Modern Vespa

Just wondering if anyone has ordered parts for your scooter from a European site? I want a top case for my LX 50 Vespa and see that SIP out of Germany has the original parts at a fraction of the cost if I bought them at the local dealership. Is there a catch? Am I going to be hit with huge customs duty? The order total is $196 which includes the top case, a luggage rack, and a leather backrest. FedEx shipping is $34.50. If I went to a dealer here in Michigan, these parts alone would be $700 and that's without installation! If anyone has any knowledge of why I shouldn't use the SIP website or if I am being scammed, I'd sure appreciate it.
Pat

I have placed 2 orders from SIP over the years, no additional charges were added to my invoice

Chose the UPS option, FedEx does bill extra for Customs. Great customer service, had an issue with one of my orders and they ate the cost and made it right. And with airfreight transit time is about same as from a US vendor.

No, SIP is great, purchased a rear top box for my 250 GTS at about half the price as in the USA. I think shipping was like $40 so it is much cheaper. Now, getting it can be slow. It took about 6 weeks, The said they were not always in stock and had to order them too. Still like now it was going into the off season, well it's getting cold here so it was no big deal. I thought they forgot but they did respond to emails and/or phone calls and were very nice, just slow. Bottom line it did show up and was the same one can get in the USA but about $200 cheaper.

Wow, thanks everyone! I placed my order Thursday and look forward to receiving it. Everything was in stock and I chose UPS so I should have the parts some time soon. Will keep you posted.

SIP is a great shop, owned and run by quite a bunch of scooter maniacs. If you have any question, just e-mail or phone them, they'll assist anyone in many different languages.