The cheapest source for importing CR123 batteries to Europe?

[Krajin]

Hi
I am looking to buy a bulk of CR123 batteries from the net and was wondering if you guys could recommend any retailers? Preferably retailers that would declare a lower value on the package slip as I am ordering from Europe.

Thanks!

 

[ptolemy]

Hi
I am looking to buy a bulk of CR123 batteries from the net and was wondering if you guys could recommend any retailers? Preferably retailers that would declare a lower value on the package slip as I am ordering from Europe.

Thanks!

first of all, find out of u can import lithium batteries like that. if u can, best way is to make a friend in the usa.

he can buy 100 for u and mail it flat rated fo $30 to europe as gift...

generally, u cover his fees and give little bonus, in past i did it for others, i never asked for more $, but 15-20% bonus is appropriate

the reason stores dont doit is 2 fold: 1 they have to make sure goods get to u, if they cant then they wont ship it. that leads to them shipping most secure way, which costs 2x the 'normal' way.

also, they HAVE to declare exactly whats there and how much it is. cause they are taxed of it and claim it as profits. a friend doesn't...

 

[Krajin]

Thank you for answering my query.

Does anybody from Europe have any experience from BatteryJunction in terms of customs etc.? I understand that these things normally would not vented on a public forum so if anyone wants to answer me privately, please send me a PM.

 

[terjee]

Hi,

This thread pops up in searches, so just adding some information.

There are places to order cheap CR123-batteries from in Europe, worth checking out are:
- nkon.nl (ru.nkon.nl if you're in Europe, but not in EU, countries such as Norway)
- flashlightshop.de
- akkuteile.de

These are professional companies, and they're assumed to know what they're doing, keep up on shipping regulations etc. I would *not* suggest having a US-friend remail batteries. They might not be packaging them properly, which could lead to dangerous situations during air transport, and so on.

 

[Croquette]

I already ordered on nkon and akkuteile and they both have excellent customer service.

 

[RollerBoySE]

I already ordered on nkon and akkuteile and they both have excellent customer service.

I've ordered from them several times and the experience is really positive. Prices are very competitive too.

 

[CuriousOne]

Cheapest way is to contact someone from some 3rd world embassy. They have diplomatic pasports, so they don't pay taxes/etc. I'm not joking, I personally knew an guy from once african country embassy, who was delivering expensive alcohol in a such way.

 

[Swedpat]

As already mentioned above: nkon is highly recommended. I have ordered several times, as well CR123s, Li-ions and flashlights. I think the prices of CR123s are unbeatable in Europe.

 

[CuriousOne]

Why not buy directly from china?
I just checked, fasstech can deliver to IT, DE, etc....

 

[terjee]

Why not buy directly from china?
I just checked, fasstech can deliver to IT, DE, etc....

Because nkon is actually cheaper, even when you factor in shipping.

From Fasttech, buying 20 pcs of Panasonic CR123A industrial would cost me $44.80, inc. shipping.

From nkon, buying 20 pcs of Panasonic CR123A industrial would cost me €29.30 (about $32.70) inc. shipping (to Norway in my case).

A German or Italian would pay tax (VAT), but the numbers would still only be €36.40 (about $40.6), still cheaper than Fasttech.

Aside from price, there's also something about supporting companies that focus on doing something, and doing it well, rather than companies that focus primarily on price. I can drop a mail off to nkon, and get good, fast and detailed responses and opinions, and they help me out if I need it. Great service from them so far.

Don't get me wrong, I buy from Fasttech as well from time to time, but I won't pay extra to get something from them, rather than a European vendor. I will however pay more to buy from a specialised shop, than a generic one (same would apply for an asian specialised shop btw, it's not about being pro-EU, it's about being pro-skills, and pro-small businesses).

 

[CuriousOne]

Hm, buying 20pcs Panasonic CR123A from bgmicro in US, will cost me $16+$6.8 shipping....
What if I bring a bunch of these batteries for cheap, when I travel abroad?