www.perfektegesundheit.de (Germany) – shop selling quality products for your health (juicers and fruit presses, grain mills, dehydrators, water purifier,…)

Perfekte Gesundheit Shop (perfektegesundheit.de) – is a German online store selling quality products for your health. The following products are popular among Russians who do care about their health:

• slow juicers: Angel Juicer, Kuvings,
• dehydrators: Ezidri Ultra FD 1000, Excalibur, Sedona,
• manual grain mills: Luba Duo, Kornkraft Mulino, Kornkraft Toscana, Hawos Molere,
• blenders: Vitamix,
• grain mills: Hawos Oktagon 1, Hawos Oktagon 2, Hawos Oktini, Komo Fidibus 21, Komo Fidibus XL, Komo Fidibus Classic,
• attachments for KitchenAid mixers.

Perfekte Gesundheit Shop ships to many countries including Russia. German VAT is excluded automatically for purchases from outside the European Union. The web-site in German and English.

Unlike USA, German online shops offer electronics and kitchen appliances supporting 220V. It is not a good idea to have any kitchen appliances supporting 110 V only when 220V is used in your country. There are power converters, but it is a good idea to avoid them for something powerful, especially when water leakage is possible. Moreover Angel juicers, Excalibur and Sedona dehydrators are heavy, so shipping the from the USA to Russia costs a lot. So German shops win a lot hear, especially considering prices after excluding German VAT. The only problems are Russian post and the lack of warranty. But it will fit many customers due to the cheaper prices.

I haven’t found any reviews of the Perfekte Gesundheit Shop from Russian customers, but decided to try. The shop allows to pay not only by a debit/credit card, but also by Paypal. The latter helps to feel safer about money back in case of any problems.

I have compared prices with mukomolka.ru, hlebomoli.ru, ezidri.ru and decided to order the Kornkraft Mulino manual grain mill and the EZIDRI Ultra FD 1000 dehydrator:

• Kornkraft Mulino – 96,64 EUR
• EZIDRI Ultra FD 1000 – 214,29 EUR
• Delivery of 2 items from Germany to Russia – 42 EUR.

TOTAL: 352,93 EUR

It doesn’t make any sense to order EZIDRI Ultra FD 1000 alone. However Excalibur and Sedona, Angel Juicer slow juicers are much cheaper than in Russia.

The order was delivered from Germany to Russia by Russian Post within 3 weeks.

EZIDRI Ultra FD 1000 doesn’t contain any packaging inside the carton box, so be careful shipping items like this if you use Russian post or any other postal service that is not careful at handling packages.

Germany shops don’t really deal much with something like Russian post, so I suggest you to contact them and ask for additional packaging materials.

Here is my package:

Top private shopping clubs (flash sale sites) by revenue

Top American private shopping clubs (flash sale sites, fashion sale sites, designer sale site, sample sale sites) among new brands in social commerce:

1. Gilt Groupe
2. Rue La La
3. HauteLook
4. Beyond The Rack
5. Zulily
6. Ideeli
7. One King’s Lane
8. Fab

Source of the chart

My favorite private shopping club is Ideeli and I think that prices on Gilt are too high. So no wonder my personal top list is different. How about you? What are your favorite private shopping clubs? Are they in this list?

But I’m amazed that our family made purchases in all of these private shopping clubs (as well as in some others) except for One King’s Lane. And we visit many of them regularly.

Private shopping clubs (sample sale, private sale, flash sale sites) offering discounted sporting and outdoor goods

• Left Lane Sports is an american private sale site (private shopping club, sample sale site, flash sale site) for sporting goods (footwear, apparel, and gear). It offers top Outdoor, Cycling, Running, and Fitness brands at up to 70% OFF retail! Every day, LeftLane Sports offers unbeatable deals for sports enthusiasts and athletes from brands like Mountain Hardwear, Sierra Designs, Columbia, Salomon, Kelty, KEEN, and many more! Membership is free!

  

  Left Lane Sports ships to USA and internationally
  Left Lane Sports ships to all 50 United States, PO/FPO/APO addresses and U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam.

  Left Lane Sports also ships internationally to the following countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland (Eire), Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Republic of, Macao, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turks & Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela.
  Please note that orders shipping internationally may be subject to Duties and/or VAT.

  How Left Lane Sports private sale club works
  Every few days LeftLane Sports launches a new sale, giving its members access to the highest quality merchandise at the guaranteed lowest prices. Their sales last for a limited time (typically 72 hours to a week) and sell out quickly, so you have to act fast to cash in on the unbeatable savings. Membership is absolutely free, and all you need is your name and email to access our sales.

