Gloucester Stockholding Changes What UK Gym Buyers Actually Pay
A warehouse is far more important to a buyer of imported kit than a showroom or even a head office. This is because stockholding in a distant land is a complex issue and most gym buyers don’t want the complexities of importing in addition to choosing the gym equipment in the first place. The original is Athletech News’s report on REP Fitness’s Gloucester hub, and it’s worth reading in full.
The most valuable part of the news feature is probably the report of the capacity of REP Fitness’s distribution centre in Gloucester to hold over £13 million of stock, as this is the least visible part of REP Fitness’s new HQ and Stockholding Centre and it changes greatly the way the import of stock into the UK is managed and the price that the UK customer pays for goods imported from overseas.
Delivery and aftercare are the real purchase
While choosing the right pad for a flat weight bench and the steel for the frame is crucial for buyers of this type of gym equipment, the delivery, the parts and the after sales service also have to be taken into account. Bulk goods such as these are delivered on a pallet or even in several different boxes. And, unless specifically stated otherwise, a driver will deliver the bulk of the goods and they will need to be placed in a dry area of the gym. Additionally, the buyer will also need to factor in the space to stack the bulk of the equipment and to have someone to assist in moving the individual boxes in.
What a £135 limit means for heavy kit
Import charges are covered by GOV.UK’s guidance on VAT on overseas goods. Generally, goods sent directly to individual customers are treated as if they are imported by that customer and, although there is a threshold of £135 (no VAT and no Customs formalities) for certain goods (e.g. books, CDs), above this value normal VAT and customs rules on importation into Great Britain apply, as set out in GOV.UK guidance on VAT on overseas goods.
Bulk import moves the paperwork off the buyer
This can also save buyers from having to negotiate the costly process of importation as they would with an online importer. Moreover, manufacturers and importers are required by GOV.UK importer compliance guidance to demonstrate that their products comply with relevant regulations. With an import headquarters in Gloucester this is now the job of the UK base of REP Fitness rather than a nasty and costly surprise.
Why local stock speeds up spare parts
The pads, pins and bolts that comprise spare parts can also be held close to hand and delivered quickly to customers within the country. This will enable faster fulfilment of orders.
UK-based support is part of the product
The distribution centre will also be staffed by the 35 or so people in the REP Fitness head office plus a number of people in the depot, to service the Rep Fitness distribution network. This local operation will deliver after sales service, an important factor when buying bulky items of gym equipment.
REP’s Gloucester base answers the practical questions
This seems to be a sensible move by REP. Importing stuff is a complex process and they’ve turned it into a simple purchase. It’s also very handy to have a showroom where people can come and try out the various products before buying. The most important thing when buying gym equipment online is to know the full delivered cost (including import duty etc) of the item(s) you are comparing. UK stockholding makes this a lot easier to compare.
