Non-Traditional Mini Parts Suppliers, Tariffs, and Surprises.

[BruceK]

Since tariffs (and courier companies) can add unwanted excitement and additional cost when ordering Mini parts from our familiar UK suppliers like MiniSpares and MiniSport, I've been looking at alternative sources. Of course we can't count on MiniMania or Seven anymore. 

Earlier this month I purchased Mini parts from WildChild and Moss, both based in the US, to avoid drama and bogus charges from a shipping company like UPS not knowing what they're doing regarding import fees with an international shipment. Using a US based company is a lot smoother and both of them delivered the orders promptly.

But, Moss doesn't carry every Mini part, and WildChild seems to be pretty low on inventory right now.

As I'm currently working on refurbishing my Mini's fuel tank, I decided I might as well put in a brand new sender unit. WildChild was out of stock, and Moss wanted over $105 for that part.

Then I found a Mini fuel tank sender unit for $50 at Engel Imports located in kalamazoo, Michigan. They specialize in Jaguar parts but their website said they had the Mini part I wanted available, so I ordered it yesterday.

Today I got an unusual email from them  (See below) where they explained they are actually part of a German parts company and the fuel sender unit I ordered from Michigan would be shipped from Germany (!), but I shouldn't have any problems with having to pay any tariffs or import fees. Hmmm.

So I guess I'll see if UPS actually agrees to that when delivery day comes.

[MiniDave]

I've done business with Engel and had forgeten about them - their prices are pretty reasonable too. I've also heard of Limora tho I haven't bought anything from them. This will be interesting to see what happens.

I tried to get Clancy's master cylinder from Wild Child (Nate is easy to deal with too) but he was out of stock.

[BruceK]

My package from Engel is still in Germany according to the UPS tracking, but it is scheduled to be delivered in four days, this coming Monday.  I'm going to give the guy who wrote me the email a call tomorrow to make sure together we understand that I will not be giving any money to UPS – should they request it – to secure the delivery. I'm still pissed off from the last stunt UPS pulled in September for my delivery from Belgium.

I have received a copy of the order invoice that was generated in Germany by the parent company and it does not have any HS codes on it to classify the items as auto parts, so I am unsure of how customs duties and fees will be addressed and paid on the vendor side.

[Scargo]

I looked to order a steering rack from Wild Child but instead of doing it online, I had a question so I called their phone line. It went to voicemail over a week ago, I left a message requesting a return call and to date I've not heard back. In the meantime, I ordered one from Mini Spares and received it within five days. Tariff equated to 27.5%.

Did you try BPNW ?

[94touring]

I looked to order a steering rack from Wild Child but instead of doing it online, I had a question so I called their phone line. It went to voicemail over a week ago, I left a message requesting a return call and to date I've not heard back. In the meantime, I ordered one from Mini Spares and received it within five days. Tariff equated to 27.5%.

Did you try BPNW ?

What amount of that was DHL adding $17 to the bill for the admin fee and what was the tarrif amount?