  Join Left Lane today and receive an instant $10 credit
  Register using the following link to receive an instant $10 shopping credit towards your first purchase (When you spend $50 or more, your credit will be instantly added to your order):
  LeftLane Sports $10 shopping credit

   

• Sesh Day (USA) is an american private shopping club (flash sale site, private sale site, sample sale site) for outdoor and sporting goods. It offers premium surf, skate, snow, wake and riding brands for men, women and kids at savings of 30% to 80% off retail prices.

  

  Sesh Day ships to USA and internationally
  Seshday ships to all 50 United States, PO/FPO/APO addresses and U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam.

  Also Sesh Day ships internationally to the following countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland (Eire), Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Republic of, Macao, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turks & Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela.
  You are presented with the shipping charges at the time you add each item to your shopping cart so you will know the full cost before purchasing.

  Join Sesh Day today and receive an instant $10 credit
  Seshday offers free membership, but you must be invited to join. Once in, members have access to apparel, footwear, accessories and hard goods.

  Sesh Day invitation link:
  Join Sesh Day for free today and receive an instant $10 credit toward your first purchase of $50!

   

• The Clymb is an american private sale site (private shopping club, sample sale site, flash sale site) for sporting goods (footwear, apparel, and gear). The company is based in Portland, Oregon, therefore no sales tax will apply, no matter where you live. TheClymb was founded in 2009 by a seasoned team of outdoor and sport industry veterans. It gives you access to insider pricing from an amazing group of outdoor brands. If you climb, hike, run, ride, paddle or ski, you’re gonna love this. Their sales feature the gear up to 70% below retail.

  The Clymb does NOT sell damaged or defective merchandise, factory seconds, or knock-offs. It is an authorized dealer for each of their partner brands and everything we sell is 100% authentic. They negotiate pricing based on volume of available inventory. Conventional full price retailers purchase inventory months in advance, and then pay for warehousing, advertising, and staff. The Clymb’s unique model allows to pick up last minute deals and get them to you quickly and efficiently.

  

  The Clymb shipping
  The Clymb is currently in our Beta Launch phase. They are currently focused on only shipping product to the USA. They are working to get product delivery to Canada and then internationally to other locations.

  How The Clymb private sale club works
  You accept an invite and The Clymb will hook you up with deep discounts, usually 50-70% off retail, on gear from a different leading brand each week. Each brand’s product is available for 3 days only or until it’s sold out. Membership is free and by invite only.

  The Clymb invitation link

Download “2012 (US) Consumer Action Handbook” ebook for FREE today (PDF, Mobi, ePub)

2012 (US) Consumer Action Handbook is available for free download now (ePub, Mobi, PDF).

Use the Consumer Action Handbook (CAH) to get help with consumer purchases, problems and complaints. Find consumer contacts at hundreds of companies and trade associations, local, state, and federal government agencies, national consumer organizations, and more.

Source: U.S. General Services Administration, Federal Citizen Information Center
Released: 2012
Pages: 156
Publication ID: 5131
Item number: 568X
Languages: English and Spanish

All my orders from Ideeli flash sale site

Ideeli (pronounced “ideally”) is a flash sale site (also knows private shopping club, fashion sale site, private sale site, sample sale site). Ideeli often features sales from as many as 40 designers at a time, selling women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as home goods. The site has almost several million members. Its prices are 30% to 80% off retail prices. Ideeli organizes flash sales for its members that typically last 1 to 3 days.

Ideeli is our favorite site for clothing. We have made 18 orders on Ideeli since November 2010:

