Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Jan 09, 2011 10:24 am Hi OB's Our project is due to start in 6 months and I am actively doing my homework on fitout (as well as other things.) I have seen some of you have imported things in the past and wanted to get your feedback on all that any any knowledge you could share with me. We are doing a large extension on a Period 1930's house so a lot of our fittings and fixtures will be in keeping with that style so we are pretty limitted in selection choices on that front. To date I have imported a Claw Foot bath but I am looking to build on that in a big way Pricing plumbing items here like Taps etc it is up to 100% dearer than the same items in the UK. Same goes for Toilets, Basins are up to 400% dearer here Electrical appliances also have a massive difference in price. We are going Miele and they to are on average 40% dearer here in Oz than the UK for the same model item! As an example I have been doing my sums and the Kitchen appliances alone would be $5000 cheaper to import than buying locally (That includes shipping and import costs) So I am considering doing a large purchase of all our fitout items form the UK. We are not talking cheap chinese copies but name brand UK and European fixtures and appliances so the item I see on the shelf here is the same one that I would look to import. I am looking to keep any imports to what is available already in Australia for both spares, service and the necessary Plumbing approvals etc so we dont run into issues there down the track What I was wanting feedback on was from those who have gone down the import path already. Did you have any isssues with anything you ever bought in not being suitable? eg Electrical or otherwise Freight issues getting a large order together and packed up correctly? Anything else good or bad you can share with me? Items you didn't import and wish you had? OR things you did import and wished you hadnt? Cheers https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=44762 My Owner builder journey extending a 1930's Bungalow Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 2Jan 09, 2011 11:14 am its a great idea where do you think our big stores get their stuff from (mostly imports) ive heard buying a container is the cheapest way if you have somewhere to store it over in the uk that is. that way you can fill it with bargains and ship it off all together some on here have imported windows doors ect ive only done taps shower heads at a saving of 50% + you could also try ebay picked up a $1000 bathtub for $300 delivered and its gorgeous same with the loo paid $195 bunnys was $370 good luck with your bargain hunting and future build stay safe happy building Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 3Jan 09, 2011 11:35 am HI there Dockerrob I have imported DG windows from os and it was very easy. I have also had a gorgeous wooden bath made in UK with a matching benchtop and that was easy too. YOu can find freight handlers who will store and pack your container and do paperwork - it all just seemed like such a bother. I only imported when the company were prepared to do the legwork for me. I agree that things are a darn sight cheaper os and it broke my heart when i saw the product i wanted at so much less. More so because we used to live in Germany and I could have / should have stuffed my container to the brim!!!! The downside to importing is that you tie up a lot of money early on. Storage is another big issue. From personal experience if I EVER (and that is not likely) to do this again I would not focus and any fixtures and fittings for the house until just before I had it to lock up. Main reason being that sometimes the budget blows out and you have your heart set on certian things inside! I would also wait for sales in Oz. We bought smeg appliances cheap, same with out tiles. Importing is fairly easy and the bargains are to be had. What you dont have is a warranty in many cases. on the plus side, many of our appliances are german and we have had no probs with power etc. I know you need to be very very careful with tapware. kay Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 4Jan 14, 2011 11:29 am Hi Rob sounds like a great idea and a great way to save money. Just be mindful that many building goods, especially plumbing and electrical appliances need to meet current compliance standards. I.E. electrical fittings and equipment need to comply with Australian safety standards. So check with the supplier/manufacturer before purchasing (get a written statement) to ensure your plumber or sparky is happy to install goods from o/s. Good luck and keep us posted. Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 5Jan 14, 2011 12:37 pm kayandandy HI there Dockerrob I have imported DG windows from os and it was very easy. kay Hi Be aware your imported windows won't be compliant, it's touch and go whether you get a certificate of occupancy - depends on how well you are scrutinised, if they check you definitely won't get a C of O. Testing of windows and doors in Australia is a physical process and the tests here exceed ISO testing standards. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 6Jan 15, 2011 2:41 pm I am also interested in the bathroom and kitchen taps planning our new home. To date we have upgraded taps over an old bath tub. We have installed Japanese, thermostat bath taps. Its great piece of technology. Price was not the factor but we wanted something that gives a hand shower, has automatic temperature control (for kids) and works well. Could not find something on the market in Australia that would just fit on two female pipe ends sticking out of the tiled wall (they use the same thread). I wonder if using imported taps in a new house would cause trouble with any certificates, regulations? Built a 2 storey house... hebel, proctor, pvc windows, aiphone, deck roofs, louver covered patio Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 7Jan 23, 2011 2:48 pm Hi Be aware your imported windows won't be compliant, it's touch and go whether you get a certificate of occupancy - depends on how well you are scrutinised, if they check you definitely won't get a C of O. Testing of windows and doors in Australia is a physical process and the tests here exceed ISO testing standards. Ed[/quote] It does depends on what Windows they are Ed and the glass used. The Velux skylights which are available here are the same product as available overseas. https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=44762 My Owner builder journey extending a 1930's Bungalow Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 8Jan 23, 2011 10:00 pm docker_rob It does depends on what Windows they are Ed and the glass used. The Velux skylights which are available here are the same product as available overseas. I know the window standards and they don't allow it, they have to be tested here... I expect Velux have had their products tested here. