Exactly. There have been “cheap” options for chassis with aluminum components etc. for years and people don’t buy them. In karting, selling something cheaper HURTS the perception of the brand and probably reduces profit.
It’s probably true of most things. For example, I can’t see people leaving iPhone for an American made alternative because it’s cheaper. It’d have to be better, even as good probably wouldn’t be enough.
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Haven’t gotten anything yet
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It will hurt the whole market, not just your competitors. The associated costs for things not made in the US will go up and that increases the total costs. There are many items that the US can’t make competively and probably even more that people don’t want to make competitvely.
Think of the people that are one brand specific, they won’t decide to buy a new kart from a current company, they will wait another year or two and buy the same brand. Then it’s less sales of the associated items. Then there are things like tires with raw material that can’t come from the US - when the cost goes up it just makes the sport more expensive and hurts everyone.
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I remember my local Tony Kart dealer would also sell Gold kart as a cheaper option, but he stopped bringing the latter because after pandemic Gold drivers left and most people want a “good” brand. Funnily enough they mostly sell the Righetti Ridolfi aluminum rear hubs because people most of the time ask for a cheaper option.
I just ordered some items from Fastech and got hit with a 10% Surcharge… So we are feeling it, even if not purchasing abroad.
Everyone pays for tariffs, in one way or the other - WE pay for it.
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I am fighting FedEx on a 41% tariff calculation to the tune of $4800 that they hit me with in June. I have not passed tariff cost through yet with the exception of axles and aluminum wheels.
As an importer of karting components, what the tariff does is it makes it impossible for me to have dealers. If I give dealers a fair margin, I make nothing.
My standard plea – I get why you buy from Mondo; karting is expensive and you want to save money. Mondo is my biggest competitor and they have an unfair advantage. Previously, I had to pay a duty that your purchases from Mondo were not subject to. Mondo gets a different discount to support lower European pricing, which is the typical standard in karting.
Support American businesses, they will be here to help you when you need support.
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My son’s very first Mondo order. Some stuff he ordered for karts at college.
UPS is screwing the customer. $14 is a brokerage fee for UPS, the actual tariff is only 2.64.
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If you can share - what did they order what was the total?
I don’t know his total order and the tariff invoice doesn’t say that either. It was for some small parts and fittings, well under $100. He was unaware of the shift in de minimis rules. What it does say is that they will charge 9.9% interest for late payment… UPS scam all the way.
I’ve seen a lot about UPS overcharging for handling the tariffs. Sounds like DHL might be the way to go for international still.
UPS is my go-to for shipping but DHL has always been better for international stuff for me anyway.
100% true, some shipping companies are taking advantage of it. Both directions though.
I shipped a $30 item from US to italy via UPS, paid $38 for shipping, $15 pre-paid customs clearance, they tried to collect another 65 EUR from the recipient…mostly fees and made up charges (I asked to show me the math based on HS code and tariff table, they wouldn’t).
DHL I agree, always had a good experience with them. Fedex…I don’t even try anymore
I just completed a UPS order from kartstore.it, and paid:
- Order $332
- Tariff $167
- UPS fees $71
Nuts.
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Jeeze that’s plain egregious.
Maybe they have cover for it (especially if there are laws that dictate how much carriers can charge), but a part me hopes there are some class action attorneys out there eyeballing UPS’s fees for this type of ‘service’ and hit them with the Hammer of Thor.
Also, I don’t think this is just about Mondokart at this point - even if someone buys their stuff from a “local kart shop” - all the parts are coming from the same place and carriers. I have a feeling this is just the new passthrough costs for karting in the U.S. now.
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It is going to affect all items. The small shops would buy parts from Europe are getting hit on their items too. Those costs will get past along to the end user as well.
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Raw materials for US companies are being hit as well. Gonna be rough for a while I think.
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UPS sends you an invoice in the mail correct?
They can’t obviously charge to the card because it isn’t through them. Hope I’m right on that.
This is insane - 75% in additional cost
As others have said this cost will also happen for our meeting dealers and then we’ll be paying them.
I suspect next season we’ll see fewer entries.