Date	Products
04/14/2012	DONNA MORGAN Cap Sleeve Embroidered Dress Color: Navy Size: 10 HENRY FERRERA Boy’s Camo Print Rain Boot Color: Multi Size: 8T KIDS CHARACTER Boys’ Cars 3-Piece PJ’s (2T-4T) Color: Cars Size: 2T CHARLIE ROCKET Boys’ Graphic Tee & Short Set (2T-8) Color: Green Size: 2T REEBOK Zig Tech Short Color: Black Size: S VINEYARD VINES Striped Ruffle Oxford Shirt Color: Asparagus Size: 10 COLUMBIA Ball Cap Color: Sail Red Size: One Size CALVIN KLEIN Python Flyaway Jacket Color: Taupe/Brown Size: 8 LONGITUDE Floral Print One-Piece Swimsuit Color: Brown Size: 10
02/24/2012	MARC NEW YORK Down Matte Belted Fur Trim Collar Jacket Color: Chocolate Size: M REEBOK Zig Pant Color: Athletic Navy Size: S REEBOK Zig Short Sleeve Shirt Color: Athletic Navy Size: S REEBOK Zig Short Sleeve Shirt Color: Raw Green Size: M PUMA Cityline Witty Slogan T-Shirt Color: White Size: S HARTSTRINGS Boys Bear Knit Pant & Top Set (0-24M) Color: Pearl Size: 24M FILA Pant Color: Peacoat Size: S CARTER’S WATCH THE WEAR Boys’ “C” Polo with Plaid Shorts (12M-4T) Color: Turquoise Size: 24M CARTER’S WATCH THE WEAR Boys’ “C” Polo with Plaid Shorts (12M-4T) Color: Yellow Size: 2T CARTER’S WATCH THE WEAR Boys’ Logo Polo with Plaid Shorts (12M-4T) Color: Light Blue Size: 2T
02/18/2012	FLAPDOODLES Infant Boys Dog Layered Tee & Pant Set Color: Dark Blue/Gray Size: 24M FLAPDOODLES Infant Boys Football Tee & Pant Set Color: Red/Gray Size: 24M CHARACTER LICENSED Boys Marvel Heroes 3-Piece Set (2T-4T) Color: Marvel Size: 3T DKNY JEANS Corduroy Pant Color: Jet Size: 10 LEVIS Mid-Rise Straight Jean Color: Black Size: 12 MICHAEL Michael Kors Button Front Down Coat with Faux Fur Color: Espresso Size: L
11/24/2011	LONDON FOG Print Trench Color: Cognac Leopard Size: M COLUMBIA Shelter Cove Pant Color: Black Size: M FILA Track Pants Color: Black/Vivid Blue/White Size: M VIA SPIGA Plus Three-Quarter Length Down Coat Color: Silver Size: 2X YANSI FUGEL Ombre Jacket Color: Teal Size: 10 TIANA B Plus Printed Jacquard Drape Dress Color: Black/Tan Size: 20W JESSICA HOWARD Plus Mock 2-Piece Jacket and Dress Color: Merlot Size: 20W ELIZA J Plus Cowl Neck Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress Color: Black/Ivory Size: 20W NINE WEST Scattered Petal Border Dress Color: Maroon Combo Size: 10 LUCKY AND COCO Post-it Top Color: Ivory Size: M
11/05/2011	COLUMBIA Emulsion Hoodie Color: Ranger Plaid Size: 3T ED HARDY Boys Long Sleeve Bulldog/Chain Tee (2-7) Color: Red Size: 5/6 ADRIENNE VITTADINI STUDIO Colorblocked Dolman Top Color: Mushroom Pilaf Size: L ELLEN TRACY Short Sleeve Dress with Gathered Waist Detail Color: Ruby Size: 10 TOMMY HILFIGER Jenny V-Neck Sweater Color: Collection Blue Size: L TOMMY HILFIGER Flag Polo Color: Barn Red Size: L ED HARDY Boys Long Sleeve Bulldog Tee (4-7) Color: Black Size: 4/5 FILA Overlay Jacket Color: Peacoat Size: L STETSON Wool Blend Mini Houndstooth Cap with Suede Brim Color: Black Size: OSFM
10/29/2011	REEBOK Tennis XW Track Pant Color: White Size: M REEBOK Sport Essential Play Dry Polo Color: Athletic Navy/White Size: S PUMA Move Graphic Logo Tee Color: Blue Curacao Size: S NEW BALANCE Essential Long Sleeve Top Color: Carmine Size: S CALVIN KLEIN PERFORMANCE Double Zip Polar Fleece Jacket Color: White Size: M PERRY ELLIS Flannel Lounge Pants Color: Navy Size: M HURLEY Horizontal Stripe V-Neck Shirt Color: Green Size: 2T GOOD LAD KIDS Boys 3-Piece Embroidered Sweater Vest Set (2T-7) Color: Black Size: 2T CALVIN KLEIN PERFORMANCE Double Zip Polar Fleece Jacket Color: Viola Size: M
