Transparent Pricing: Let’s Talk

Transparent Pricing: Let’s Talk

RX Spray’s Approach to Fair Pricing and Customer Support

One of the biggest challenges when supplying imported products is ensuring fair pricing for the local market. We believe in taking an honest and transparent approach to help you make the most informed decision when considering a purchase.

Although we are entering the online and eCommerce marketplace for the first time with the impressive Porphis range of products, we have been trading in the automotive sector for over a decade. This experience has given us a deep understanding of the importance of exceptional customer service and the robust buyer protection laws in the UK—laws that, while sometimes costly for sellers, ultimately benefit customers by ensuring fair treatment and high standards.

To provide the best possible service, we have chosen to focus our online sales exclusively on the Porphis range of high-quality spray guns. This specialization allows us to stock all necessary replacement parts, gaskets, and accessories long into the future, ensuring that your purchase remains serviceable and does not become obsolete.

By committing to this approach, we aim to offer long-term support and reliability, giving our customers confidence in their investment.

Pricing

The Real Cost of Buying a Spray Gun from AliExpress: Hidden Fees & Risks

AliExpress is often seen as a budget-friendly marketplace for tools and equipment, but when it comes to buying a spray gun, is it really a bargain? In this post, we'll break down the real cost of purchasing a spray gun from AliExpress, including hidden charges, lack of consumer protection, and other risks you may not have considered.

  • Warranty / Returns
  • UK Distance Seller Responsibilities
  • Delivery / Courier
  • Wholesale Price
  • Shipping to the UK
  • Storage
  • Import Duty
  • VAT

As consumers ourselves, we appreciate that an item may appear on Alibaba / AliExpress like below:

Example: Spray Gun Listed at £226.35

At first glance, a professional-grade spray gun priced at £226.35 on AliExpress might seem like a great deal. But let's break down the actual cost:

1. Import Duty & VAT

  • The UK charges 20% VAT on imports over £135.
  • Import duty varies based on product classification but is typically around 2-6% for spray guns.
  • Estimated VAT: £226.35 × 20% = £45.27
  • Estimated Import Duty (5%): (£226.35 + £45.27) × 5% = £13.58
  • New Total Cost (so far): £226.35 + £45.27 + £13.58 = £285.20

2. Courier & Handling Fees

  • Some couriers charge a customs clearance or handling fee.
  • DHL, FedEx, and UPS typically charge £12-£20.
  • If Royal Mail/Parcelforce handles the customs charge, expect an additional £8-12.
  • New Total Cost (with handling): ~£297.20

3. Long Delivery Times

  • Unlike buying from a UK-based supplier, AliExpress shipping can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks.
  • If using cheaper shipping options, expect significant delays and possible customs hold-ups.
  • Some couriers charge additional storage fees if customs clearance takes too long.

4. No UK Distance Selling Protection

  • Under UK consumer laws, you have the right to a 14-day return period for online purchases from UK/EU retailers.
  • AliExpress sellers do not offer the same protections, meaning:
    • If the gun is faulty, you rely on the seller's goodwill.
    • Returns are often expensive, as you must cover international shipping.
    • Disputes can take months to resolve, and AliExpress may not rule in your favour.

5. Warranty & After-Sales Support Issues

  • Many AliExpress sellers do not provide warranties, or if they do, they require returning the gun to China.
  • If you experience a defect, repairs can be costly or impossible.
  • Unlike established UK retailers, AliExpress sellers often have poor or slow customer service.

Final Thoughts: Is It Really Worth It?

  • Original Price: £226.35
  • Final Cost After Taxes & Fees: ~£297.20
  • Long Delivery Times & Uncertain Returns
  • No Legal Protection or Warranty Support

For an extra £50-100, you could purchase the same spray gun from a UK-based retailer with:

✅ Fast delivery (1-3 days instead of weeks)

✅ Full warranty & after-sales support

✅ Legal protection under UK consumer law

✅ Hassle-free returns if the product is faulty

While AliExpress may look cheaper upfront, the hidden fees, lack of protection, and long wait times mean it often isn’t worth the risk. Always consider the full cost before making a purchase!

Conclusion

We believe that transparency in pricing allows you to make the most informed decision when choosing your spray equipment. As we establish ourselves in the UK market, you may notice price adjustments from time to time due to fluctuations in wholesale costs.

However, our primary goal remains unchanged: to provide exceptional UK-based support, ensuring that every RX Spray purchase comes with confidence and long-term assurance.

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