Buying a Mini Excavator from Alibaba China

[@corytillery2629]

I very much appreciate you taking us through the process of buying your machine. it has been a great insight. regards

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Cory and thanks for watching

[@Mikere5]

FYI The Chinese comments when packing is just pointing out the bucket, toolbox, filter etc so you can see it's all there when they pack the machine. Nice looking thing BTW.

[@nuoman]

Thank you very much for your support and recognition. If you need products in the future, please contact us and we will give you the most suitable price!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you and no problem at all - your machine is exactly what I was hoping for and the after service has been superb.

[@2012DIY]

if I need, in any case, to lift weight by the excavator (arm), what is the maximum weight can handle it?

[@denisemichelle878]

How much does it cost?

[@petermuller608]

The amount of Work they go into building your trust with videos of the product and even the packaging is enormous Never have seen anything alike from a local company 😊

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is always a risk buying remotely, specially for this kind of money. First time I have ever done it. But yes, the took photos and filmed it and I was chatting daily to the sales rep.

[@NothingSpecialHereCarryOn]

@@HomesteadingUncontained how long did it take to receive it?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@NothingSpecialHereCarryOn about 10 weeks in total

[@neglectfulsausage7689]

They want that money. Its like vampires and the desire for blood.

[@petermuller608]

@@neglectfulsausage7689 ...every company wants to earn money? But unlike the local companies I have interacted with, they invest heavily into building customer trust? And according to the video, they also earned that trust? Not really sure what you are talking about...

[@kelvindawe5123]

Great helpful video as iam just about to start this process of buying a machine thank you. 👏👏👏👏

[@PelletJamie]

The French Douane are a mixture of rank incompetence and faacism... well that has been most of the country for the past two years.. great video, informative and helpful.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

lol - yes and to make it worse you cannot see them face to face to explain anything - all is done via a 3rd party handler who themselves are not too competent. Check out the next one up today.... the unboxing.

[@PelletJamie]

@@HomesteadingUncontained I am in the process of ordering a pellet mill from Aliboobies.. The freight forwarder is giving me a bill of lading and packing list but saying I need to have "import rights" as a company to clear customs. I am just set up here as an "auto enterprise", is that why you had to pay VAT through your company and did you have to get an EOIR number? All other times I have managed to get DDP to the door but having to pick this one up from the port. Cheers Jamie.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@PelletJamie i did get the EORI number in the end as my freight forwarder had no clue how to do it for an individual so In the end I paid VAT twice. Now in the process of claiming it back from Alibaba who are being a right pain.

[@PelletJamie]

@@HomesteadingUncontained sorry to hear they are being a pain. The freight forwarder is asking for destination port charges up front. Is that the same with you or did you pay port charges in Le Havre?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@PelletJamie So I paid shipping at the time of the purchase (€500) and this got it to the destination Port (which in my case was Marseille, even though it was offloaded in Le Havre). When it arrived in Le Havre the Freight Forwarder contacted me and I had to pay all the offloading fees, duties (none) and VAT. This was around €900. It was then put on a truck and driven to Marseille (included in the €500) and I picked it up from there. So the Freight Forward fees were paid when it arrived in country. It was one payment then including all their admin fess for clearing it through customs.

[@ubermenschen3636]

Summary: shipping company is out to gouge you for ‘storage’ and other handling fees even if you arrive promptly to pick up the cargo.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes they tried - I now know!!

[@emalfdflame]

@@HomesteadingUncontained ...but what could you have done differently, in order to avoid the problems with the shipping company? Could Alibaba help with vat? Did you get a refund of vat, seeing that you paid twice? I don't have a company, so what would I need to do? Thanks

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@emalfdflame The main issue here was that the rules had changed in the January to force Alibaba to charge VAT at source, i.e when you buy it. There is a code that is used to prove that the VAT has been paid. But this information had not passed on quickly enough to all of the countries Customs departments - so the French customs said, Quoi!! what are you talking about. So instead of months of arguing it was easier to pay it again and reclaim the VAT from Alibaba which was a pain but the supplier helped me with this. As an individual you would hope by now that the system is working and that the customs would take note of this code. You can also choose your own shipping company and have the supplier just deliver to the port. Then you have total control over it all.

[@AlexeiTetenov]

Thank you for sharing!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

no problem, thanks for watching.

[@dakotamarion8651]

Thank you for sharing your experience. 😊

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

No problem, lots of updates on this little machine.

[@daveallen924]

Thank you for sharing the tribulations international shipping. Enjoying your channel!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Dave - I have gone through it again and now I know the system, it went a lot smoother.