10/12/2011	LONDON FOG Boys Jacket (2T-4T) Color: Black Size: 2T CALVIN KLEIN Newborn Boys 4-Piece Cars Bodysuit Set Color: Blue Size: 6-9M CALVIN KLEIN Newborn Boys Star Pant and Stripe Hoodie Set Color: Blue Size: 6-9M CUTIE PIE BABY Newborn Boys Two Sleeper and Dino Buddy Set Color: Blue Size: 6-9M CALVIN KLEIN Newborn Boys Multi-Logo Bodysuit 4-Piece Set Color: Blue Size: 6-9M CUTIE PIE BABY Newborn Boys Dino Plush 3-Piece Set Color: Blue Size: 6-9M DKNY JEANS Avenue B Jean Color: Rinse Size: 14 DKNY JEANS Cowl Neck Sweater Color: Marshmallow Size: M CALVIN KLEIN JEANS Circle Classic Tee Color: Pale Gray Heather Size: M
06/13/2011	SANDRA DARREN Sleeveless Dress With Blue Neck Beads Color: Black Green Blue Size: 12 R&M RICHARDS Ruched Ruffle Neck Dress Color: Ivory/Brown Size: 12 R&M RICHARDS Stretch Shimmer Dress With Beading Color: Red Size: 12 R&M RICHARDS Print Cotton Dress Color: Teal Size: 12
05/28/2011	CALVIN KLEIN JEANS Water Garden Tee Color: White Size: M KNITTED DOVE Fleece Pant With Ribbon Color: Grey Heather Size: M ADRIENNE VITTADINI STUDIO Wide Boat Neck Pullover Color: Gray Wacke Size: M GGBLUE Lana Tee Color: Amore Size: M CALVIN KLEIN JEANS Slouchy Skinny Cargo Color: Rosemary Size: 12 JED Stripe V-Neck Sweater Color: Navy/Forest/Red Size: M JOSEPH ABBOUD S/S Sport Shirt Color: Sunset Size: M JOSIE BY NATORI Tiger Lace Trim Chemise Color: Natural/Cocoa Size: L JED Stripe Crew Neck Color: Tropical Size: M
05/13/2011	ATELIER LUXE Cotton Color Block Skirt Color: Black/White Size: 8 ATELIER LUXE Stitch Cotton Pencil Skirt Color: Black Size: 8 ATELIER LUXE Cotton Double Pocket Pant Color: White Size: 10 ED HARDY Boys Embroidered Knit Cap Color: Brown Size: 12-24M ATELIER LUXE Cotton Double Loop Pant Color: Black Size: 10
01/04/2011	M AGHAL Ruched Front Dress With Belt Color: Green Size: 12 M AGHAL Asymmetric Pleat Detail Dress Color: Green Size: 12 YUKA Jewel Neck Short Sleeve Sweater Color: Electric Blue Size: M M AGHAL Button Cuff Suit Color: Crepe Noir/Dolce Vita Size: 12 DIVA BY DD Blouson Jacket Color: White Size: L M AGHAL Line Print Dress Color: Red Size: 12
12/29/2010	KENNETH COLE REACTION Quilted Removable Hood Color: Black Size: M NAUTICA Knit Collar Wool Zip Coat Color: Purple Size: 12 CALVIN KLEIN Down Faux Fur Hood Long Coat Color: Black Size: S INSIGHT Straight Leg Pant Color: Black Size: 10
12/27/2010	KENNETH COLE REACTION Chest Pocket Waist Tie Puffer Color: Sisal Size: M ESSENDI Silk Viscose Zip Up Top Color: Pewter Size: L TAYLOR Metallic Dot Jacquard Dress Color: Black/Gold Size: 10
12/19/2010	MAX AND CLEO Pleated Waist Judy Dress Color: Red Berry Size: 12 MAX AND CLEO Ruched Waist Ruffle Neck Color: Aster Size: 12 MAX AND CLEO Ruffle Front 2 Pocket Dress Color: Full Moon Size: 10 MAX AND CLEO Button Front Ruffle Neck Color: Peacoat Size: 12 CALVIN KLEIN Cowl Neck Snake Print Color: Black/Grey Size: 10 MAX AND CLEO 2 Fer Contrast Ruffle Dress Color: Black Size: 12 ELIZA J Chunky Sweater Dress Color: Navy Size: M ELIZA J Empire Waist Sweater Dress Color: Eggplant Size: M BODY WRAP Lurex High Waist Thong Color: Nude Size: M
12/12/2010	LONDON FOG Snap Front Down Coat Color: Brown Size: M ME & KASHMIERE Suede Tassle Pashmina Color: Chocolate Size: One Size VALERIE Dbl Vneck Dress Color: Cashmir Green Size: M ECI Floral Print Vneck Dress Color: Lime Size: 10 NINE WEST Lily Cluster Flutter Sleeve Color: Ivory Combo Size: 10 CALVIN KLEIN Puff Sleeve Sweater Dress Color: Black Size: M CALVIN KLEIN 4 Button Sweater Dress Color: Charcoal Size: S YUKA Striped High Cowl Neck Top Color: Black/Cardinal Size: M
11/28/2010	NINE WEST Faux Fur Hood Long Coat Color: Espresso Size: M CALVIN KLEIN Cable Hat Glove & Scarf Color: Egret Size: One Size CALVIN KLEIN Cable Hat Glove & Scarf Color: Heather Gray Size: One Size

