U.S. vs Multisupps (EU) – Where’s the Cheapest Place to Grab G FUEL and GamerSupps?

When purchasing products from an EU store like Multisupps that imports goods from abroad, prices may sometimes seem high compared to foreign stores. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it's cheaper to buy the same product from abroad—often, the opposite is true.

We provide a calculation at the end of this article showing the price difference between shopping abroad versus in our store in the EU, but first, let's explain what is involved in purchases from outside of the EU.

Foreign stores display a sales price that doesn’t account for several costs that arise during payment and when the goods arrive in the EU. These are costs that EU stores like Multisupps cover upon import, which is why prices in EU stores might seem higher. However, the total cost is often lower and more predictable because you avoid hidden fees that come with purchasing from abroad. Several factors can make shopping from abroad expensive when living in the EU. These should be considered when thinking about shopping from foreign stores:

• Exchange rates and currency conversion
• Customs duties and taxes (VAT)
• Shipping and delivery time
• Returns and complaints

Exchange rates and currency conversion
This applies to all countries within the EU, though in this article, we use Swedish krona (SEK) as an example. Exchange rates and fees will differ depending on the specific currency of your country, but the principle remains the same.

When shopping from foreign online stores, you usually have to pay in the currency of that country. Currency conversion fees and exchange rates will affect the final price you pay. This article was written on September 11, 2024, and right now, certain currencies (e.g., SEK) are weak. Currently, 1 USD equals 10.35 SEK. A weak SEK means you'll pay more per dollar than when the SEK is stronger. In addition, you'll have to pay the fee for the currency exchange itself, which varies between banks.

Referring to information from the G FUEL homepage:
Orders are processed in U.S. Dollars. Once payment is processed by your local bank, the charge is converted into your local currency. We also have a currency converter available, so be sure to check it out!

Customs duties and taxes
Import duties in the EU vary depending on factors like the type of goods, their value, and the country of origin. If we focus on "foodstuffs," such as food, candy, soft drinks, health products, protein powder, spices, or tea, you’ll have to pay value-added tax (VAT), potential special taxes, and customs fees when buying these products online. These fees are imposed when the goods arrive at the EU border. In practice, the shipping company calculates and advances the fees on your behalf based on the package and content information provided by the sender. The shipping company may also charge a fee for this service. Foods incur a 15% VAT, which is part of the fee you must pay when the goods arrive in the EU.

Referring to information from the G FUEL homepage:
Note: You, as a customer, are responsible for paying any applicable taxes or duties that may apply.

Shipping and delivery time
When shopping from foreign stores, you should expect high shipping costs and potentially long delivery times. Items may encounter issues during transport, as there are often multiple stages before the package reaches the EU and eventually to your home. In the EU, the goods must clear customs, where additional fees are applied.

Returns and complaints
If you buy something from abroad and wish to return it, return shipping and potential customs handling can be expensive.

When shopping abroad, it's important to note that you're not protected by:

• The Consumer Purchase Act, which gives you rights related to product defects, complaints, and returns, as well as compensation or price reductions.
• The Right of Withdrawal Act, which gives you the right to cancel purchases made remotely, including online shopping. Normally, you can cancel within 14 days of receiving the item, with certain exceptions in EU stores.
• The Marketing Control Act, which regulates advertising and protects you from misleading or unfair marketing. The law ensures you get accurate and clear information about the product or service you purchase.

Let’s look at what actually pays off
We’ll compare the purchase of a G FUEL tub from abroad with our EU store. In G FUEL’s store, a tub costs $35.99, which, with today’s exchange rate, equals SEK 373. We’ll use a standard bank credit card as an example, which has a currency conversion fee of 1.75%, resulting in a transaction cost of NOK 7. Then come customs and taxes for this product category, including 12% VAT, a 12.5% customs duty, and a customs handling fee, which is usually SEK 149 for simplified customs (for goods valued between SEK 350 and SEK 3,000). In addition, shipping costs $25.57, which equals SEK 264.5.

Here's the final calculation for purchasing a tub from abroad:

So, you can expect to pay nearly 900 SEK in total, with a very long delivery time, for a G FUEL tub when buying from abroad.

In comparison, you can get a tub from us for SEK 448 + half the shipping cost or free shipping, with delivery in 1-3 days. We try to keep our prices as low as possible, but our prices are also affected by factors such as exchange rates and the duties we pay when importing. This is so you don’t have to deal with these costs yourself. Even with the weak SEK, it’s still significantly cheaper and faster for you in the EU to shop with us. Additionally, you’re protected by the Consumer Purchase Act, the Right of Withdrawal Act, and the Marketing Control Act—a safer and more predictable purchase, in other words.

Wondering what tubs we currently have in stock? You can find them here.