ONLINE BIKE PURCHASING & SHIPPING

[SPINMAN]

Yes, I've sold a few bikes on ebay CNN always said shipping included. I absorbed the cost of shipping for easier sale, but if course my sale price reflected a higher price to cover the shipping.

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I'm considering a purchase from an Italian bike shop but now they don't include the shipping or taxes. Now their site states that I am responsible for tax and tariff charges from the US port since the tariff negotiations are ongoing.

[Criminal]

(02-28-2026, 06:21 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  Yes, I've sold a few bikes on ebay CNN always said shipping included. I absorbed the cost of shipping for easier sale, but if course my sale price reflected a higher price to cover the shipping.

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I'm considering a purchase from an Italian bike shop but now they don't include the shipping or taxes. Now their site states that I am responsible for tax and tariff charges from the US port since the tariff negotiations are ongoing.

We all know who to blame for that.

Europeans are no longer giving breaks for US clients. My friend recommends this if receiving shipments from overseas: have shipper state that is scrap metal and give value under $100/€80/£70 to avoid customs fees. Most shippers will not charge tax, and tariffs are charged for new and used items items, eBay automatically charges State taxes on both the purchase cost and shipping combined. Typically, tariffs and customs are based on claimed value so keep it low. Plus, the shipping company can add a processing fee above and beyond the shipping cost so beware. Find out who the FINAL shipper will be since they place their own fee on the package (what gets sent by DHL might be delivered by FedEx, and FedEx will charge you directly for customs and their fee aside from any incurred tariffs charges).
My friend got a $2000 valued item (was claimed at $1500 on shipping invoice); paid no tariffs or VAT, but paid over $100 for customs and another $20 or so by FedEx. I do not know if FedEx or other shipping companies add that fee based on customs amount, size/weight, or if it is a flat fee. Best inquire first once you know who the carrier is.

[SPINMAN]

(03-01-2026, 03:14 AM)Criminal Wrote:  

(02-28-2026, 06:21 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  Yes, I've sold a few bikes on ebay CNN always said shipping included. I absorbed the cost of shipping for easier sale, but if course my sale price reflected a higher price to cover the shipping.

---

I'm considering a purchase from an Italian bike shop but now they don't include the shipping or taxes. Now their site states that I am responsible for tax and tariff charges from the US port since the tariff negotiations are ongoing.

We all know who to blame for that.

Europeans are no longer giving breaks for US clients. My friend recommends this if receiving shipments from overseas: have shipper state that is scrap metal and give value under $100/€80/£70 to avoid customs fees. Most shippers will not charge tax, and tariffs are charged for new and used items items, eBay automatically charges State taxes on both the purchase cost and shipping combined. Typically, tariffs and customs are based on claimed value so keep it low. Plus, the shipping company can add a processing fee above and beyond the shipping cost so beware. Find out who the FINAL shipper will be since they place their own fee on the package (what gets sent by DHL might be delivered by FedEx, and FedEx will charge you directly for customs and their fee aside from any incurred tariffs charges).
My friend got a $2000 valued item (was claimed at $1500 on shipping invoice); paid no tariffs or VAT, but paid over $100 for customs and another $20 or so by FedEx. I do not know if FedEx or other shipping companies add that fee based on customs amount, size/weight, or if it is a flat fee. Best inquire first once you know who the carrier is.

Claiming $1500 on a $2000 product could work for a slight discount, but $100 scrap? What does that do? That's a red flag and subject to inspection. Also, claiming $100 value on a $6000 bike spells trouble if something happens to the bike. If it's damaged/totaled you have no legal claim above $100 of claimed value.