Thinking of Importing Bikes from China/Taiwan

JDM2012 · Nov 7, 2012

Hi
I currently own and run GC, We specialise in used mountain bikes and last years models to keep costs down on top end bikes. Most of the bike we sell range from £1000-£3000+.

We have quite a healthy stock most of the time and do really well but I have been looking on B2B sites like Tradekey and Alibaba at some of the bikes. I am seriously considering trying one out and then eventually getting 4-5 a month shipped over. I have got a few questions that I am hoping you can help me clear?

Is this process safe to do, I would only pay with paypal as I know that i have a bit of security there.

I believe the fees to be about 65% overall but there is still a bit of money to be made. Is this the final rate or is there something else?

Has anyone ever done it before, What where the bikes like, How long did they take to come etc? I have seen some unbranded ones on there but I will be looking to get the branded bikes sent over like Specialized, Trek, Lapierre etc.

Thanks for reading, any info would be much appreciated.
Great site by the way.

Maple Sourcing · Nov 8, 2012

I used to work for Sportmaster, the largest chain store in Russia, they buy about 500,000 bicycles from China every year, among them, 80% are CKD (Complete Knocked Down), as Sportmaster has assembly factory in Russia, 20% are SKD (Semi Knocked Down). Taxes for SKD are much higher than CKD in Russia, also, shipment cost of SKD is more.

I know some very good factories, they can make primium quality bicycles at low price, as bicycle manufacturing is labor intensive industry. Also, I'm professional in quality control.

Visit my website and send me an email if you need any help.

Kelly Yang · Nov 8, 2012

GC said:
Hi
I currently own and run GC, We specialise in used mountain bikes and last years models to keep costs down on top end bikes. Most of the bike we sell range from £1000-£3000+.

We have quite a healthy stock most of the time and do really well but I have been looking on B2B sites like Tradekey and Alibaba at some of the bikes. I am seriously considering trying one out and then eventually getting 4-5 a month shipped over. I have got a few questions that I am hoping you can help me clear?

Is this process safe to do, I would only pay with paypal as I know that i have a bit of security there.

I believe the fees to be about 65% overall but there is still a bit of money to be made. Is this the final rate or is there something else?

Has anyone ever done it before, What where the bikes like, How long did they take to come etc? I have seen some unbranded ones on there but I will be looking to get the branded bikes sent over like Specialized, Trek, Lapierre etc.

Thanks for reading, any info would be much appreciated.
Great site by the way.

Hello, glad to know you.

I think the bikes should be assembled at your side but the factory will provide assembly drawing to you. So this packages can save the space for shipping to save your shipping cost. Otherwise, the shipment will not be safe and economical.

Also importing branded products from China is very expensive in customs clearance.

Hope to be helpful.

Import Expert · Nov 8, 2012

I work for a large independant UK based freight forwader with offices all over the world including China, which is one of our main markets.

I deal with a few importers dealing with bikes so thought I would share my thoughts with you.

There are many manufacturers in China making these, but quality does vary. You will normally be given various prices depending on the quality you want, as the cheaper end will have poor paint quaility, welding, etc. However some are very good and there are indeed good profits to be made.

You need to be aware of the import Duty as there is an additional Duty of bikes from China called anti dumping duty.

Standard Duty is 14% (if they have ball bearings) or 15% otherwise.

Anti Dumping (ADD is a whopping 48.5% on top of that). However most 'parts' are 4.7% and not subject to ADD, so many people do import the various parts and then put together in the UK. (The parts cannot be sent in one shipment as although unnassembled HMRC would still class thsi as a bike).

The alternative is to source from somewhere like Taiwan/South Korea where ADD is not applicable.

PowerForwarding · Nov 8, 2012

Yep ADD could be a killer, probably a good idea to look at South Korea.

JDM2012 · Nov 8, 2012

Can anyone recommend a site where I can look at companies in South Korea or Taiwan?

Does ADD count in Singapore?

Thanks for the help

Import Expert · Nov 8, 2012

ADD is only applicable to China.

Ther reason South Korea might be a viable option is that there is a free trade agreement in place with them at the moment so most products will be Duty free.

JDM2012 · Nov 8, 2012

Singapore should be void then with it been Malaysia, Do you know if they have any fees except Import at 14/15%?

Thanks everyone for the help

Mister B · Nov 8, 2012

If you're being serious about this I would plan a trip to one of the big cycle shows.

Taiwan is seen to be the market leader in terms of quality performance bikes but you will pay more. (Definitely better quality though.) There's a show in Taipeii in March that you could go to or alternatively, there's a mahoosive bike show in Shanghai.

Noting that you normally sell top endish bikes I would have thought that Taiwanese sourced would be a better option for you.

Finally, I think that you'll struggle to import Trek od Specialized from a foreign market-the UK distributor will have a serious view on it and will probably try and close your existing account. (Assuming that you have one.)

Mister B

Chris Ashdown · Nov 8, 2012

Sorry know nothing about bike apart from having one many moons ago

From whats said above, and your own shop for high value bikes,

Would it make sense to buy in say the frames and gears and make your own range, which you could possible sell to other bike shops if you did it right. you could have them made to your design and colour scheme etc and your own badge

You would be buying the best priced for quality for each item and not restricted to one supplier

Anyway just a thought

Good luck

GraemeL · Nov 8, 2012

Granary-Cycles said:
Thanks everyone for the help

Granary - it would be worth you clicking the 'Thanks' button on some of these posts.

G

Kelly Yang · Nov 9, 2012

Import Expert said:
I work for a large independant UK based freight forwader with offices all over the world including China, which is one of our main markets.