[@cdbfarm65]

Thank you so much for sharing you experience. It is very helpful. Happy Holidays.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you and same to you 🧑🏻‍🎄

[@richardparsons7012]

Thanks for sharing. What was the final cost? If you don't mind me asking. Will have a look at your videos using the machine too.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

In total with all shipping, handling and me going to pick it up from the port it was €7K

[@JonasTroyer]

This is a very helpful video! I’ve been looking at these and just realized there’s 11 NEW Chinese mini Excavators being sold at auction here in a few days in my state here in the USA. I think I’ll keep my eye on those instead of going your route with all the hassles you had.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

We have a guy that imports them into France but they are €2K more expensive than what I bought it for - understandable as he needs to make his profit. But I did bid on a couple before I bought mine and they were going for the same price as I paid for. It is worth having a go before importing.

[@JonasTroyer]

@@HomesteadingUncontained I like the idea of customizing the accessories to your needs and liking by custom ordering. But if I can get it and use it this spring yet instead of waiting three months, that’s worth something too. So I’ll probably just try to buy accessories individually if I can if I can get one of these at the auction.

[@aspillie]

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MACHINE GREAT VIDEO AWESOME INFO IM STILL WAITING ON ONE TO BE DELIVERED HOPEFULLY IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Keep us up dated - great to see this little machines going to new homes.

[@tridbant]

Having something shipped can be a minefield of expense. I had a item , one cubic metre, shipped to Sydney from Los Angeles . The item second hand and a good value including the shipping cost. Then the fun started. I got charged by Port Botany for the cubic meter. The receiving agent charged for paperwork. I had to pay an importer agent for import paperwork as a private individual can’t do that. Then I had to pay AQUIS to inspect the item for any dirt or bugs. At the end it doubled what it had cost me originally. I later had a item costing me 20 uk pound total ship to me. It cost me fees of $150 to clear it throw the receiving agent. Speaking to an AQUIS guy , he told if possible to ship by post as non of those fees apply.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I know it is a pain - just about to go through it all again, but hoping this time I have everything prepared.

[@lekago]

Thanks a lot for this video - very helpful!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@joelnickerson6739]

Hi Ian and Julie. That sounds like a lot of work to get a machine from China. At least you have it now.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It wasn’t so bad. In the winter we have the time so it was fun 😉

[@damirstanic1]

Hello, You get the paper just before Christmas but what date you get container in Le Havre or Marseille?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

We went and picked it up mid february I think. So it was quite a quick crossing.

[@damirstanic1]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Thank you ; )

[@GunnerAl9]

I don't remember you stating how long from order it to it was shipped and then how long shipping took? Here in the U.S., it could take a year to get here.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It about 5 weeks and that was over the holiday period. So order just before christmas and picked it up 1st week of feb. And that was due to me being away a week.

[@utubota5522]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I often wondered how the process would work out, buying from China. I saw the cost of the machine. How much did the shipping, insurance and other fees amount to?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

it was 7k in total with everything included.

[@h20bearboy65]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Is that Au $ ?

[@michealberry995]

H20Bear Boy I’m guessing it’s pound I think the labor’s would be about 40-50k au So this would be about 14k AU I’m guessing

[@spehropefhany]

@@h20bearboy65 he's talking Euros, so 10.5K AUD, of which 7.5K AUD was the machine and sea shipping, the rest is local fees and inevitable taxes.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@michealberry995 euros.

[@mar1video]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m planning on ordering something bulky from Alibaba and your video was very helpful.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching, lots more to come.

[@jerrybowen1635]

Love your sausages! Have 5 of my own.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

They are the best 👍🌭🌭

[@TF856]

Why was a large part of the screen blocked out during the unpacking?

[@bjrnclausen978]

Love your videos. What was the total price including everything?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

This was 2 years ago and the price was €7K in total. I think the actual cost of the machine has gone down and maybe the shipping also. You can get a final price quote from any of the companies - shipped direct to your door.

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

My goodness, you are up early! Hope the ride was enjoyable and SAFE! Great video my FRIENDS….Mrs. Betty and I bought a CHURCH for our retirement home…stop by sometime!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It was a dream journey thank you - we also watch your channel.

[@2012DIY]

if you need to lift weight by the excavator (arm), what is the maximum capacity can handle it? Thanks

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

A friend on another channel did this test with his - kzbin.info/door/yhbdSWwjygFO0KP3667bYg If I am facing straight forward then I can have a full bucket (80cm) of stone with no issues. Bit rocky when I start turning.

[@zerodarkthirty180]

when digging with these little things,, put the blade behind you for counterbalance support, coming from a pipeline operator 34 yrs experience, enjoy the smooth ride

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I am getting the feel of it now - swapping front to back depending on the grade etc. Thanks for commenting.

[@lawrencedavis801]

WHAT WAS THE TOTAL TIME FROM WHEN YOU OREDERED IT TO WHEN YOU PICKED IT UP? ALSO THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I was lucky, I think. I ordered end of December (2021) and it arrived at my local port at the end of January and I picked it up the 1st week of February. All depends on available ships etc and a 2nd order for a lawn mower took about 3 months as the ship was delayed several times.