Join Ideeli private shopping club now and enjoy 30% to 80% discounts every day!

Custom fees, duties and taxes (VAT) when shopping in the USA from Cyprus

A friend of mine lives on Cyprus. He was very impressed by my shopping in the USA and forwarding packages via Shipito, so asked me whether he could make purchases in the USA from Cyprus. Here is what I have found out.

Cyprus is a part of European Union (EU), so when you ship anything from the EU, you don’t need to pay any customs fees or duties. Everything is different when you make purchases outside the EU. Goods from the USA, China,… are subject to duty.

CUSTOMS FEES and VAT in EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

MERCHANDISE+SHIPPING TOTAL	CUSTOMS FEES and VAT
< 22 EUR	No customs fees and No VAT
22 to 150 EUR	Only VAT applied
> 150 EUR	Both VAT and custom fees applied

If the merchandise plus shipping total is under 22 EUR, you do NOT need to pay any customs fee or VAT. But make sure that you take into account not only the amount you spend on your purchases, but also shipping costs.

If merchandise is between 22 and 150 EUR, you only have to pay VAT. The 150 EUR limit is calculated on merchandise value without any shipping fee. VAT however is paid instead on the total of merchandise plus shipping!

If merchandise is more expensive than 150 EUR, then you need to pay both customs fees and VAT. Both VAT and customs fee are applied to the merchandise plus shipping.

They will recalculate the price to Euro first using their own exchange rate table (at the day of the processing of the paperwork). Duty is paid at a percentage rate determined by the type of item. TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities) is designed to show the various rules applying to specific products when imported into the EU. TARIC for Cyprus can be found on the web-site of the goverment of Cyprus.

The VAT of 17% is calculated on the price of the item plus shipping and plus the duty charge.

Example:

Men’s or boys’ shirts of man-made fibres ($70 EUR) + $30 EUR for shipping.
Commodity code 6205 30 00 00

Duty 12%: 100 EUR * 12% = 12 EUR.
VAT 17%: (100 EUR + 12 EUR) * 17% = 19,04 EUR.
Duty + VAT: 12 EUR + 19.04 EUR = 31.04 EUR
Total: 100 EUR + 12 EUR + 19,04 EUR = 131,04 EUR

There may also be one or two other small charges depending on delivery method (for customs handling, courier handling).

Note that you can ask the seller to undervalue your package, but this is illegal. The customs official may request proof of price. You can get a big fine for undervaluing your package.

You can ship to Cyprus by USPS Mail or by courier services.

• United States Postal Service (USPS)
  The post office will deliver the customs form to your address/PO box. You will need to return the form to the post office along with an invoice for the goods. The post will then send the form and the invoice back to customs. Then the customs will process the paperwork, assess the duty and VAT payable, and release the package. Then the package will arrive in the post office and you will pay everything there. Note that you can go to the customs office yourself as well. And you will need to do that if your package costs more than 1000 EUR.
• DHL, UPS, TNT or FedEx.
  The courier should handle everything. You just pay the fees when the package is delivered or collected.

Note that customs will only do the assessment for private goods. If the goods are for commercial use, you’ll need to to complete all the paperwork yourself, including TARIC codes, duty rates, etc.

Also note that if you are not a resident of Cyprus and plan to use your purchase outside the EU, you may try to return the VAT.