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 9Jan 23, 2011 11:19 pm I agree but thats my point. There is no issues importing Items be it windows, Fridges or Taps that are already approved for sale in Australia as the testing and approval has already occured. For OB's that means we can legally parallell import those goods, still comply with the relevant codes and save in many cases 40% - 50% on the retail price that is charged on that very same item by a retailer in Australia https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=44762 My Owner builder journey extending a 1930's Bungalow Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 10Jan 24, 2011 5:59 am docker_rob I agree but thats my point. There is no issues importing Items be it windows, Fridges or Taps that are already approved for sale in Australia as the testing and approval has already occured. For OB's that means we can legally parallell import those goods, still comply with the relevant codes and save in many cases 40% - 50% on the retail price that is charged on that very same item by a retailer in Australia Windows are different as I have said previously. The testing is more rigorous here, we test beyond ISO. So even if the window is made overseas and used overseas, unless it is tested here you cant use it. I buy DeWalt 18v battery drills from the USA for USD 90 - USD 125 (AUD 400 - AUD 500 here)... so there I agree with you, but windows are a risk if the building inspector is on his toes, and a risk if there is an industry blitz - how do you sell you house full of untested imported windows - when even the toughened glass must be destructively tested? A commercial building in WA had the windows removed for testing and transported from WA to Melbourne laboratory, they failed miserably. With windows, think again. Regarding parallel imported products, you would need to be sure they are exactly the same specification as the same product sold here. E.g. fridges here have a lot more insulation, ask any pom who brought their domestic fridge over... the compressor runs 24hrs... Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 11Jan 24, 2011 11:02 am I agree with all that Ed and if importing from somewhere in China with glass or anything else for that matter who knows what you get. If however I can source a name brand item, that is the same product code and same specs as available here, then there are potentially considerable savings to be made for OB's As an example a particular Miele appliance costs $3599 here in Oz. In the UK that same item is only $1416 AUD. Same model same code the lot. Miele or anyone will say Oh Australia is different but it is not. That's just price gouging and a scare tactic that works on most people. PLus its not that easy to get bulky goods here. Not quite the same as shipping an Iphone in the post. Same goes for Velux widnows. Those windows are imported as complete sealed units. In the UK they have 4 choices for glazing in Oz they offer only 1 (Some in the UK are much higher U ratings than we have here) but non the less I can source the exact same Velux window in the UK as is sold here for 50% less. If it was just windows I was importing that saving would be eaten up by freight but if looking at a large range of items to ship in bulk the potential savings are considerable. Anyway I take on board your points as you need to be sure its the same thing as used in Oz https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=44762 My Owner builder journey extending a 1930's Bungalow Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 12Feb 23, 2011 1:43 pm Hi Docker Rob, just wondering if you ending up finding out any information about the best way to go about importing appliances etc from the UK? ie: what shipping company will you use, will you ship separately or buy a container (if so where from) etc....any advise would be much appreciated. Thanks Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 13Feb 23, 2011 3:41 pm Hi Cheryl I am in the middle of it all now. Am down to 2 Freight companies. Cost to Perth for a 20ft container from the UK is approx $2600. $2700 depending on final exchange rate Savings are to be had. We are getting Miele appliances, Perrin and Rowe tapware and Duravit Toilets. Savings on those items averages around 50% as compared to Australian prices. We are also getting 3 Natuzzi Sofas saving there almost 65%. Also bringing in smaller things like Velux Skylights. Again 50% cheaper in the UK. More getting those types of things now as we will use them in our OB reno and I have room in the container to fill up We are more buying these things as it is cost effective to do it. If I had to buy here I would have had to compromise on product so by doing this I can buy a better product for the same price. So in the end of the day I am probably still spenidng what I would have just getting a far better product fo rmy dollar Now these saving do not include freight and GST on arrival but non the less are significant. There are also Customs fees and a few hundred dollars for insurance but in the scheme of things overall after all expenses I expect to save somewhere between $30 - $35000 as compared to buying locally in Australia. As I havent