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Jim Jackson
Handicap: 28
London
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Hi, Does anyone know any good online stores in the US. Are there any pitfalls. It seems even with any duty it's still much cheaper to buy say a new driver and have it shipped. Thanks
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Carol Bellis
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 76
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Hi Jim,
I've bought quite a few golf items from the States and have to say that I've not had any problems. Items can take up to 3 weeks to arrive, but that has been the only downside. The only thing that used to concern me was if the item arrived damaged or not as specified. It could take some time, and more expense to get it sorted out. Why not buy from USA eBay with payPal? You get the good prices, the transaction is more rapid, and you've got some form of insurance.
Good luck.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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Hi Jim,
I bought a Callaway Range Finder from a supplier in Florida at a price much cheaper than I could get it for in the UK. I then eagerly awaited it's arrival. Instead I got a note from the Post Office informing me that I had to pay Import Duty & VAT before they would deliver it. This was calculated at more than 20% of the declared value of the package (written on the side - for insurance purposes I suppose). So, another £40+ before I could get my hands on the, now not so cheap, US import.
Ebay sounds like a good idea with the seller writing 'personal gift' on the side of the package for you !
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Tiaan Kotze
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 40
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HI
I had the same thing with a pair of binoculars re: tax. FEDEX sent me a bill afterwards, but it was still much cheaper than it would have cost me in the UK.
Just be very careful about buying from what might look like a reputable online shop. There is quite a few that sell clones. My advice will be to google the shop name first and see if there is any negative write-ups about them. And remember: if it so cheap it is unbelievable it probably is not the real thing.
Ebay also has a few fake sellers - I think there is another post on here somewhere about sellers on ebay selling fakes.
Carol, maybe you can recommend some shops?
Tiaan
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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I would be very careful of buying via ebay from someone in the states, it is bad enough avoiding "clones" and "fakes" this side of the pond.
Edwin Watts in Florida has a good looking website and post internetional, not bought from them via the web but certainly never had a problem buying in store on a few occassions.
GolfSmith.com is another large online retailer in the states, again never bought via net but instore service was excellent, recommend them for a visit if anyones is heading to Orlando.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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There are thousands of American members of TSG why are you being so quiet on this subject?
Is clones/fakes a big problem with Ebay in the States?
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Jim Jackson
Handicap: 28
London
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Thanks everyone - it's a fantastic help and I'll let you know how I get on.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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I use Edwin Watts a lot but visit the store when over there. They are very good and highly respected.
That said I bought new PING's last year in the UK and the saving was minimal , once you add duty, and sales tax etc.
Only cheaper if you can get round the customs man at the airport.
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Josh Graham
Handicap: 28
Cali
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Rock bottoem golf is a really good site so is the golf warehouse.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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Played at Southwick with a guy last year who was chuffed to have got a 2 ball putter from the US for $95. During the round he strikes a 50 ft putt and one of the white discs flies off! Turns out to be a fake 
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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Hi. My first post so hope this doesn't sound like spam. I live in Perth Australia and the UK. Have bought from 3Balls.com and had excellent service. They use FedEx and you can track it from the States to arrival. To Australia it took 4 days and the Aussies allow you $1000 of imports free of duty. Ordered more clubs for the UK on the Friday before leaving Perth and they were waiting for me when I arrived in the UK on Tuesday. Needless to say had to pay duty or VAT ( I forget) on them to HMRC, but they were delivered first and billed by FedEx later. So no probs whatsoever and much cheaper. Clubs described as used were actually demos and I couldn't tell the difference between them and unused. They sometimes do special deals with free delivery so check out the site thoroughly. Will use them again, without doubt. 10/10 + 2 for neatness.
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