Shipping between the UK and the continent...

Hi all!

Has anyone bought any larger items of hi-fi from the continent and used a shipping/transport service to get them to the UK (or vice versa)?

I am currently on the hunt for a pair of very big Tannoy speakers (old Arden Mk1s) and was wondering, if I found a pair on the continent, how I would get them sent to the UK with a service that is reliable and won't require me to sell my organs to afford it...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Charlie

I've had many things (including Tannoy) shipped without a problem. But it depends on your luck really.

"The Continent" can vary greatly depending on which part. France or Hermany is likely to be cheap, fast and safe. Italy is more likely to end in tears. Some far flung places like Malta and Cyprus are far more expensive. Scandinavian countries can lead to duties being charged, depending on their EU status.

Edit: bloody sausage fingers! Germany.....not Hermany :rolleyes:

Thanks for the replies!

I suspect that if I found what I was looking for outside of the UK it would be in France (in part for language reasons...). Have any of you guys got any shipping/courier company recommendations for sending something as big as a pair of Tannoy Ardens from France to the UK? I am just trying to work out how much I should mentally be adding to whatever I can find the speakers for!

Cheers!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sophistry

Thanks for the replies!

I suspect that if I found what I was looking for outside of the UK it would be in France (in part for language reasons...). Have any of you guys got any shipping/courier company recommendations for sending something as big as a pair of Tannoy Ardens from France to the UK? I am just trying to work out how much I should mentally be adding to whatever I can find the speakers for!

Cheers!

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If I was going to buy something that large and presumably expensive I would rent a small van and go over to France to collect myself and ensure they were in good condition prior to parting with any cash!

Geoff

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sherwood

If I was going to buy something that large and presumably expensive I would rent a small van and go over to France to collect myself and ensure they were in good condition prior to parting with any cash!

Geoff

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That's the best way to do it. Starts getting silly if you go any further that France though. But renting a vehicle in the UK with the intention of taking it abroad is not as straightforward as renting one to use in the UK.

International shippers will charge by volume, not actual weight, if you work out the rough dimensions of the shipment you can usually get a quote from their websites.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sophistry

Thanks for the replies!

I suspect that if I found what I was looking for outside of the UK it would be in France (in part for language reasons...). Have any of you guys got any shipping/courier company recommendations for sending something as big as a pair of Tannoy Ardens from France to the UK? I am just trying to work out how much I should mentally be adding to whatever I can find the speakers for!

Cheers!

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About €200 for shipping. But navy carriers won't ship large boxes, ups for example. For big boxes you need TNT etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Macca

That's the best way to do it. Starts getting silly if you go any further that France though. But renting a vehicle in the UK with the intention of taking it abroad is not as straightforward as renting one to use in the UK.

International shippers will charge by volume, not actual weight, if you work out the rough dimensions of the shipment you can usually get a quote from their websites.

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An alternative is to use own car and get a "U-Haul" type trailer. Bring back a few nice cheeses and wines to round off the trip!

Geoff