MASTERMIND YOUR MOVE
So you have found the perfect holiday (or permanent) home in Israel, the offer has been accepted and is now in process with the lawyers until completion. Let the fun of retail therapy begin! When embarking on the important task of furnishing a home in Israel, it is imperative to do your research and to stick to realistic budgets. While we would all love to spend on beautiful brands and top design, it can come at a hefty price and so spending your hard-earned money to complete this project will need proper planning.
A lot has to do with spending power and for the past few years, the shekel has got much stronger against the pound, which means that prices of goods in Israel are increasingly expensive. Furthermore, as most retailers import manufactured items from the Far East and Europe, the import duties and required profit margins only add to the gulf in costs. Moreover, stock levels in Israel tend to be fairly low when it comes to furniture, so you may need to wait between 14 and 16 weeks for certain products to arrive.
In case you are worried about warranties of electrical products shipped from the UK to Israel, there are tailored marine insurance policies which offer peace of mind, by enabling you to cover “pairs and sets” and “mechanical and electrical derangement” at no additional cost.
For instance, under the “pairs/sets” provision, if you were to purchase a tea service or a set of Pesach dishes and one item arrived damaged, then the whole set would be covered by insurance. Likewise if you were to purchase a television or microwave (for example) and when it arrived in Israel, it had no signs of external damage but did not work when plugged in, then the optional extra “electrical derangement” insurance covers the client at no extra fee. If this option is not taken, most normal marine insurance policies will not cover against this defect.
There are many reasons why clients prefer to buy their furnishings in the UK and then ship them out. Here are some benefits cited by our clients.
1. CONVENIENCE
They already know the purchase process, the quality of products and the customer service levels of UK retailers. To unpack everything in your Israel home and see everything you have ordered makes it all worthwhile.
2. QUALITY
If the quality of products in the UK is good, why not buy them in the UK? 3. BRAND FAMILIARITY
While many of the brands in Israel may be good, they may also be unfamiliar to you — and for this reason it’s hard for you to know if they are value for money.
4. SAVES HASSLE
To buy products in Israel means that you will need to take a trip over there first, so this will only add to the costs.
5. CHEAPER TO SHIP FROM UK
UK items and ship them over to Israel — so it really is a no-brainer.
6. VAT REFUND
For all items that are delivered into our warehouse and subject to the agreement from the retailer, you are eligible to purchase with the return of 20 per cent VAT once shipped.
7. EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS
While recommendations are always the best option, it is important to check the shipping company you plan to use. Are its credentials real and what consumer protection is offered? We are happy to assist with enquiries as well as provide a list of suppliers who may help with the purchase process and VAT reclaims.
With more than 15 years of quality shipping services, Global Relocations is based in London NW4 and is a specialist shipper of personal effects and fine arts to and from Israel. It provides a packing, shipping and storage service with useful advice as well as a calm approach for clients when dealing with relocating life overseas.
Global Relocations is a validated member of the International Association of Movers (IAM). Ben Scheiner serves on the board of IAM and has been in the industry since 1998. Clients include families, business professionals, footballers and diplomats as well as hundreds of olim and returning residents. 020 8359 1207 ben@globalrelocations.co.uk