Can anything be purchased in London significantly cheaper than in the US/Online?

[cixelsyd]

Hello B&B,

I'm fairly new to DE shaving. I've been using a Merkur 33c that I received for my birthday for about 3 weeks and a Jack Black brush that was also given to me for my birthday for slightly longer. I have since picked up a sampler DE razor pack that I have started to get into and used Jack Black shaving cream (another of the birthday gifts), Kiss My Face unscented, and Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender (so far my favorite/go to cream). B&B has been very useful and instrumental in me getting started with DE shaving.

Anyway, my parents are in London for a few days and I'll soon be visiting them back home (here in the US) for Christmas, so this presents an interesting opportunity to ask for Christmas gifts. I know London is an expensive city, but them being there eliminates cost of shipping for a lot of products plus possible markups for import/export. I was wondering if there are any DE shaving products that they could easily acquire there for cheaper than I can buy in the US online, as these would be the type of things I would ask them to pick up for me. I've already asked them to check the prices of any ToBS (specifically avocado) and I was about to email them about Mitchell's Wool Fat as to give it a try.

Are there other products that might be more affordable there and interesting to give a go as a beginner DE shaver? Hardware is also an option, if you've got any suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[BlackBard]

Welcome aboard B&B. Hope you enjoy the ride. Sorry to say that I cannot answer your question.

PS. I had to comment on your user name. .ti evol I

 

[wulfgar1976]

Palmolive shave sticks will certainly be cheaper in the UK. Otherwise, the only things I can think of are luxury soaps like Taylor of Old Bond Street, Vulfix etc, or soaps from the Body Shop or Neal's Yard, which might not be easily available in the United States. English brushes should be cheaper here as well. I'd recommend Vulfix.

The only double edge razors I have seen in shops are cheap, rubbish ones. Anything decent has to be acquired on-line, unless you are lucky enough to find something in an antique shop.

 

[Seattleite]

TOBS creams, considered inexpensive on these boards at $14 plus shipping, cost £6.95 (roughly $11) in England. If you know that you like one variety, you could stock up, or try a few new ones (you'll be able to at least make back what was spent by selling them on). I'd assume that other similar products are the same: TOBS soap, T&H products, DR Harris...

That covers products that you most likely know about. The following wiki page will suggest many other products (many quite cheap (Boots, Ingram's, Palmolive)) that are difficult or expensive to buy in the States. I'd suggest sampling as much as possible within reason, knowing that you can sell them on or give them away quite easily.

Another to look out for is Kent shaving soap. It's cheap over there and is, as far as I understand, the same product as the much heralded MWF.

My advice is buy, buy, buy. Unless you are going to England again very soon, make the most of the "free" shipping. I doubt you'll regret spending $40-$50 on some really good products that will last you until the end of time. You may, on the other hand, regret not spending $2 on a palmolive or boots shave stick when you had the chance.

Let the acquisitions begin!

Here is the wiki page with many ideas: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/UK_shaving_supplies#London

 

[Go West Young Man]

My understanding is that goods exported out of the EU are not assessed the VAT, so luxury goods from the UK are generally cheaper or equal over here in the US. Shipping is a minor issue when buying from most US-based vendors because they purchase large orders all at one.

OTOH, the 'every day' products like shave sticks are great deals.

 

[RF1963]

My understanding is that goods exported out of the EU are not assessed the VAT, so luxury goods from the UK are generally cheaper or equal over here in the US.

Good point! Buying online means the VAT is automatically deducted from the price. if buying in person to get the VAT deducted you need to follow the procedures detailed on the following link because you will have to pay VAT at point of purchase.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/consumers/overseas-visitors.htm

If your parents are departing Heathrow the following cut and paste from Heathrow's website makes the VAT refund even easier

"VAT refunds
Visitors from non-European Union countries can reclaim the sales tax (VAT) on purchases from a number of British retailers.
To claim, first purchase goods from any merchant displaying the Tax Free Shopping sign. You'll be given a tax refund form by the retailer – keep it along with your receipt.
Then when you get to the airport, take your receipt and form to the Travelex counter. Your tax refund will be paid in cash.

You can even have your refund paid in your own local currency – just ask when you get to the desk.
This service is provided by Travelex. For further details, call +44 (0)8702 405 405 or visit the Travelex website."

I would think The 3Ts (for example) would be participating in this scheme.

 

[cixelsyd]

You're input was very useful in sending some suggestions to my parents. We'll see what makes it back for Christmas.

Thanks!