[@ronaldvorenhout3144]

Goodmorning Ian, looks verf Nice. I’m looking alsow for this machine, can you tel me the time between the order and the delivery? I live in central Portugal on a small farm. Thanks, Ronald

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

So when I bought it at the beginning of the year it took only 6 weeks from purchase to delivery but a more recent purchase (the RC Mower) took over 4 months. I think it is just luck on which ship it goes on but you can track the movement everyday to see the progress. Good luck 👍🏻

[@alessandroiaccino1331]

Hello and many compliments for your channel guys! Just a question about shipment. Did the chinese company shipped trough a dedicated container (only your machine inside) or used the LCL formula where basically a huge container is shared with many other goods/buyers? I'm asking this because LCL is not admitted here in the port near my city in Italy. Thanks in advance.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am sure it came in a shared container and they actually show the packing arrangements on their website. The last shipment I had from them (my mini skid steer) was direct to door delivery so I did not get included at all during the process, other than signing a form from the customs people. No extra charges were paid - this is probably the best way forward.

[@BC5391]

Thank you, you have my head spinning, I thought those prices were too good to be true.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Just make sure you include taxes and local freight charges.

[@damianverspaandonk2920]

What accessoires have you taken at that supplier?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I got the 80cm grading bucket - the 20cm bucket and the auger. Wish I had got the thumb now too ☹️

[@damianverspaandonk2920]

@@HomesteadingUncontained ah perfect. I am looking at different suppliers, what was the total price for the mini excavator? And do you realy need the oil cooler?

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

The sausages are coming with us. Lol! We have 22 acres in America and are doing the same as you. I haven't gotten brave enough to order from Alibaba. the Importing fee's and freight forwarding from the Port of Los Angeles is too scary. I'm excited for you!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Timothy - I would have never bought from Alibaba but talked with a few others that had and that it was protected and secure. Yes, port fees are an unknown until it arrives.

[@oby-1607]

Watching your videos on this mini-excavator with great interest. Like you, I have researched used minis and they are way overpriced and God knows what wrong with them why they are for sale. I have an orchard which needs a smaller excavator to manoeuvre in and out of the trees (10 foot spacing by 14) and a machine like yours would be perfect. Looking forward to any more content you will show on your experiences and demonstrations of this machine.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am hoping it will be useful to me on my build and the homestead - even if it is just used to turn over the compost in my later years 🤣

[@Desertphile]

Thank you for this video.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

No problem at all 😀

[@sunso1991]

10:40 the workers are reciting the included items as they pack for record, bucket, auger, filter, tool box, ???? His accent is very heavy, i am native speaker and still dont understand the last part LOL

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Hahah, nice to know. Just waiting on another shipment from the same supplier. can't wait (ship is delayed though)

[@jollyjumps4845]

Thanks for posting this i am looking at doing a forklift and i am based in New Zealand i just bought a 20ft container of other goods arriving on jan 12 2023 i am using a reputable shipping company and my quoted cost was NZ$4500 tax-unloading etc i also did not want to pay alibaba our tax so i dealt directly with the company who gave me the wrong bank account number for the deposit but this was all sorted and i am paying the balance in a few days and the goods only took 3 weeks so will see how a forklift goes.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

If you can trust the company then it is worth going direct - I did this for the purchase of the remote controlled mower from the same company. It was easier and also cheaper for the money transfers. Hope yours works out well.

[@jollyjumps4845]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Hi guys all has gone well the forklift is finished they just sent me a video of my forklift finished they also added an option of adding side shift for us$200 which i did not hesitate to agree to. My shipping agents are now arranging pick up will let you know when it gets here but i must say the price is incredible keep up the good work love watching you .

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@jollyjumps4845 great news. Now it is the fun of tracking the shipping container. Use that number to track it all the way.

[@Shark_n_Shoot]

Can you get alibaba machinery shipped to your door? Or do you have to do the complicated seaport pickup?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

You can - you just ask the supplier to quote for direct delivery to your address. But in comparison, I paid $500 for shipping, insurance to the port. To have it delivered to my address would have cost $1800. It cost me a tank of gas and some motorway tolls, about $180. So I was happier to do that but I have a trailer - although you could rent a van or small truck too.

[@Shark_n_Shoot]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Thanks for the reply, Located in Australia so picking up from our seaport is a very complicated process.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@Shark_n_Shoot Check out kzbin.info - he has bought from an Australian importer so that may be an option.

[@michaeldonovan6076]

Ah just bought a Mini excavator from Rippa 1.2 ton with cab plus auga and concreat breaker plus a mini Dumper 1.2 ton shovel all in one all with tracks. Still on a slow boat from China but due in soon got to say can't weight,, better than hiring specially in rip off Ireland 🇮🇪

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

The 1.2 ton will be great. The bigger the better as they say 😀 The dumper would have been a good partner to the digger too. Let us know how it goes with them.

