Importing Appliances from Overseas - Bad Idea?

buckethat on 21/02/2024 - 00:15

I'm currently building a house, it won't be done until late this year at the earliest but I will need to buy appliances for it so I'm just planning things now.

I have relatives overseas that suggested that I buy appliances there and they'll ship it to me here, sea freight per CBM is $150-$250. Their appliances are 220v so, perfect. Only thing is, I'd have to get the actual plug converted to an Australian plug, could use an adapter but would prefer to properly convert the plug.

So far, I've just looked at a couple of things like a fridge and washing machines and like-for-like models can be had at a significant discount.

Examples below..

Hitachi 638L French Door is $2999 from HN, but it can be had for $1761 overseas.

Mitsubishi 580L French Door is $3,247 from Appliance Online, but $1523 overseas.

LG Washtower 12kg/9kg is $3999 at JB, but $2629 overseas.

A few friends and family are also interested in getting new appliances as well, so we'd split the shipping cost. The more you ship, the less you pay per CBM.

Obviously, the biggest drawback is no warranty, but spare parts shouldn't be an issue given that these models are also available here. Other than that, is there anything else I should consider? Would there be any issues with home & content insurance? Anyone got experience with it?

I'd probably buy quite a few things, other smaller appliances like rice cookers, but the big ticket items are definitely fridge, washing machine, and dryers.

Is this a horrible idea? Am I trying to OzBargain too hard?

Electrical & Electronics Refrigerator

Comments

  • boomramada on 21/02/2024 - 00:21

    You already know the drawback and its your money.

  • sumyungguy on 21/02/2024 - 00:30
    +5

    Have you accounted for container packing at origin, freight forwarder fees, import duty, GST and local cartage? Try to fill a 20' container as this will be more economical overall than an LCL shipment,

  • omguleh on 21/02/2024 - 00:36
    +3

    Is the freight price door to door? Add in GST and duty and see if it’s worthwhile.

    Apart from no warranty it also have no RCM, if anything major happens that’s caused by it (eg electrical fire), insurance won’t pay out on it.

    Personally I would buy all the electronics here.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 21/02/2024 - 01:03

    but spare parts shouldn't be an issue given that these models are also available here.

    You plan to fix it yourself or what? Techie fees if you need install help are through the roof even if you can diagnose it yourself - fair cop if you’re handy with tools and tech knowledge but many (authentic) spare parts are almost extortionate level pricing (if even available without an moq or 14 + week wait) with no real guarantee it will fix issue.

    • buckethat on 21/02/2024 - 18:40

      Na I wouldn't be fixing anything myself, I figured appliance repair guys would have access to oem parts from manufacturer/distributors, so as long as the products are also widely available here, it wouldn't be too difficult to get things repaired.

      Either way though, havign read through alot of comments, doesn't seem to be worth the effort with all the risks involved.. add to that additional costs that I haven't accounted for that'll make that saving even less worth the hassle.

  • Benoffie on 21/02/2024 - 01:48
    +1

    Looked at this myself. Obvious issues are freight and warranty. Just because the electricals seem compatible doesnt stop it from falling under grey imports and voiding the warranty.

    The only ones I would genuinely consider are from sites like Rangecookers UK who ship to Australia regularly and are generally dealing in products with global warranty.

  • Ocker on 21/02/2024 - 07:21
    +1

    The sea freight component is a very small part of the total import cost. You need to also fact in transport to/from the shipping terminal, numerous arrival charges - around 10 different charges
    As a rough guide the all-up cost of importing an item on one pallet will cost around $A2,000

  • holdenmg on 21/02/2024 - 07:32
    +1

    Don't forget Insurance for Loss, Damage, Theft etc.

    It is possible some of the Items will require additional re-packaging for Freight.

    If the Packaging is inadequate, your Insurance might not cover you.

  • RockyRaccoon on 21/02/2024 - 07:56
    +4

    ROFL. Nothing smart about this. You can get the same fridge already with carton damage, (One of risks with importing any good) for $1999

    https://www.buysmarte.com.au/hitachi-rwb640vt0gbk-638l-frenc…

    Considering your OS purchase would be $1761 adding just GST gives you a fanastic saving of $52 plus all the hassles as mentioned above. (Then add Bank/Forex rates etc…)

    Your relatives overseas, need to realise that the Aussie Tax is part of the living in Australia package, and that Ozbargain is the best way to minimise that.

    Penny Wise Pound Foolish (Or for those younger, Dollar Wise No Cents)

    Oh and BTW French Door Fridges are the most unreliable of all fridge types. So the pain of warranty will be greater with that purchase without local warranty (Choice)

    • buckethat on 21/02/2024 - 18:21

      Oh, had no idea something like that exists. Had a quick glance through the site and prices are great. Have you had any experience with these guys personally?

      Re: french door, I was leaning towards side by side for that reason and will probably end up getting them instead of french. That was just an example of pricing diff.

      Absolutely no sense buying overseas when something like this is available.

      • RockyRaccoon on 22/02/2024 - 20:55

        Thats why for bargains Ozbargain beats the relos every time…

  • holdenmg on 21/02/2024 - 08:51

    Buying Appliances with being covered by the ACL.

    What could go wrong?

    • payless69 on 21/02/2024 - 09:08

      Gerry's dog could grow hungry?

      • holdenmg on 22/02/2024 - 15:01

        Gerry must have access to Horse meat.

  • Austin 316 on 21/02/2024 - 09:06
    +1

    Yes, a very bad idea!

  • Fredfloresjr on 21/02/2024 - 09:08

    Troll post.

    • buckethat on 21/02/2024 - 18:16

      Lmao no not a troll post but evidently a very misguided one.

  • payless69 on 21/02/2024 - 09:16
    -1

    I would say: Bring in a few containers worth of rice cookers to compete with Kmart.
    A ship load of fans to make you popular.
    220V appliances for our dodgy 240V supply, good luck with your insurance.
    But hey impress your Jones next door with a Gaggenau from Germany!
    A Midea for the Asians next door.
    A Miele to get sticky.
    A Lamborghini ride on mowers for the Italian's across the street!
    A Turkish kebab machine.
    Some B&O stuff from Denmark
    A proper Volvo from Sweden

    Who can help me out with more exclusive stuff?

  • Mechz on 21/02/2024 - 10:10
    -2

    Just buy them from Grays Online. At least you get some sort of warranty or DOA guarantee (mostly).

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