Purchasing Hartan Buggy IX1 baby stroller and PUKY Dreirad CAT S6 Ceety bicycle in Germany

I had successful experience in shopping for Britax/Römer car seat in Germany. So when I needed a baby stroller and a trike (bicycle with 3 wheels) I decided to check prices in German shops. As previously I was looking for German online stores with prices lower than in Russia. And of course I wanted a shop shipping outside the European Union and excluding VAT. I’ve reviewed baby strollers and bicycles before making my purchase, so I knew I wanted the Hartan Buggy IX1 baby stroller and the PUKY Ceety bicycle. I will show the shop I’ve made purchase from and compare prices below. And I will also show some useful tips.

Comparing prices onto Hartan Buggy IX1 and PUKY Ceety in Germany and Russia

According to Yandex.Market Hartan Buggy IX1 costs almost 500 EUR:

Yandex market: Hartan Buggy iX1

Compare with 239 EUR (including shipping to Russia) at KidsRoom:

KidsRoom: Hartan Buggy iX1 with shipping to Russia

To see the price with shipping and VAT excluded, add items to the shopping cart and choose your country.

Puky Ceety bicycle is new, so I wasn’t able to find its prices on Yandex.Market. The lowest price I was able to find was 9500 RUB. Of course it was cheaper at KidsRoom.de (200 EUR), but not twice cheaper as with Romer/Britax car seat or Hartan Buggy IX1 baby stroller:

KidsRoom: Puky Ceety with shipping to Russia

Saving even more

I’ve bought 2 Puky Ceety bicycles and the Hartan Buggy iX1 stroller. As a new year gift I got Puky Wutsch (50 EUR) for FREE. Shipping for all these items was only 60 EUR:

kidsroom: Hartan Buggy iX1 and Puky Ceety

This purchase was sent in 3 packages by DHL.

So you can bundle your purchase to save on shipping. But make sure not to exceed 1000 EUR to avoid any customs fees and duties in Russia.

Mistake by paying with Paypal

This time I tried to pay for my purchase with Paypal instead of my debit card. My Paypal account is in USD, and Paypal has charged almost 4.5% for USD to EUR conversion. When I pay with my debit card, the conversion is usually only 0.5 – 1.0%. So I don’t recommend to use Paypal in German shops when you purchase from outside the European Union.

More trusted German online stores with baby strollers, car seats, toys,…

KidsRoom.de is not the only web-site recommended by Russian shoppers. There are several other baby shops in Germany that ship to Russia directly and exclude VAT, namely: maxis-babywelt.de, babyshop.de, kidscomfort.eu, Loopoo.de, PingPong Online.

Links

• KidsRoom.de
• maxis-babywelt.de
• babyshop.de
• kidscomfort.eu
• Loopoo.de
• PingPong Online
• Yandex.Market (price comparison and reviews)

Buying a car seat in Germany (Britax Römer Baby Safe Plus SHR II at kidsroom.de vs. Russian online stores)

Most of my online purchases these days come from american private shopping clubs (fashion sale sites), Amazon USA and Buy.com. But sometimes I have to shop elsewhere either due to high shipping costs from the USA to Russia or due to some kind of incompatibility of standards.

This was exactly the case with a car seat. I wanted to buy one of the safest car seats, so decided not to go for a universal one. After researching crash tests results I decided to purchase Britax Römer Baby Safe Plus SHR II with the ISOFIX base. I could have bought a similar car seat on Amazon USA, but I wasn’t 100% sure that LATCH and ISOFIX were compatible. While some drivers say that LATCH and ISOFIX bars are almost identical, few European and Japanese cars have the top tether anchor.

It was an obvious step to look for Britax Römer car seats in Germany and the UK. I really liked the prices in German shops. And I was glad that some of them do ship directly to almost any country in the world including Russia. When such shops ship outside the European Union, they exclude VAT (19%). This was exactly the case with the German online store KidsRoom.de.

kidsroom.de: Britax Römer Baby-Safe Plus SHR II Trendline including Isofix Base

Now the question is did I manage to save anything by purchasing the car seat in Germany and not in Russia or not. I did manage to save a lot! The price of Britax Römer Baby Safe Plus SHR II with shipping from Germany to Russia was more than 40% lower than the lowest price I was able to find in Russian online stores!!!

The cheapest Romer Baby Safe Plus SHR II with ISOFIX base in Russia

kidsroom.de Romer Baby Safe Plus SHR II receipt: price + shipping = 281 EUR

Price without shipping at avtokresel.net: 19 800 RUR
Price with shipping to Russia (!) at kidsroom.de: 281 EUR

So basically you can buy Romer Baby Safe Plus SHR II with ISOFIX base and ship it from Germany, or you can buy Romer Baby Safe Plus SHR II without ISOFIX base in a Russian online shop!