[@christinemurray1444]

So basically these things retail for under 3000€ and work okay? Brand name makes are in trouble in the smaller digger segment.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Well, they show €3000 but in the end they work out around €7000 with all the fees. I would say they are good for the homeowner or small build - it is working perfectly so far and I am hammering it now. Will update as the build progresses

[@BIGSTANK1983]

I'm gonna get one of these you guys have convinced me

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

haha, they are great and I am using it daily now

[@zensup1683]

Hello Nick and Julie, thanks for the effort and the time invested in the vids they're very informative and very well filmed. I just found you channel a few days ago and Im interested to investiagte an importation into Spain however Im concerned mainly about the shipping delays, backlogs, etc that were reading about everyday, any comment please??? Also i discovered that Alibaba now dont process orders with individuals, only registered companies, any way of circumventing that one??? Would value your guidance!!! Warmest Regards, John

[@q3inventions795]

Exactly same concerns here! Zen, lo conseguiste o aún estás en ello?

[@2009bokke]

Congratulations!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - we are still very happy with it. 😀

[@newworldPeace02]

Thanks you.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

👍🏻

[@GeorgeOu]

Did you get the original VAT returned to you, or were you forced to pay 2x for VAT?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, took about a month with the suppliers help but Alibaba gave me a full refund. It was more a paperwork exercise to prove I had paid it directly to the Customs people.

[@conaolaparaic1983]

Thanks for ur videos it was great I was thinking of ordering a boat off alibaba so did u have to double vat

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

With Alibaba you have to pay the vat up rent. But it depends on your customs people whether they believe that or not - so I had to pay it again but with the proof of payment, Alibaba refunded me the vat I originally paid. I just bought something else from my supplier and went directly tot them and not through alibaba so I did not pay vat so will pay it to my customs people when it arrives.

[@jahorton3548]

Very good video. Are you still happy with your digger. I also have a lot of area and this would be ideal. What was the total cost of the digger and shipping. I am in southern south. So I guess it would be a similar price.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Still happy but do need to put it to proper work (once I have my building permit in my hand) - Price breakdown is in the video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vdZZeLnLeKetk

[@kifayatyusuf4567]

Just one question if you don"t mind please did you send the money to the manufacturer or Alibaba

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

For the excavator we did it through Alibaba - once I could trust the supplier, I sent the the money directly for the lawn mower.

[@truthseekers77]

How long was the complete process..start to finish

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vdZZeLnLeKetk It took about 6 weeks from start to finish.

[@SpyderEV]

Hi there, I watched your video and decided to buy the same excavator. Can you tell me what you had to do regarding who was freight forwarder did they contact you. Mine is being delivered to varna bulgaria but I'm not sure what to do when it arrives. Any help would be great.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Great news - so on your Bill of Lading document they send to you there should be the name of the freight forwarder or the releasing agent. I contacted that person and asked if they could handle all of the import and forwarding tasks. You need to add around €1000 for all of this and then add your VAT. You can choose your own freight forwarder but I think once it has been shipped you are in the hands of the person it is being released to.

[@FreddieWhitner]

I want to buy a used excavator for my farm 4 to 5 ton with a hydraulic thumb also interested in other attachments in great and all in great condition condition

[@darrylmoscrop6963]

Hi Guys, I'm thinking of importing a Chinese mini digger into the UK. It is manufactured by Nicosail. I just wondered if it easy enough to obtain spares for Chinese mini diggers. Nicosail have said that many of the parts are interchangable with brands in the UK or are standardised parts but I'm not sure if this is true. I would very much appreciate your advice. Many thanks, Darryl

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

From what I see on mine, everything looks very standard. Metric threads and fittings. The supplier I used have any parts needed and have been very quick in replying. I think it is worth the risk compared to a very old 2nd hand unit from Europe.

[@darrylmoscrop6963]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Thank you for the information. Before I had seen your video I came to same conclusion as you about buying a second hand Kubota for example, you can spend at least £8000.00 and it would probably need some repairs and have at least 5000 hours on the clock. Unfortunately there are also lots of rogues selling second hand diggers in the UK and the dealers always add VAT which makes them even more expensive for not a lot in return. As you say it's probably worth taking a chance because more and more people are buying these Chinese diggers now especially for home projects. Good luck with your project and thank you for your advice. Best regards, Darryl.

[@drcornelius8275]

So how much was it all in?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Check this video out. It has the full breakdown of the costs. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vdZZeLnLeKetk

[@sunso1991]

wow $5000 EU for a brand new mini excavator?! my local tool rental place was trying to sell their second hand beat up one for $12,000 USD even renting these cost me $700 per week.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That was my experience, I could have bought a 15 year old Kubota for 14K then spent another 3K repairing it. I could by 3 of these little mini diggers for that.

