Online stores that sell inverters

[akescpt]

Few days ago I saw Ellies inverters at Builders Warehouse in Tokia. They also have the complete units with box and battery setups.

Money?

 

[KOPITE]

Money?

R7xxx something. I think

Phone them

 

[B@rrels]

You could definitely buy those parts individually for the same price or less - e.g. http://www.sustainable.co.za/solar-power.html?cat=26&inverter_watt_rating=22 there is an inverter in the same price range (without looking too hard just the first random inverter link I pulled up)

There is no information on what brand/type the batteries are so for all we know they could be car batteries, a lot is going to depend on the batteries, be very careful with what batteries you pick or you will be looking for new ones a few months down the line.

Hey mac what do you think of these batteries?

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/191675315/140Ah_Deep_Cycle_Battery.html

 

[mmacleod]

Hey mac what do you think of these batteries?
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/191675315/140Ah_Deep_Cycle_Battery.html

Can't say I know anything about Ecco batteries, I've been unable so far to track down a proper information sheet for 'ecco' batteries that shows things like cycles and DoD.
Generally any respectable battery should have available information like this
This information will tell you how long you can actually expect the battery to last based ona given usage pattern.

I personally would not touch any battery without such information as to me the lack of such information is a huge warning bell. Perhaps you can ask the sellers if they have more information on the battery and its cycle life - if you do manage to get information please let me know so I can add it to the battery spreadsheet that I am building - you can also check the thread/spreadsheet that I am building to see batteries that do have this information though it is still in its early stages so isn't very comprehensive yet.

 

[mmacleod]

My experience in the past, with shipping from other sites, usually you will pay VAT, sometimes you get lucky and things seem to 'slip' through.

Of course it is possible that Aliexpress have some special setup where they are covering the VAT or something, I would be surprised though. I'll let you know what happens with my orders, got two things incoming via UPS so we will see

So my charge controller from Aliexpress coming in via DHL got flagged as a 'static converter' as expected and was therefore charged 7% duties. Just to give another data point here

 

[savage]

So my charge controller from Aliexpress coming in via DHL got flagged as a 'static converter' as expected and was therefore charged 7% duties. Just to give another data point here

Which is pretty much how 99% of all my previous electronic imports over the years has been yes... 21% (14% VAT, 7% Duties) - plus whatever clearance / handling charges there are from the courier companies.

 

[mmacleod]

Which is pretty much how 99% of all my previous electronic imports over the years has been yes... 21% (14% VAT, 7% Duties) - plus whatever clearance / handling charges there are from the courier companies.

As pointed out previously it depends on what you import. I've had plenty of things come in with 0% - my previous PSU unit included.
Perhaps you only import very specific things, I can't comment on your personal experience but the tarrifs are no secret if in doubt just look them up.

For an inverter though yes I would expect 7% duties, which is generally not a big deal as long as you factor it in.

I've not used aramex though perhaps there is some secret aramex corruption going on

 

[KOPITE]

I've not used aramex though perhaps there is some secret aramex corruption going on

There's your problem

 

[desiganp]

So my charge controller from Aliexpress coming in via DHL got flagged as a 'static converter' as expected and was therefore charged 7% duties. Just to give another data point here

I once imported alarm detectors with microwave sensors and was marked "Microwave" by the shipper. For duty purposes DHL marked the items as "Cooker parts" and I was invoiced for duties on that. Had the invoice corrected and was charged VAT + Disbursement fees + 0% duties. 100% of various electronic items I have imported over the last 8 years have incurred 0% duties.