Buyee Jap Spares

[Rozabikes Tim]

Just looking parts for my TL125 project and I've come across Buyee who handle grouping and sending orders from various Japanese auction sites etc.

Fully aware there will be add on costs for uk duty and vat etc. apparently not as a gift below £135?

Anybody any experience of using them, Jauce or other similar sites I understand there are?

[Skoti]

Got front forks from Japan for my NF75, bought direct from breakers http://ilovemotor.jp/shop/c/c by payment through bank transfer.

But you can also use https://www.worldshopping.global/ which is probably more expensive but safer.


Had to use Google translate to read the Japanese bike breakers auction web pages tho...


Good luck

Skoti

 

[magpie114]

I used Buyee a lot a few years ago for my VFR400 project. They were very good to start with and would consolidate orders from different sellers. However they started getting touchy about some items if they even very faintly smelt of oil.
I ordered and paid for some fairing air intakes and they informed me that they smelt of vapour and would not send them. I got back to them and explained what the items were and that they did not contain or contact oil. Eventually they released them and I didn’t lose out.
You’ll notice on their site many bike parts are marked as potentially prohibited or blocked items.


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[Rozabikes Tim]

I used Buyee a lot a few years ago for my VFR400 project. They were very good to start with and would consolidate orders from different sellers. However they started getting touchy about some items if they even very faintly smelt of oil.
I ordered and paid for some fairing air intakes and they informed me that they smelt of vapour and would not send them. I got back to them and explained what the items were and that they did not contain or contact oil. Eventually they released them and I didn’t lose out.
You’ll notice on their site many bike parts are marked as potentially prohibited or blocked items.


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.

Yes noticed the restrictions on many items such as exhausts. It says about checking first and and option to specially package it.  Think it may be suck it and see?

[magpie114]

Coincidentally I’ve recently been looking at Jauce and first impressions are that the site is more sensible regarding prohibited items. May give them a try soon.


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[Rozabikes Tim]

Well I've taken the plunge on an exhaust for the TL125. It was good value to buy and shipping totalled about £30 on top.. That will be sea freight but in no rush. From what I read with it being sent a gift and below £135 purchase / freight  cost, no duty or VAT but not holding my breath.

I am now playing with some other smaller things on the site. Once you buy an item, they will hold it FOC for 30 days. In that time you can build up a worthwhile shipment of goodies  and send as one package, theoretically saving some dosh! Will report back on that when I get it send.

Generally a bit awkward asking questions of sellers as this has to be done through Buyee. That being said they are very efficient mainly from what I have found.

Most the bike gear (or all ) originates from Yahoo with Buyee simply working as a Proxy agent and taking a cut. You cant access Yahoo auction site directly from the UK. It is blocked, as Yahoo no longer deal with UK (and Europe I think). If you however use a VPN, where in this case I said I was located in the US, you can get on the site. However you cant register or therefore buy, needing to quote a phone number for authentication. Frustrating as more and often cheaper kit on there.

Anyway I have found this an interesting learning experience and will update as and when.

[magpie114]

I bought a variety of items including bulky stuff like original VFR fairing panels. These were in much better condition than available here and not too expensive. I was worried about damage in transit but they were very well packed and arrived ok. It’s some years ago but I think I only got stung once for import duties and that was probably my fault!
Interested to see how you get on.
Alan

[Rozabikes Tim]

Thought I would report back on my experiences. I have now had 3 consignments of bits sent. All as gifts under £130 limit so no import tax applied. Both new and used bits.

Mixed experiences to be honest. First consignment an exhaust, could not in the end be sent sea mail as offered by Buyee. Ended up paying air freight which cost as much as the exhaust! Complained but no go. Anyway still quids in on the UK value. Some packaging damage.

Other 2 parcels. One totally incorrect item sent. You have the option of paying an extra  inspection / insurance fee which I didn't do as really cheap part of little value and didn't see the point. However, although totally wrong part sent, no come back without the insurance. The other parcel very poorly packed with lots of metallic rattling before you even opened it. Luckily no damage to what were second hand bits anyway.

My overall feelings. Expected more packing  care with Japanese attention to detail we normally love and appreciate. Website full of clarification statements on different actions and product types. Significant savings on rare parts makes the exercise worth it. I have also learned alot about the system so easier if I do any more transactions.

[magpie114]

Disappointing news about the poor packaging. I had no complaints in that respect but it was a few years ago. What was the shipping time like?
Alan


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[Rozabikes Tim]

Disappointing news about the poor packaging. I had no complaints in that respect but it was a few years ago. What was the shipping time like?
Alan


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Excellent actually. Paid shipping on last consignment Monday and delivered here Saturday.

[magpie114]

I’m giving fromJapan a try. Nice easy to use site. Currently bidding on a NC30 rear hub/axle - decent ones very hard to find here. Will give full details of fees and experience when my bid hopefully wins.


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[flatfour]

We have very strong connections with Japan, my wife being Japanese and spend a lot of time there. During our visit last year, my wife decided to send a few boxed items to the UK and used the postal service. Some of the items were rejected at the Post Office counter there, some never did arrive, and others were fine. This is a very different experience from even the year before.

In my experience, gathered over very many years, the most reliable service is "Black Cat" who then ship internationally through Fedex.

Do bear in mind that the £135.00 value limit includes shipping costs, which in themselves are often £50.00 or more for even moderately sized items that are not too heavy.

Finally, Japan is facing a serious labour shortage that has become much worse in recent years. The quality of service is not as it was in the past, although in most cases still better than here!