BikeBandit.com Bike Bandit, Parts Bandit Tax / Duty SCAM - International Buyers Beware!! Internet

I ordered spare parts for my Suzuki LT-R450 from BikeBandit.com 

I added the parts to the cart, and during checkout I noticed that I was being charged $167.97 for TAX/DUTY. I contacted the support staff via the online help and spoke to a customer service representative. I advised him that I was outside the US and therefore should not be paying any duties or taxes. 

He advised that the parts will be shipped free domicile and that all local customs charges, etc will be to bikebandit.com's account. Although these charges were still expensive, considering that we only pay 5% import duties here, I agreed and confirmed the order.

Total cost of spare parts: $419.92
Shipping Costs: $136.10
Tax & Duty: $167.97

When the items arrived in my country, I was charged customs and additional handling charges by UPS. I therefore contacted their customer service staff and advised them of the situation, and provided copies of the original invoices i received from UPS. Bikebandit replied stating that UPS "have no record of these charges", which I guess is the standard answer they give to everybody who queries this. Despite the fact that I have provided documentary evidence to support my claims, bikebandit are not prepared to refund these charges.

I had asked them to provide a copy of their air waybill where it is indicated that charges are to their account so that I can follow this up with the local UPS office, however they are not prepared to provide this evidence.

Despite sending emails and receiving one-line answers for well over a month now, they are not prepared to settle the issue amicably. I have requested the telephone number of one of the managers several times now, however this is ignored each time.

I cannot comment about purchases made within the USA, however international buyers beware. Although they claim that their prices are the cheapest on the internet, once you factor in the additional charges for "tax and duty", they are in fact the most expensive retailer on the internet. Based on my own experience, I would highly recommend that you avoid dealing with this supplier as they are clearly dishonest and their customer service is not existant.

Once you add the Tax & Duty charges to the price of the equipment ordered, the "actual" price you pay is around 40% higher than the prices advertised on their site! 

Order # : VKXV8BH
Date: 16th February 2011