Buying internationally? Given the current exchange rate USD vs GBP/EURO

[scbucc]

Given the current exchange rate for the USD vs the Euro (1 = 1.11) and GBP(1 = 1.23) I've been looking into buying some Festool items and other tools on Amazon UK and Amazon DE and it appears that even with the cost of international shipping and other associated fees there is an opportunity to find some deals.  I'm just curious if anyone has had any luck with international Festool purchases?  And, if so, any recommendations of other UK and or German based suppliers/websites to buy from that may ship to the US?  Thanks

 

[ctvader]

I remember a post some time back re the warranty not being honored.  Other than that, why not...

 

[Sourwould]

I think everything you get from Germany is going to be 220v. In the UK, trades use 110v tools and they're cheaper than the 220v tools. The UK stuff has a different plug it connector, so keep that in mind. You can't just buy a US plug it and go.

I think it was really worth it last year, when the pound was falling because of Brexit. The exchange rate was almost 1:1. The tools are already cheaper than here. I don't know if it's really worth it anymore.

 

[RustE]

AmazonUK for accessories. Do the math and plan for a larger order, like $200 or more. Their prices include VAT (I think 20%) which gets removed at checkout. They also have CMT router bits with 8mm shanks.

I tried ordering a Festool Systainer with the attic lid from them. Both attempts were damaged in transit because the shipping boxes were very poor. I would not consider ordering tools.

 

[Alanbach]

I’m no expert but even if you changed the plugs and could provide the correct voltage wouldn’t the tools sold in Great Britain and Europe not work in the states because their electrical systems there run on 50 Hertz and the US runs on 60 hertz?

So if I’m correct that would limit you to non electrical accessories.

 

[Sourwould]

I’m no expert but even if you changed the plugs and could provide the correct voltage wouldn’t the tools sold in Great Britain and Europe not work in the states because their electrical systems there run on 50 Hertz and the US runs on 60 hertz?

So if I’m correct that would limit you to non electrical accessories.

They work fine.

 

[Dusty.House]

I have brought a couple of Systainers and accessory sets (Domino connectors). There’s definitely a +10% discount to be had.

But Amazon UK package sucks and I have had some issue. The Systainer with MFT lid arrived all scratched up. But after complaining they just refunded me, so now I have a free one

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Svar]

Considering that Festool a) does not allow dealers to ship internationally and b) owns this is forum, I would take this discussion private. Thank you.