The obvious answer is because they can, but why are UK based Fiat 500 parts suppliers so expensive??

I've just ordered lots of parts, and naturally I've not price compared everything, but when looking at some of the major items and a couple of smaller cost parts for contrast, prices from suppliers in Italy were about half of those in the UK. Of course the UK has to contend with currency fluctuation, and in the past year we've seen it vary by ~15%, but apart from that there shouldn't be that much of a differential.

It's obvious looking at the part selection etc, that the majority of parts supplied are the same between the various suppliers across Europe. There's not much difference in bulk shipping between Germany, Nerherlands and UK. So why are the majority of UK suppliers so expensive compared to their continental equivalents?

I only ask, as I'd be happy to pay a premium to buy from a supplier in the UK for the convenience of going to see parts in the flesh etc. before buying. But we are talking more like a max of 30% not 100%. Lower than 30% would be even better

What are other UK based people's thoughts on this?

cheers, Steve

I'm of the same train of thought as you Steve. I tend to stick to Leo van der Laan or passione500.it. Leo always gives excellent service and he can ship from Holland quicker and cheaper than UK suppliers! The only bonus I can see to UK is if you happen to live near one and you can pop down and inspect first and save shipping. There are guys on here who will swear the quality in Europe is dodgy but I've never had a problem. I tend to stear clear of Polish built parts. I have placed 2 big orders in the past and the guys in the UK wanted at least another 50% than the EU. When it's that much difference it's a no brainer for me. The only problem I've had came from Motobambino (UK) and when I tried to complain and send them back they didn't want to know but there are others on here who get A1 service from them. I'm now stuck with a set of mirrors I didn't want!

Damian

Paolo66 said:

There are guys on here who will swear the quality in Europe is dodgy but I've never had a problem.

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Hi Damian

I think they probably have a point with things like bearing & kingpin kits. I've noticed that there is variance in quality of pattern parts compared to quality suppliers like Timken, Lemforder, SKF etc. and for these I'd always pay a premium for quality.

When it comes to items like suspension kits, wheels, instruments, badges, carpets etc. You can see that the parts are identical and it's only cost that is the difference.

cheers, Steve

I live probably less than 10 miles from the biggest UK supplier. I asked this very question and suggested maybe it was because of the additional shipping costs to the UK from Europe and the reply was no that was not the case. The reason I was given was because they always try to buy top branded parts from Italy and Germany and try to avoid Polish parts because they aren't made as well, hence why the costs are higher.

I always use mostly Axel Gerstl or Van der Laan. I tend to find that AG's shipping costs are cheaper than VDL and truthfully only a few of pattern parts have been substandard.

One thing I was surprised with was the bumpers I bought from AG. Chrome pattern parts tend to one thing that are normally quite poor but the ones I bought were really good quality.

Tony

I'd like to give some of the UK suppliers some business but the higher prices are prohibitive. Especially when I have to take into account shipping costs to NZ. This was my latest shipment from AG....

This was my latest shipment from AG....

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That's a big box for a rear wheel as everything else seems complete on your car

Paolo66 said:

The only problem I've had came from Motobambino (UK) and when I tried to complain and send them back they didn't want to know but there are others on here who get A1 service from them. I'm now stuck with a set of mirrors I didn't want!
Damian

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Hi Damian,
If you bought mail order in the UK they HAVE to take them back (with very few exceptions), even if you have just changed your mind, it's the law. You need to tell them within 7 days. Unless they tell you in writing or email in advance, you don't even have to pay return shipping. Terms an conditions on a website don't count unless they are also on a confirmation email or invoice. If it was a recent purchase, go back and argue. Google the distance selling regulations. Even it it wasn't recent, if you have email evidence I'd still go back to them or trading standards.

Robert G8RPI.

ricambio charged me £5.95 + vat to post an ignition bezel plus two little plastic insulation spacers on the distributor.seemed a little steep as the stamp on envelope showed a cost of £ 2.03.

This is rip off Britain.....and one of the biggest and best known suppliers of classic Fiat parts has definitely learnt how it works. Probably able to supply everything to near o.e standard but their prices beggar belief.