Another reason for buying German car seats from Germany is to avoid fake items.

KidsRoom.de is not the only web-site recommended by Russian shoppers.
There are several other baby shops in Germany that ship to Russia directly and exclude VAT, namely: maxis-babywelt.de, babyshop.de, kidscomfort.eu, Loopoo.de, PingPong Online.

German shops usually ship to Russia by DHL and accept debit/credit cards and/or paypal/moneybookers.

Please note that it is always a good idea to compare prices before making a purchase. Some items cost the same, and some items are more expensive in Germany than in Russia.

Update (2012/01/14)
Also please note that if you ship outside the European Union, you may add all items that you want to purchase into the shopping cart to see the price excluding VAT but including shipping:

KidsRoom.de shopping cart: Britax Römer Baby Safe Plus SHR II with shipping excluding VAT

RueLaLa: The Final Sale: Act 1

Rue La La, an American private shopping club, features “The Final Sale: Act 1″ boutique today.

Expect rock-bottom prices and a ton of different brands:

Adidas, Adidas – Men’s, Aidan Mattox, Allegri, American Apparel, Amsale, Banner 47, Banner 47 – Men’s, Beirn, Birkenstock, Birkenstock – Men’s, Bobby Jones, BODUM, Brooks Brothers – Kid’s, Built NY, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein – Kid’s, CARMEN MARC VALVO, Catherine Malandrino, Columbia, Columbia – Men’s, Crocs, Crocs – Men’s, Crocs – Kid’s, Cullen Cashmere – Men’s, Current Elliot, Diesel Black Gold, Dolcepunta, Donald J Pliner, ELLE MACPHERSON INTIMATES, EP Pro, Fratelli Rossetti – Men’s, Hawke&Co. – Men’s, Hickey, Hickey Freeman, Hickey Freeman – Boy’s, Ike Behar, Jack Victor, Janice Girardi, Jocelyn, Joseph Abboud, Josie by Natori, Just Cavalli, Kassatex, Kate Spade, Kelty, Kings, La Perla, Lela Rose, Lotus Grace, Love Sac by JPK Paris, Lutz & Patmos, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs – Men’s, Matisse, Matt & Nat, Minibasix/Miniclasix, Natori, nOir, Paige Premium Denim, Pour La Victoire, Pucci, Puma – Kid’s, Raffi, Reed Evins, Rock & Republic, See by Chloe, Seychelles, Single, Sky, Slane & Slane, Splendid, Sue Wong, Sunpan, Suzi Chin, Taylor, The Addison story, Tibi, Timbuk2, Tod’s – Men’s, True Religion, Valentino, Victorinox, Victorinox – Men’s, TBD.

Note that Rue La La accepts international credit and debit cards. And it ships to freight forwarders (package forwarding companies) like Shipito, so international shoppers are welcomed!

Package from Rue La La in the californian warehouse of Shipito freight forwarder

 

And tomorrow there will be The Final Sale: Act 2 featuring more top brands:

2(x)ist, 7 For All Mankind, 7 For all Mankind – Men’s, a.testoni, a.testoni – Men’s, Anne Klein, Ashworth, Ashworth – Men’s, Black Brown 1826, Botkier, Christian Dior, Cia.Maritima, Cobra, Cynthia Steffe, Diesel, Diesel – Men’s, E-Land, Elie Tahari, Elie Tahari – Men’s, Espalma, Forte – Men’s, Garden of Stephen, Geox, Geox – Men’s, Halston Heritage, Hogan, HYPE, James Jeans, James Jeans – Men’s, JPK Paris, Juicy Couture, Karen Zambos, L.A.M.B., Leifsdottir, Lija, Liz Palacios, Love Moschino, Malo, MBT, MBT – Men’s, MICHAEL Michael Kors, MICHAEL Michael Kors – Men’s, Mikey Stars, Mitchell & Ness – Men’s, Nanette Lepore, Nara, Narciso Rodriguez, Nina – Kid’s, Oakley, Oakley – Men’s, PAIGELAUREN Baby, Paolo Bentini, Patagonia, Peter Millar, Piazza Sempione, Pink Tartan, Rachel Roy, Reebok, Reebok – Men’s, Robeez, Robert Graham – Men’s, Robert Rodriguez, Rossignol, Sanita, Sport Haley, Stelton, Stephen Dweck, Sweet Heart Rose, Tea Collection, Temple St. Clair, Theory, Theory – Men’s, Timberland, Timberland – Kid’s, Timberland – Men’s, Tommy Bahama – Men’s, Tommy Bahama – Kid’s, Travis Mathew, Treesje, Trumpette, Vera Bradley, yogamat, Zeal Optics

Join Rue La La today!