[@realitiskateRO]

how many days did it take from the first day of order to get to france?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I ordered in December and got it beginning of February - see this video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vdZZeLnLeKetk

[@rusty6049]

Hi Ian, hugely informative series of videos, thanks. We live a few hours north of you (nr Perigueux) and I'm close to importing a mini digger similar to yours from China, possibly from the same manufacturer. Did you settle on a freight forwarder you felt confident enough to use again? Would you be comfortable to share a name? Perhaps not the ideal time to be shipping goods around the world given various crises, but cant keep putting it off. Best of luck with your ongoing projects. Hopefully the construction of our own 'atelier' will start this summer! regards, Rowland

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Hi Rowland - do a search for Concept in Freight - I have used them 3 times now and after getting used to them they seem OK. Nuoman are supposed to be visiting me next week.... I will believe when thy arrive 🤣 but we are happy with their machines.

[@rusty6049]

Many thanks Ian, much appreciated - I'll check them out. Hope it warms up before your Nuoman visit, it's absolutely freezing here!

[@vickisdebomb]

Hi just wondering if your still feeling good about your purchase? We are just looking at purchasing from the same supplier, shipping to Canada?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Hi there and thanks for watching. I have now done two small jobs with the mini digger. Post hole digging with the auger and a deep test hole for a septic tank inspection. Both went perfectly and the machine is doing really well. Just the driver needs more practise which I will get when building my house with it. It is a little juddery but I will get used to its qwerks over time..Make sure you look into the VAT as Alibaba make you pay upfront - I am still trying to get a refund from them as I had to pay again when it arrived in France...the customs did not trust that it had already been paid. (you can only get the VAT receipt from Alibaba once you have clicked on received goods) any questions just let me know.

[@vickisdebomb]

Hi! So my excavator gets shipped on the 25th. I know what ship as it was in the documents that were sent to me but I’m not clear on what container it is in. Did it show on your paperwork that was sent to you from the company. We bought from the same company.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@vickisdebomb Hi there. Yes it should be on your Bill of laiding. It will be a TLC number or similar. That is what I used to track.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@vickisdebomb any luck finding it.

[@Lethalinjec]

​@@vickisdebomb hey, how did it turn out? I'm in Canada as well (West coast) and am thinking of getting one. They're available here for 11000Cad from importers and another 3000 for implements so I figure it might be worth importing myself

[@gringosoho]

Hello, I enjoy watching the videos, I have one question, is shipping included in the price, did you have to pay extra for shipping when you received the excavator?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Shipping is included but the Taxes and Forwarding fees are not - so add in another €1000 for freight forwarder (they make this price up I think) and then another €1000 for local taxes (ours of 20%)

[@maximecostagliola4805]

Bonjour combient avez vous payez de frait de port est de tva ?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

environ €2000

[@j.4941]

Thanks fro sharing his! I'm wondering about the huge price difference for the upgrade to the other engine (Koop -> Kubota). Did you find out why that's such a price difference? Does it have more power or is there really such a significant difference in quality? I mean, that difference is alomst as much as the complete machine, how bad can the ceaper engine be if the better one almost doubles the price?!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It has a lot more power plus water cooling and 3 cylinder diesel - a proper engine, compared to the koop which is really a lawnmower engine - I will keep an eye out for a 2nd hand kubota motor and see what I can do in the future but for now I am happy with the koop

[@j.4941]

@@HomesteadingUncontained I see - I forgot this is a china product, so of course their default engine for a mini dredger is a lwanmower motor :-) Thanks! Have fun with the cute thing; I envy you :-) Not enough space in the garden here to justify it enven though it *might* have helped with our 3 week-long-manually-removing-tree-stumps from where the greenhouse foundations will go-project.

[@vistron888]

Did you get your VAT back in the end? I'm in the UK and send to Europe and many of the customs people can be a real pain. Even when you're being polite they can be really awkward and get very personal. Admittedly France has been fine.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes I got the VAT back, although Alibaba changed their procedures just when I finished requesting it which would have meant starting the whole process again - so the supplier I used took over and dealt with Alibaba directly and it was refunded in full into my bank account. It is easier dealing with the Chineses than it is with the French customs 🤣

[@UndergroundLiving]

So was that 30% down payment and the rest after shipment or delivery?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It should be on delivery, but I was delayed by the freight forwarder so they took it on the60 days limit - it was fine as I knew it had arrived (although no time to check it out)

[@jme007]

Thanks for sharing this. Are the spares available in Europe? I've had a quick Google but could not find anything.b

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is just a machine - I will find spares or fabricate them. Change out the broke for a more standard part. It is all doable for sure.

[@skymancando8806]

The problem with these units are downstream communication for parts, no standardised build system....so 10 of the machines over time have pumps and other items by 10 different suppliers. no proper parts listing document or manual, no reliable ordering system. I'd love to get one of these......but I know enough people with multiple different brands that worked well when they did; then broke down for some minor part and has remained just sitting there. The price may be good short term and if it survives your building Stage....GREAT.....but the latter years part......I doubt it. Build quickly with it and plan to buy a recognised unit to stand up long-term.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Totally understand but from what I can see, I will be able to swap chunks of it out when the time comes and replace with standard parts. I am pretty handy with mechanics so I should be able to keep it going. 😀

[@skymancando8806]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Once you're hands on and could "MacGyver" stuff....you should be okay. It's just so much cheaper to use the Chinese stuff to get up and running. I usually accept from the onset that the unit has a short lifespan so write it off in the early stages of any given project.