I deal with a few importers dealing with bikes so thought I would share my thoughts with you.

There are many manufacturers in China making these, but quality does vary. You will normally be given various prices depending on the quality you want, as the cheaper end will have poor paint quaility, welding, etc. However some are very good and there are indeed good profits to be made.

You need to be aware of the import Duty as there is an additional Duty of bikes from China called anti dumping duty.

Standard Duty is 14% (if they have ball bearings) or 15% otherwise.

Anti Dumping (ADD is a whopping 48.5% on top of that). However most 'parts' are 4.7% and not subject to ADD, so many people do import the various parts and then put together in the UK. (The parts cannot be sent in one shipment as although unnassembled HMRC would still class thsi as a bike).

The alternative is to source from somewhere like Taiwan/South Korea where ADD is not applicable.

What is your company name?

savski · Nov 21, 2012

Mister B said:
If you're being serious about this I would plan a trip to one of the big cycle shows.

Taiwan is seen to be the market leader in terms of quality performance bikes but you will pay more. (Definitely better quality though.) There's a show in Taipeii in March that you could go to or alternatively, there's a mahoosive bike show in Shanghai.

Noting that you normally sell top endish bikes I would have thought that Taiwanese sourced would be a better option for you.

Finally, I think that you'll struggle to import Trek od Specialized from a foreign market-the UK distributor will have a serious view on it and will probably try and close your existing account. (Assuming that you have one.)

Mister B

Hi all,

I have been reading this thread with interest as I am also looking to buy bikes from the far-east. The problem I seem to be encountering is that I cannot seem to find that many suppliers in Taiwan as I can for China but my preference is to pay a bit more and get them from Taiwan.

Of the manufacturers I have contacted the Chinese are extremely efficient and helpful whereas the companies from Taiwan either do not reply or I am still waiting for a quote.

The order I am looking for is approx 300-400 fixed wheel city bikes in various colours so maybe my order is too small for the big Taiwanese companies!?

Can anybody recommend a manufacturer in Taiwan? Many thanks in advance.

Regards,

Savski.

spamalot · Nov 21, 2012

savski said:
Hi all,

I have been reading this thread with interest as I am also looking to buy bikes from the far-east. The problem I seem to be encountering is that I cannot seem to find that many suppliers in Taiwan as I can for China but my preference is to pay a bit more and get them from Taiwan.

Of the manufacturers I have contacted the Chinese are extremely efficient and helpful whereas the companies from Taiwan either do not reply or I am still waiting for a quote.

The order I am looking for is approx 300-400 fixed wheel city bikes in various colours so maybe my order is too small for the big Taiwanese companies!?

Can anybody recommend a manufacturer in Taiwan? Many thanks in advance.

Regards,

Savski.

Hi,

I'm in the same position as above, however looking to import slightly different bikes. All the normal places such at Alibaba or TradeKey are full of Chinese suppliers but very few others and I could really use some help. The 45% ADD really is a killer that I'd rather avoid, but then that could be said for all tax/duty.

Reja Worldwide · Nov 22, 2012

I know of companies that have imported cycles from Sri Lanka in the past, but I really could not vouch for what the quality is like. Another option could be to try to find manufacturers in South Korea as their trade agreement with the EU means you would get a reduced rate of duty of 5.6%

JDM2012 · Nov 22, 2012

Thanks, I would import from south korea as long as everything is ok and there quality inspected. Cant be having bikers going out and getting hurt due to a defect in the weld!

Can anyone recommend any companied in South korea?

JDM2012 · Dec 6, 2012

Bump.
Can anyone recommend any distributors in europe?

Dave.F · Dec 7, 2012

GraemeL said:
Granary - it would be worth you clicking the 'Thanks' button on some of these posts.

G

Hay Granary it would also be worth adding a link to your website in your profile

MOIC · Dec 22, 2012

China is improving all the time with their quality, and their prices are much more favourable than either Taiwan and Korea.

Its a case of getting in touch with the correct factory and getting an agent to handle the negotiations, quality control as well as shipping in order not to pay ADD.

It's possible.

Handy Leung · Dec 22, 2012

Hi ,

You may try to attend the Canton Fair.
There are maybe some quality bikes & fashion design even unbranded showed there.

About the duty ,you can consult the local forwarder.

Good luck.

Import Expert · Dec 24, 2012

MY OFFICE IN CHINA said:
China is improving all the time with their quality, and their prices are much more favourable than either Taiwan and Korea.

Its a case of getting in touch with the correct factory and getting an agent to handle the negotiations, quality control as well as shipping in order not to pay ADD.

It's possible.

There is no way of avoiding ADD on bicycles originating in China legally as far as I'm aware ?

MOIC · Dec 24, 2012

Import Expert said:
There is no way of avoiding ADD on bicycles originating in China legally as far as I'm aware ?

There are..................and it's legal.

Import Expert · Dec 24, 2012

Care to advise as I've been battling HMRC for ways round this over the last few months and came up blank ?

The only workable way round I have found is to import the parts and put together in the UK, but to do this the parts must be sent in seperate shipments.

Would be very interested if you have another idea ?

MOIC · Dec 24, 2012

Import Expert said:
Care to advise as I've been battling HMRC for ways round this over the last few months and came up blank ?

The only workable way round I have found is to import the parts and put together in the UK, but to do this the parts must be sent in seperate shipments.

Would be very interested if you have another idea ?

You have mentioned one way, which is workable.

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Thinking of Importing Bikes from China/Taiwan

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