I found some small parts I need for a French rifle. When I go and try to set up an account to pay at one company, the USA is not even on the list of countries to choose from. I found the part at a second company that I had already set up an account years ago. I logged in but a warning block appeared that stated, “country not found”.
Kinda shooting themselves in the foot, eh?
*I’ll show myself out…
France has wisely concluded that the last thing the US needs is more functional firearms.
This has been going on for some time, between many interactions across the pond. Many European companies have concluded selling to America is more trouble than it’s worth.
The last time I tried to buy gun parts from a US company I’ve dealt with for years, PayPal told me: “Additional fees may apply. You agree to pay [app. 2 x of what the goods + shipping were listed for]”. Good riddance. So, thanks, orange asswipe.
That has to be most, if not all, their exports cancelled. I can’t imagine there are many, or maybe any, countries other than the US that will allow a random private citizen to import weapons components from a foreign country.
The flip side of this is overseas sellers who WILL sell to the US but didn’t really know what they’re doing in terms of labeling and paperwork so the buyer winds up with a big customs bill on receipt.
UPDATE:
A company rep emailed me and explained that the USA was not listed in their automated ordering system but he could manually place the order for me. He did so and even gave me a 15% discount.
Good customer service there…
I can’t say how things run in your neck of the woods, but if there’s a survey or chance to write in a nice letter about your experience to management, it would be worth it for that level of help.