Ordering from Europe

[shamshir]

Couple of years back, to set the scene...

I discover that prices in Euros are way way cheaper (for fencing equipment) than the equivalent USD price for equipment. I'm in Canada so I consider that ordering from Europe would be cheaper -- when I order from the states I get raped on cross-border taxes/customs/duty/brokerage fees (esp. with UPS) as well as on the nasty exchange rate. With the euro, I still have a crap exchange rate, but the prices seem to be lower.

This year....

I need to order some stuff. I check out allstar and Uhlmann's catalogs, prices are great. Then I notice their non-competition-protect-our-franchise clause, that you can't order from them if you have an authorized dealer in your country. And the prices are murder here.

So....

anyone know if there are any resellers in Europe? Places like The Fencing Post, Blue Gauntlet, etc. -- that type of establishment, that is simply based in Europe. I'm sure they wouldn't mind shipping to North America, for a price... and I think I'd still end up saving money, *especially* on the big ticket items (mask, lames, clothing, shoes). I did come across one German place when I first noticed the price savings, but can't find it now (I forget the name).

[Inquartata]

Originally posted by shamshir
anyone know if there are any resellers in Europe?

I have heard nothing but good things about this one:

http://www.fechtsport-langenkamp.de/

Be aware that the euro has strengthened quite a bit in the last few months, so your savings will be less than before. Still significant, though, even after S & H.

My club has also ordered directly from one of the German twins, either Allstar or Uhlmann ( I wasn't in on the order so I didn't pay much attention ). I think it was Uhlmann. So apparently only one has an authorized dealer here in the US. Maybe Canada has one for both.

[shamshir]

Yup, the same bastards that deal in Allstar are also the authorized Uhlmann dealers in Canada.

Thanks for the langenkamp link. I'll check out the Euro rate....

[oiuyt]

One thing to note. It's not whether or not there's an authorized dealer, it's whether or not there's an EXCLUSIVE dealer. Uhlmann in the US is carried by everyone, therefore Uhlmann will send directly to US people who order from them. Canada might be the same or there might be an exclusive. Call Uhlmann and ask them.

My team (UMass) has been ordering directly for the past year and a half without problems (altough the 25% that the euro has gained vs the dollar has made this less a no-brainer, as have the recent (January) price increases by Uhlmann).

-B :)

[shamshir]

On the list of vendors on Uhlmann's page, this dealer is listed for Canada (same guy as Allstar). That's why I doubt I could get from them, though this may be moot, since the fechtsport-langenkamp guy does ship to Canada, and his shipping may be even less than Uhlmann itself.