[@erik_dk842]

What about ordering a set of spares at the time of purchase? I guess that would work out much cheaper

[@ndudman8]

Nice, I was looking at one of these as well but then found the french made MPT 82-1500 Sphinx... I was worried about the long term quality of the china made, although I know they've improved a lot over the years... although I've started to get great solar stuff from there which is imported and sold here anyway so possible to save alot of money buying direct. You didnt' get your solar system direct from chinna as well did you ?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I went and tried the sphinx at a local dealer but could only afford the tiny one which was not up to the job for me so took the risk on the Chinese option. Very happy so far. The solar, as you say, all came from china too but I bought from a French supplier at the time. Really good kit, just need more batteries 😀

[@ndudman8]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Glad to hear it, I'd be interested in the long term thoughts, perhaps I'd seen a few videos of people who'd gotten possibly the worst china made diggers and things were vibrating loose etc, and I'm not that good at fixing or finding parts for the things so didn't want to risk it :) I got 15kw of lifepo4 at a very reliable place on alibaba direct to door with no additional taxes great reviews by other people on diysolar groups if you want to try the contact. Message me if you do ?

[@grandwonder5858]

Just about all solar panels sold in the US are made in China! Including the ones used at the college I was attending! Don’t let people tell you Chinese solar panels aren’t good as even the highest quality ones are made in China! My school saves tens of thousands of dollars every year going from conventional power source to solar! And it’s great for the environment and provides our parking lots with roofs to park our cars under, awesome in the Summer months as it keeps our cars cool when they are parked there!

[@ndudman8]

@@grandwonder5858 Agreed, mine are, although I didn't get them direct, but would if I could get a few pallets at a time. Instead I got them gradually.

[@rhythmstic]

My mini-excavator (1300kgs) came without any exhaust so the cab filled up with fumes! Simple to cut a hole in the engine door to add a flexible pipe. They labelled the machine wrong so obviously as the exhaust was wrong they used a different chassis to what should have been used for that bigger size 14KW engine. They also forgot to include the forks with all the extra attachments I ordered so I got a refund instead but am still waiting for the UK Govt to refund the VAT. I also bought a scissor lift but from a different Co and it came without the rear wheel drive, which they said was my misunderstanding their quotation. So at least I have the forklift to drag it around my house. Had it for a couple of months not tried the lift yet. I also bought a tracked remote control lawn mower/scrub cutter which works great. Neither purchase was without problems, but the UK shipping agent was brilliant as were the UK delivery Co. They all came on the same lorry which was excellent. I hired a 2 ton forklift to get them all off the lorry onto my driveway in about half an hour. The helpful lorry driver telling me how to use the forklift lol. The overall quality of all the equipment actually seems ok. The people in China can't always be relied upon to get things right. Advice Check everything before confirming orders and make sure to check the bill of lading that all is being shipped.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I would be very interested in the tracked remote mower. I was looking at these as I have some very sloppy terrain. So far the only sang I have had with my machine is a missing grease nipple. Cheers for watching.

[@richpromediaproductions7050]

@@HomesteadingUncontainednow

[@mystereit73]

Did u get the double paid vat back?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, the supplier helped me with Alibaba and I got a full refund from Alibaba.

[@CB_ChaosLove]

So VAT was paid twice? - Seems like there would be many opportunities for things to be lost in translation English to Chinese to French

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

All the problems were on he French side with my freight forwarder - the supplier did all the work and got my VAT refund form Alibaba - my next chinese purchase is without VAT.

[@CB_ChaosLove]

@@HomesteadingUncontained oh phew 😮‍💨

[@paulvandermarck]

Hi Ian, just had a chat with Helen toe get one ourselves; to avoid double VAT what would be the way to do that or did you get VAT back in the end (at least 1 time of the twice you paid). And what was the company that got it out of customs/harbour to Marseille? CNO Logistics? Thx for yr help, paul

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Company I used (no choice) was Concept in Freight based in Le Havre - I am working with them at the moment on another shipment, but I bought this item directly from Helen (not Alibaba ) so she did not add the VAT - so I will pay only VAT on arrival. I did get the VAT refunded from the excavator from Alibaba but it took a while and an Attestation from my accountant proving I had paid VAT through the French system.

