I found some stuff on their web-site that I would like to get for my Mini (especially now with their 15% discount, on top of the 16% one for non European customers), but I have never experienced buying parts from overseas. Has anybody here ordered anything, online, from CTD? Are they reliable? Will the shipping charges be astronomically high?

_________________
Mel A.
you're talking to a kid
2003 Mini Cooper S-DS/B, pkg. 1,2,3, HK, TMS stage 1
1995 Land Rover Discovery-loaded, locked, lifted
sold the MGB, looking for a Triumph

 

Great question...I wonder the same thing?? Someone out there gotta answer??

 

I ordered some stuff from them last summer. It took a couple of weeks, but it came sooner than they had promised.

 

Ok, I ordered Euro spec headlamp bulbs (PIAA) for my car (non-mini) from a dist in Germany. The total was $106.70, after the VAT had been subtracted (from Germany) + shipping, but before customs (Read below).

Shipping charges, yes, are higher from overseas (weight and large size can be a
killer- please keep this in mind). Tho shipping+handling on the bulbs wasn't too bad, I think it was $12
I also got hit with "Duty" from our wonderful customs agents, that added $12. Tho they couldn't tell me how they figured it, nice.

Shipping is actually pretty fast, customs can be a bottleneck, tho.

Your mileage may vary...

cheers,

-Matt

 

CTD itself if probably just fine. Shipping is expensive based on bulk or weight. For most of the upgrades at CTD it is appearance mods so bulk of the box is the problem. Overseas and across the big pond is either going to take a very long time if you do it cheaply or be flown in which is very expensive. I'd estimate about $2 a pound plus insurance.
In Hawaii due to the Pacific pond we do pay easily $1-$2 a pound so almost everything I order I pay about $25 to 40 in shipping alone for a single part like a rear swaybar or lowering springs, etc.

CTD does accept credit cards and paypal and can probably do the Euro conversion via the best rates through your credit card company. Rough estimate is 1 euro = $1.15 US dollars.

I shopped their site and even with the 15% discount it was expensive. I'm not sure how they will handle the 17.5% VAT tax since you may be entitled to get a refund on that but there is paper work to fill out and documents to submit to US customs for the refund to take place. The item and the documents need to be stamped on leaving Germany and stamped again as they enter the US. Lots of hassle.

 

ctd automatically takes of the VAT for non european customers.
i ordered tail lights from them. took about two weeks but i have no complaints!
would definitely order from them again.
and the shipping cost really wasnt that bad.. considering...

 

Another satisfied customer here. I ordered pedal covers from them. They sent an e-mail to confirm the shipping cost (about $30 for my item) and the final price after taking off the VAT. Very easy, good service, and I would buy from them again.

 

I also orderd peddals from them, takes a while to make it here, 10 working days or so, dont hold your breath, but it made it. and I got some assistance with the install

Im happy. not sure about the price, later found the same peddals here for about 20 less, make sure you get the conversion rate right.

Kent

 

I ordered an interior chrome surround set. VERY happy with the product and the price. For individual items, I've found the same products in the states for competitive pricing, but for this set, with the discount, I came out ahead with CTD.

Communicated with Tito via email and communications was excellent.
He notified me when it was shipped and when to expect it--came as expected.
Shipped quickly...about 2 weeks. Didn't get hit with any customs that I'm aware of, the shipping and handling was $30, period.

PLUS I accidentally overpaid and he quickly reimbursed me via paypal.

The set installed easily and I'm very happy with the fit and quality.
I'd definitely do business with them again! Jenni