy Paul although I am not sure why you spend so much time trying to dissprove what I am saying when it appears you have no idea of me or the situation I am in. I may make suggestions of all sorts of subjects but would never question anyones statements, opinions yes as Gary and I have strong ones but again they are just opinions. But then you stated  I think that I didnt have a 110 volt generator incorparated in the truck mount without knowing whether they existed or not. They do exist as you now know but again why would you make the comment you did when you had no idea what you were talking about.  It is not my intent to get into this kind of posting as I have spoken with a moderator about a similar situation, however I will not not make a comment when I am accused of lieing,  now that I have made this comment I will not post again to do with this subject. Best, Dave.

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #43 on: March 13, 2006, 09:11:09 pm »
Well allow me to  respond

"in your post you clearly state tools of the trade therefore I rest my case"
yes to say your wrong they are not personal items, if you use them for work vat/duty is due.

I only said on the other thread,and i quote
"Your pulling my leg, your truckmount generate 110volts thats something i have never seen on any trukmount, a generator and one else familar with that on steamway machines?"
That's more of a question to others, not really calling you a liar is it?

Personally I think it's a great idea, warm pies/pot noddels  from a microwave in the van,   mmmmmmmm pies!




"it appears you have no idea of me or the situation I am in"

Yes I have absolutly no idea at all, you could be lightly coated in butter and have a lifetime subscription to Weasel & Duck Hunting Weekly, and I would not know it , your profile is a little spartan.

But advising people that you don't pay duty or vat on goods and forgetting to mention you have dual citizenship  &  moved here from the us,  and then filling In the C3 for personal?? goods is also being a bit presumptious? thinking that everyone else can do the same.

What if someone got a fine if you advice turns out to be incorrect for the average UK resident carpet cleaner, ( which I think it is) and then you said ahh but it's different for me I came from the US, and can use this special form C3. Bet you would'nt pay the backdated vat for them.

I think that over 95% of the people using this forum would be ineligable to do what you have done, and even then think your on shaky ground. And buy questioning your statement we have all found out information that if you had disclosed eariler may have saved time asking questions.

P.s How do you think I know about these things, maybe because I live round the corner from the Customs, and therefore play things very straight when I'm importing machinary. They are however handy for advice though.
But guess you would'nt  know that or that I have a subscription to albino fighting ferrets of the world!






 


www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #44 on: April 01, 2006, 06:17:11 pm »
Took your advice and shiped with the US postal service. Then today I recived a letter from parcel force asking for payment of vat, so have been and paid my vat at the parcelforce depot today, and this sticker was on my parcel.

As they say in all the best courtroom dramas " I REST MY CASE"

www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #45 on: April 01, 2006, 06:31:38 pm »
Paul to close the subject...

Dave,
I would close you.... behind bars! for cheating Inland Revenue... 
 ;)
Arthur

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #46 on: April 01, 2006, 07:19:32 pm »
Arthur you never know maybe the Inland Revenue have got it wrong !!

One things for sure I was not getting my new toys till I paid them.

Dave, I tried to tell them that I was a resident of Monaco but as it as it to be delivered to a UK address it meant Vat was due apparently!


www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Re: Would you buy from the USA?
« Reply #47 on: April 02, 2006, 09:48:11 am »
Arthur you never know maybe the Inland Revenue have got it wrong !!

Sure they did, otherwise Dave would have been locked up!  ;D

Dave, are you going to give yourself up?  ;D