[@stevenlinnell]

Hello, based on your videos I bought an NME10pro mini excavator and have had many issues. Communication with the company is very difficult and takes a long time to get any sensible answers. Despite requesting a hydraulic oil cooler and anti roll cage, these were not fitted or supplied. It also arrived with a broken lug on the pump coupler housing. Over two moths later I still do not have confirmed details for shipping of the parts - just answers like 'I will let you know', or 'I will tell you' but never any details. They sent a 'manual' - not worth the time it took to download it! All in all, the machine looks ok but it is currently unuseable.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Hey Steven, who are you talking to at the company - I am also waiting for some parts information. I know they are swamped at the moment as they just had an order for 120 excavators, but for us current customers, that is not an excuse. Let me know who you contact is....👍🏻

[@stevenlinnell]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Initially it was Yolanda Li. She passed me to Giovanni Gio who dealt with the order. When the machine arrived he was my contact for issues. After a nmonth of procrastinating he left - apparently had family issues. A week or so later someone called Michael took over - still using Giovanni's message service on Ali Baba. He claimed he couldn't find the past conversations I had with Giovanni, so we went through the whole charade again. Current situation is that I am still waiting for parts - I have seen pictures of the parts so I know they are the right bits, but no shipping info, packing list etc. He claims that I should receive the parts by mid October but I am not confident.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@stevenlinnell I sent an email to my contact to nudge Giovanni into replying.

[@stevenlinnell]

@@HomesteadingUncontained I've received a couple of videos allegedly showing how to connect the cooler - I actually asked for a hydraulic/electrical diagram but for some reason they are unable to provide this. Does your cooler have a thermostat or is it manual only - i.e. an on/off switch on the dashboard?

[@dannyandrose]

That's interesting , Customs in France are just as crooked as they are in the U.S. . The ports of entry always extort money from the person picking up. Quite often the port won't let you pick up say on Friday , they're closed through the weekend here but they charge you a weekend storage fee on Monday . I drove an over the road truck for many years & have been through all of that when I picked up from the ports . They're extremely crooked . You're lucky you have a business number to use , but its even worse for common people to pick up , they're forced to use a broker that actually doesn't do anything , what so ever , except...... Rob the person picking up . What was final cost involved? I seen the initial $2,500++ purchase price , but how much after all the extortion fees ? Thanks for the vid ! Edit: Oohhh my goodness , I seen you answered my same question on another post .... Shocking price sticker ... $2.5k turned into $7k. ... Ba-Jesus ~~~

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, even though I had paid VAT they charged me again. The VAT was €1000 and all the local fees were €1000. The machine with shipping cost €5000. (I did get the VAT back from Alibaba)

[@anthonybrown2143]

What was the total cost mini digger and transportation

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It was €7K in total including shipping and taxes. (France)

[@Initial-Machinery]

Wow amazing 🎉

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@francescoattolino6217]

Ciao quanto costa il mini escavatore?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

€7K to the door including shipping and VAT.

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

Typical Broads be so very helpful. - Did you save money though?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

At the time yes, cheapest locally was around €9K - prices have come down a little now.

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Yeah I’m trying to buy a Mini Skid 3 pump system. Just under 6k locally.

[@mwyson4095]

Thanks for the info. I have been looking at buying a car lift from China and don't know how to go about the process of picking it up from the shipping yard. Is there a shipping company that would handle this entire process for me?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I was advised to go to a shipping handler in your own country and ask them to pick up the crate from the chinese port - you then get to know exactly how much it will cost. I paid $500 shipping from China but then had an unknown but expected €990 when it arrived in France.

[@michaeldonovan6076]

Phone a shipping company in your area get an agent,, normally when cargo is sent from China via manufacturer its about five to six days before you recieve documents, the shipping freight company you choose to use will keep you informed as they are only looking for customs exice and V.A.T plus if they can try it on try delay tactics for storage fees. The best way to get a good freight company is deal with your local freight forwarders in your area of location they will happily deal with all the logistics paperwork and delivery to your door from shipping company simple S A. B. C

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@michaeldonovan6076 I agree, next time I will take control of the shipping and organize my own freight forwarder.

[@espjason]

Bloomin birds

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

🐓 🤣

[@Bellthorian]

That thing looks like a hoot. I have a tiny yard and I told my wife I want one. She said why, I replied so I can dig holes in the backyard and fill them in lol.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

haha, everyone should have one, tell her you can also dry the clothes quickly ......on spin cycle 🤣

[@Bellthorian]

@@HomesteadingUncontained I saw your 1 year in video where you talked about how many nasty things people said. Most of the time, people just suck.

[@jjssbailey]

What was the shipping charges?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

The shipping charges were only $500 but you have to then pay the freight forwarding fees when it arrives in country and these were €1000 plus the VAT of €1000. So €7K in total.

[@petermuller608]

Could you go into details regarding the VAT issue? Did alibaba reimburse you?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I think it was a glitch - new rules came came in for January 2022. My unit was delivered Feb'22. Alibaba had to charge VAT as source (when you order). There is a ESOS number or something like that, which I give to the Customs guys and they look it up to see it is Alibaba and that they have charged me already. But the Customs guys had no clue about this and just said no. So I am VAT registered though my cycling business, I used that instead and registered as an importer - This allowed it through. I later spent a lot of time backwards and forward with Alibaba until the supplier stepped in and did it for me, they were great and I had the whole amount refunded to my credit car (about 4 weeks it took).

