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Buying equipment from America

  • 21-05-2010 8:52am
    #1
    BlackEdelweiss
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭


    I am trying to buy a few pieces of equipment for my new business but the price of getting them from the UK is massive compared to getting them from America. I'm not sure how much all the extras would cost such as duty, shipping etc but I really cant see it still being more expensive than the American goods. Should i be wary of things that seem very cheap or are things really that cheap in America? Am I just being scared off because of the ridiculous prices this side of the Atlantic.


Comments

  • #2
    antoinolachtnai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,815 ✭✭✭antoinolachtnai


    There is certainly taxes and shipping to be considered.

    Products are often different in the US market. There are niggly differences that may make the difference.

    There may be safety regulations to consider. The US versions may not meet the same standards. This is not always an issue, but it sometimes is.

    The other issue is around service. Do you need the support of a service channel? The savings might be beneficial in the early stages, and managing cash is what it is all about at the beginning, but as you go on, the service aspect becomes more and more important, and you either need to be able to do your own servicing, have your own service people or engage with the local channel.

    It might be easier to finance purchases made locally.

    At the end of the day equipment will be quite a small expense compared to labour and any services you need to hire in.


  • #3
    BlackEdelweiss
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭BlackEdelweiss


    The equipment I want to buy is top of the range, 2nd hand stuff so I would be happy enough about the safety side. I would have to get it from th u.k. anyway so I dont know how much service I would get from there either. I can get most of the equipment within Ireland but just not this one section of stuff, the main pieces of equipment required for the business. I could go for cheaper versions from the uk but they do not have the quality reputation the US stuff has. I can get the whole system from the US but to get the uk versions I would still have to source smaller bits and pieces separately.
    It is electrical catering equipment so I dont know if this would work here either without some alterations.


  • #4
    antoinolachtnai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,815 ✭✭✭antoinolachtnai


    You would need to find out about the electrical issues for sure. Light industrial gear in the US is often 220v, so it might work for you. The frequency is different, but that probably won't make much difference. You should ring the manufacturer and ask them what they think, as well as getting an opinion this side of the pond.

    If it is actually something of such quality that you can't get it here, and if the price is right, why not import it, for sure? You will still have to think about how you will do your service/support though.


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