Airbrush prices UK Vs US

US made airbrushes are far cheaper in the US, so it makes sense for UK consumers to buy from the US. Things are not so clear cut with japanese airbrushes.

I bought a Badger 360 from Dixie Art. By the time I had paid shipping and taxes, I saved 50 GBP over UK list price. A very worthwhile saving.
A few months later I wanted to buy an Iwata Eclipse. I found one in my local auto paint suppliers for 95GBP, less than I would have to pay to import one from the US. The cheapest I could find it for from a UK supplier was 115GBP retail, so I guess I got it for trade price.

It may be worth UK buyers trying the less obvious UK sources for airbrushes, such as paint suppliers. Many of these places sell to the public at trade prices. They may not carry the full range, since they normally sell sprayguns rather than airbrushes, but they may be able to order it for you. It will require a bit of shopping around, as these places often aren't even in the Yellow Pages, let alone on the internet.
The company I used was "Autopaints Southwest"

Cheers

Hello happy airbrush purchasers
I live in France and airbrushes can be a little on the expensive side, so I get my airbrushes from abroad. I got my first Evolution (Harder & Steenbek, german made) from a belgian shop, Obeliks ( http://www.obeliks.com ) ; I got another one from ebay Germany for 99 Euros, a little less than in the shop; both airbrushes were new; I recently got a Gabbert ( another german airbrush ) from ebay ; it came from Canada, was as new but not new, and I paid around the same price than the Evolution. I think that European modellers couls consider buying this stuff in Europe, not exclusively German airbrushes, of course; p&p from Bearair, for instance can almost double the price of an Omni 4000 ( yes sir I am thinking of getting one to try it) so explore the European way ( thank you Doctor Asimov)

Well, KJ200, I can call You lucky. I am trying to buy Badger 100LG, which costs about 61$ @ Dixie arts, 67$ @ Bearair and 62$ Coast airbrush. I mailed them all inquiries about shipping costs. Bearair didn't respond at all, Dixie arts said it'll be 51$ and Coast airbrush - 53$ That left me only one solution - Ebay

QUOTE: Originally posted by moonwoka Well, KJ200, I can call You lucky. I am trying to buy Badger 100LG, which costs about 61$ @ Dixie arts, 67$ @ Bearair and 62$ Coast airbrush. I mailed them all inquiries about shipping costs. Bearair didn't respond at all, Dixie arts said it'll be 51$ and Coast airbrush - 53$ That left me only one solution - Ebay

Ouch!
Is shipping really that expensive to Lithuania or are these places just charging high prices for shipping? What is your zip code there?

Mike

I have shipped to Germany and England before and it wasn't that expensive around $5-$10 insured for an airbrush sized item through the post office. I assume because it is a business and all the customs and dutys that can be charged is the reason and shipping by UPS or FEDEX.

I just checked the U.S. Post Office prices and Airmail Parcel Post with a 4-10 day delivery time to Lithuania for a 1 pound package is only $14.

Mike

Amazing isn't it. I have bought a few airbrushes from shops in Europe and I was only charged the equivilent of $15 US dollars max for shipping- I don't understand why the places are charging so much.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfrejo Amazing isn't it. I have bought a few airbrushes from shops in Europe and I was only charged the equivilent of $15 US dollars max for shipping- I don't understand why the places are charging so much.

I think the duty taxes, customs, etc that you mentioned must be the reason.

Mike

The shipping I paid did not include UK taxes which added a further £23 or $41 to the price, taking the all in price to around $138, or £77, which still works out at least 30-40% less that I would have paid in the UK!!!!

I must admit I did not think to look European, however I would be surprised if a US manufactured AB was cheaper on the continent, that's the Europena continent, not the North American!

My wife buys scrapbooking supplies from the US, and much of this comes in a US Postal Services $9 envelope, which usually manages to avoid customs duties, and further adds to the savings. However Dixieart & BearAir will only ship by Fedex oe UPS, who are legally bound to pay import taxes.

I was intending to have my AB delivered to a friend who was due to be stateside this month, and get him to bring it home, but most retailers will not ship to an address other than that on the credit card.

As it is I have still made a saving of at least £40.

Not to be sniffed at.

Karl

QUOTE: Originally posted by MikeV QUOTE: Originally posted by jfrejo Amazing isn't it. I have bought a few airbrushes from shops in Europe and I was only charged the equivilent of $15 US dollars max for shipping- I don't understand why the places are charging so much. I think the duty taxes, customs, etc that you mentioned must be the reason. Mike

Well, it is hard to tell. Just a few days ago I mailed one guy, who was selling airbrushes @ Ebay, he told me, that shipping would be about 25$. While it's still not 10-15$, but on the other hand twice cheper, than guys from Diexie art told me. Last year I bought an Italeri Cant Z.501 from Ebay, and I paid only 8$ for shipping to my post office. Sure, a kit is lighter, than AB. Then again, not THAT much

The US is very consumer friendly compared to Europe. I would not be suprised to find European (EU) goods much cheaper in the US than the country of manufacture. Of course KJ is evading the VAT which is included in the price of the airbrush sold in Europe. Is that something like over 20%?

Prices are sky high in London just like skyscrapers in Manhattan and the prices in New York City, until I realize that the amounts are marked the same in London as in New York except the denomination is in Pounds and not Dollars!

You pretty much have to use UPS or FedEX for shipping to Eastern Europe. Too many thieves working for the post.

I didn't dodge the VAT, no matter how much I would have liked to!

It would have saved me £23, or $40!!!!

Karl

Wow that is a great deal you got, Grand total of 54 GBP VAT included. I looked up dixieart and it was about $70 for the Omni 4000 and they ship for free.

The brush and shipping cost me £54, then Her Majesty's Customs and Excise officers stung me for a further £23!

Still, I'm not complaining, that is still £10 less than a 155 Anthem, and a whole lot less than an Omni would have cost in the UK.

Karl