[@petermuller608]

@@HomesteadingUncontained thank you for the reply! It's great knowing this was resolved for you. A bit unhappy it took the vendor to step in instead of the market place. Nevertheless great hearing about a trustworthy vendor. I'm not in for an excavator but hat lawn mower robot sounds great 👍 Anyway stay healthy and thanks for the great content

[@johnnytoy5487]

How much for shipping and pickup

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It cost €1000 in handling fees at the port - I picked it up and it cost me around €100 in fuel and tolls

[@scottshepherd692]

I would like to by one but can't seam to do it I bought one in Feb and have not got it can't get any budy to e mail me back

[@michaelayeni177]

I would recommend a broker. Also make sure that the chinese dealer has trade assurance and who is reputable.

[@briansweeney2291]

That was epic not to expensive 👍 quick hitch would have been nice did it take a few weeks for the delivery

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, i did debate with myself on the quick hitch. But it does not take too long to change

[@jasoncheetham577]

nice job kids, giz a go

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

nope 😆

[@fookutube501]

Awesome!! All this on there chat message .Did you ever talk to Helen? and why was it ship to france and not London, Belgium or Netherland?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Spoke to Helen quite a lot - it was shipped to France because I live in France and I asked for it to be delivered to my closest port which was Marseille. They put it on a French ship too.

[@fookutube501]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Cheers for that,I'm new to your channel and I just realize that you live in France...Again love your videos.

[@FabioPereira-i1m]

Great video nick very informative ... I ordered mine to portugal but I am having a few issues with the CE certificates , they want 3 certificate s and I just have one witch is th CE one but they want a UE and a EU ... do you have any information that could help me?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I have only heard of CE certification - this covers all of Europe. I do not think UE or EU actually exist - see this below. Is CE and EU the same? The Conformité Européene (CE) Mark is defined as the European Union's (EU) mandatory conformity marking for regulating the goods sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1985. The CE marking represents a manufacturer's declaration that products comply with the EU's New Approach Directives.

[@FabioPereira-i1m]

@@HomesteadingUncontained hey nick I appreciated your advice mate ... They are not the same ,apparently the EU it's something about the combustion hazards and there's is also theUE witch ia something about electromagnetic devices that could interfere with communications ...soo yeah its really weird

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That should all be covered under the CE certification - all of these tests have to be done supposedly for that for any product to be sold in Europe. The other two may be for road vehicle usage where homologation is required, but this is not for the road.@@FabioPereira-i1m

[@wilhallman2890]

so what was your final total cost?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

In total it was €7K with shipping and taxes.

[@sswffg]

They're naming/counting each item to make sure it's in place.

[@cszulu2000]

How good is the unit and did you get your vat$ back?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, they sent the VAT back. I am very pleased with the machine. beyond my expectations for such a low cost excavator

[@tbjr8257]

How do you get parts if it breaks down?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

You can order them online or buy from a local store for the equivalent parts.

[@speterbilt]

I want one

[@Peter-b6e3x]

How many hectares/acres is your property?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

We have 3 acres in total for now.

[@justinjoyit13]

Did you, or are you trying to get the VAT back either from China or the French?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I got it back from Alibaba - it does says in the T&Cs that they will refund, but they expected. a lot of proof. Another guy commented that Alibaba should only be charging VAT on products below €150 - so I put that to them too. I would not pay it again at source - it confused the customs when it arrives.

[@gorillafilmmakernow]

How much was shipping?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Shipping was cheap and included in the $5K price. But it is the port fees that are expensive at €1k and then VAT at 20% so another €1k, total €7k

[@amaury84]

hello, I watched your video with interest, can you tell me the additional costs to add to the price paid on the alibba sales site, customs, transport?? very interesting your videos! Cordially

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

On freight forwarder (€1000) and VAT (€1000) so total €7000

[@Sasskin]

nicely explained.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you and thanks for watching ❤️

[@Atvsrawsome]

I would be worried about parts and the ability to find them here in the states.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I think you would buy one with a know motor like the Kubota, then you would be fine. There is a guy in California importing them and they have to be to their state code and he is doing well.

[@markmcnicholas9475]

Can you please tell us the price?!?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, it was €7K in total with all shipping, handling and taxes

[@markmcnicholas9475]

@@HomesteadingUncontained thanks for letting me know

[@alexandrufilipescu1301]

Are these things reliable?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is going strong and we are using it a lot at the moment - really useful and I am happy with the investment

[@alexandrufilipescu1301]

@@HomesteadingUncontained It's good to hear that, take care!

[@andypandy955]

Did you pay VAT or TVA twice?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I did but got the refund from Alibaba - I will not pay the VAT up front again.