Discounted wines and artisan food in private shopping clubs (sample sale, flash sale, private sale sites)

• GiltTaste is a private sale site (flash sale site, private shopping club, sample sale site) offering food and wine. They handpick every item they offer.

  The GiltTaste market gives you direct access to artisan food products and ingredients, many of which have only been available to chefs until now. Gilt Taste is committed to offering quality products that are fresh, honest and inspiring.

  The GiltTaste selection is curated by their team of gourmet food buyers who have worked in four-star restaurants and for gourmet food retailers. Gilt Taste features daily special sales in addition to their full-priced market, stocked with a selection of some of the world’s best artisan goods.

  GiltTaste is also an online magazine that publishes original, daily stories – including recipes, videos, food news and opinions from artisans, experts, chefs and the Taste editors.

  You don’t need an invite to join Gilt Taste, and you don’t need to be signed in to view the site. However, you will need to register in order to make a purchase from the sales and market.

  

  Gilt Taste items are shipped directly from each purveyor, and delivery timelines can vary from item to item. Their goal is to ship your purchase within 2-5 days of ordering. Perishable items are likely to ship in a shorter timeframe, and some vendors do not ship between Thursday and Sunday. Please refer to the product details page when you place your order for estimated delivery dates.

  Gilt Taste can ship products within the USA. It can’t ship to PO boxes.
  Gilt ships a small number of products internationally. Gilt offers $19.95 shipping for most international orders. International orders with large and heavy items may have higher shipping prices to ensure the order delivery.

  Register on Gilt Taste! Membership is free!

   

• Invino is a private shopping site (flash sale site, private sale site, sample sale site) offering wine. They work directly with top wineries to bring the very best wines at or below the best total price on the web to their members – every day of the week. Invino offers its members spectacular wines from around the world – at prices up to 80% off retail.

  Hand-picked wines are selected by their panel of wine experts. The team consists of seasoned industry insiders and respected, passionate wine experts who share our customers’ excitement about wine and exceptional value.

  Sales events launch daily, with wines available exclusively to members for 24-72 hours on average. Guaranteed to be at or below the best total price on the web, there’s no better source for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

  

  Invino ships within the USA. It can’t ship to P.O. boxes. An adult, 21 years or older, must be present to sign for each shipment.
  Invino currently does not ship outside of the U.S., to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, or to Military and A.P.O. addresses.

  Check out invino, the ultimate source for the best wine deals, anywhere. Access is only for Members, which is free and simple to signup!
  Register on Invino today!

   

• Lot 18 is a private sale site (flash sale site, private shopping club, sample sale site) offering hightly discounted quality wines. It aims to bring its members a taste of wine country every day. Lot18 provides access to high-quality, hard-to-find wines and gourmet foods at attractive prices, as well as wine- and gourmet-themed travel excursions and exclusive dinners at top restaurants across the country.

  Lot 18 lives by a simple rule: If they wouldn’t spend their own money on a product, it’s not made available on Lot18. Their team of expert curators works closely with quality-driven winemakers and artisanal food producers, as well as top hotels, restaurants and resorts around the world. Their curators select only those products and experiences for Lot18 that are unique in their own right and that represent the highest quality and value.

  

  Lot 18 Select offers a curated collection of their most popular wines, all available in half-case bundles that are perfect for building your wine cellar or sharing at a celebration. They have secured access to these wines for a longer period of time to guarantee that Lot18 Select will always offer their members a great selection of their favorite varieties. Check out their latest offerings in Lot18 Select when you’re planning your next get-together and need the perfect wines to please all your guests and your wallet.

  Lot 18′s vendors can ship products only within the continental United States.

  Wine orders typically ship via UPS or FedEx Ground within two to three days and will be delivered within two to 10 days, depending on your location. Some products are eligible for expedited shipping at checkout. Wine is shipped in approved cardboard boxes with protective bottle inserts. Someone 21 or older must be available to sign for shipments containing wine.

  Get insider access to the finest wines, specialty foods and epicurean-themed excursions, all made available in small quantities and at attractive prices. Register on lot18 today and get a $10 credit into your account! Membership is free!