UKH

Just tried to place an order with Fjellsport.no (they were much cheaper than many other companies for some equipment I wanted) and found they don't deliver outside of Norway... but sodding Svalbard is ok.  Tried all the others and same problem!  Why on earth is this?  So much for globalisation in the 21st century...

Now I've got to spend 120 euros more (plus multiple shipping charges) to order the same equipment elsewhere and hope some can get across the Brexit border to NL.

In reply to crayefish:

Possibly this is because they have a partner company running the business on the continent side. At least that is the case for several Swedish outdoor companies, e.g. addnature (Sweden) and campz (Germany).

In that case it was no problem ringing the German partner to order some specialist gear that was normally available only from the Swedish store.

CB

In reply to crayefish:

You found something cheaper in Norway than elsewhere? No way! There must be something wrong with currency conversion on the Fjellsport website!

In reply to crayefish:

There are a number of reasons they may not;

The products may have an exclusive importer for the EU.

Their preferred carrier may not operate in the EU.

They aren't prepared to do the customs hassle of exporting to the EU.

In reply to jimtitt:

All bigger name brands (Garmin etc) or Scandi specific brands (Piteraq) which are sold elsewhere but out of stock.  But not related to particular products... just that none of the outdoor shops ship abroad!

And yes... cheaper!  Amazing i know

In reply to crayefish:

A quick glance at the Norwiegen customs website shows they operate an identical system for exporters as the EU.

As a company you apply for a Nodi number ( in the EU EORI number). Then you buy or normally lease the TVINN software (in the EU ATLAS) and get an approved secure internet provider. After a test period you will be then qualified to operate the software connection and can apply for a shipment number ( in the EU a Movement Registation Number) and can pack and ship the goods through the specified customs centre. To get an idea how bad all this is just to apply for a MRN the advisory document is 190 pages long, I read it last week. For smaller values (under €1000) Germany operates a simplified system but for Norway I don't know.

For all exports into the EU you also need ALL the relevant paperwork if the product requires a CE mark and show who is holding the relevant technical files inside the EU.

This is why leaving the EU is dreaded by UK businesses, free-trade agreement or not you still have to do all this sh*t.

And I haven't mentioned the hassle of reclaiming the Norwiegen VAT and import duty that was paid when it was imported.

In reply to crayefish:

Wait till Monday and ask them.

In reply to crayefish:

They've all looked in to it but there's NORWAY they can make it work. 

In reply to AndyC:

Loads of stuff is cheaper in No than the UK. I go out 2 or 3 times a year (business) and load up with certain kit and foodstuffs. Examples would be merino base layers, down outers and bismuth cartridges. Rakefisk, capercaillie and smoked reindeer heart are things not obtainable in the UK at any price.

In reply to Toccata:

Hmmm - just a random pick... ME Exo jacket in Fjellsport = 7,999 NOK, identical jacket in Cotswold = £575 = 6,670 NOK. But only 20% more over here is not too bad. 

You forgot the brown cheese

In reply to crayefish:

Just the complexity of selling goods from outside the custom union.

Expect a lot more if that in years to come. Buying gear from European small e-commerce is going to be a lot more limited in years to come.

In reply to crayefish: there is reputedly a discount code for fjellsport that always works for 10%.  Been told it, can't remember though

In reply to wbo2:

There's one for 15% (for non 'superdeal' items), but no bloody use if they will only deliver it to Svalbard!

Even the Garmin 66i I want was 50 euros cheaper... hard to get discounts on things like that.

In reply to AndyC:

Do the Norwegians really like that stuff? Sweet cheese is just wrong.

In reply to Dr.S at work:

Oh yes! It's actually really nice! Brunost and knekkebrød is a great snack. I even have friends in the UK who often ask me to bring some back. Once you've adjusted to the blandness of Jarlsberg, it's just a short step to "sweet cheese"

In reply to Alyson30:

Best start to order before the end of the year I guess, if one has anything in particular in mind. I'm currently pondering that, thinking ahead to avoid kicking myself.

In reply to Timmd:

Done just that... all UK orders done, except Needlesports which currently aren't delivering abroad.  I'll call them tomorrow.

And, no cheese in sight!  But I wouldn't say no to trying their rotting fish delicacy... that just sounds amazing (even if it does apparently smell like Satan had a bad oyster experience)