taken delivery of anything just yet I dont want to recommend any companies however it's not hard. Google around. Get some quotes and make some phone calls. I found a few Skype phone calls to follow up emails was the best method to show you are serious. Main thing is shop around, most retailers will negotiate and are happy to sell overseas. Main thing is find Retailers that Do not include the VAT upfront. You can claim it back later but its a bit more paperwork. Some you might have no choice than to pay VAt an dlcaim it back. For me all but 1 supplier is Ok not to charge me the VAT as long as I supply the necessary export documentation. I recommend you find a good freight company first. Exaplain what you want to do and then see if it is right for your needs Good luck and hope that helps https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=44762 My Owner builder journey extending a 1930's Bungalow Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 14Feb 27, 2011 9:02 pm Can't wait to read more about your experience Rob. Will it all be covered by Australian warranty? Even if not I guess it still works out significantly cheaper, right? Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 16Mar 07, 2011 7:57 pm Does anyone know any UK online sites that will ship smallish appliances to Oz? I've found a lot of them only ship UK mainland. Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 17Apr 05, 2011 2:32 pm Docker_rob, If you are planning to import ANY wooden articles (furniture, paintings etc) make sure you get the container fumigated at the port of departure. Firstly it is much cheaper secondly less time consuming. In sydney it cost $35 an hour for fumigation and for a container they will take 2 whole days. Not to mention chances of damage whilst doing it in australia. keep us updated how u go... kamal Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 18Apr 06, 2011 11:18 pm Kamal All wooden packing material needs to be declared as treated wood otherwise to the fumigators you go. we got stung on our wooden bath, not because of the bath but the packing material. Generally they dont tend to fumigate furniture unless it comes from certian parts of the world, BUT they are fussy about packaging! Re: Importing products for Owner building and how far to go? 19Apr 09, 2011 9:44 pm kayandandy Kamal All wooden packing material needs to be declared as treated wood otherwise to the fumigators you go. we got stung on our wooden bath, not because of the bath but the packing material. Generally they dont tend to fumigate furniture unless it comes from certian parts of the world, BUT they are fussy about packaging! I brought in some furniture from China last year and amongst other bits of paper, it came with two important documents. The first was an "LCL Packing Declaration" filled out by the Freighting Agent. The second was a "Fumigation/Disinfection Certificate" issued by the appropriate Govt Authority. AQIS just waved me through with them. Get the paperwork done and thoroughly, its a lot less frustrating Re: Importing products for our Owner builder project 20Apr 26, 2011 7:22 pm Time for an update on this importing caper. A similar thread is running on Whirlpool on this particular subject however I thought it would be good for my fellow owner builders to have access to this info in case others wish to do likewise so here goes - If you wish to follow on WP here is the full rundown - http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-re ... ?t=1614240 (Hope I am not breaking forum rules by cross posting to another Forum) Anyway in Summary All products have now arrived in my UK retailers warehouses and have been paid for in full. They will be delivered to my Freight forwarder next week for on-shipping to me. Our purchase consists of pretty much our entire fit out for our house renovation extension. Items Include – Miele Kitchen appliances (Including Fridges and Freezers, Dishwasher and Washing machine and the usual Ovens etc), Natuzzi Sofas, Perrin and Rowe Tapware, Duravit Toilets, Grohe Shower heads, Franke Sinks, Velux roof windows and various other building bits and pieces. All the UK companies I have dealt with have been awesome. For example the people supplying our Tapware took each item out of its box to hand check and inspect for themselves – Just fantastic service. They actually found one damaged item and had it replaced before it made the journey to me. I have also organised Freight Insurance. Total loss insurance so if something gets broken or damaged it is covered and if worst case the container falls in the sea I am safe. Total Cost $220 so a no brainer really. My final buy price for all the items I have purchased was $31k plus Freight of $2.6K (~ $ 33.6K landed )The VERY BEST prices I could get for the same items in Oz was $73K!! (Some Perth based quotes I had took the price as high as $83k! all up) My fixed costs on top of this will be: 15% import fees. Which is GST on value of the Goods and Freight of approx $3.4K, Then 5% Import Duty of approx $1.7K (Not sure if I pay duty on everything so we will see may be a bit less) Customs / Broker Fees ~ $800 and Insurance $220. All up landed and cleared around $40K which gives me a saving of approx $33K as compared to buying locally. Now we have gone to extremes getting a container load of goods but this process started with thinking I would bring in 3 Toilet Suites on their own. (Which would have been economical) It certainly grew and this size of our import is not for everyone but for me it's been well worthwhile and allowed us to get products we normally could not afford. Yes we have paid up front for things we wont need for 12 – 18 months but for us it works. So not a bad result in my book.... Now here's hoping the boat doesn't sink! https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=44762 My Owner builder journey extending a 1930's Bungalow 9 24782 This is one of the reasons I decided to go overseas for my double glazed windows. As the builder indicated, he's worked on many upmarket builds, these were the most well… 13 19225 2 15462 |