Q I need 220 volt (50 cycle) appliances for use outside the United States, do you sell them?
A Yes, that is exactly what we sell! We are a specialized company selling 220 volt (50 cycle) electrical appliances for use overseas. We sell to those individuals who will be moving to a country where 220 volt (50 cycle) is required. We also sell to those individuals who intend to visit friends or relatives overseas. Selling 220 volt appliances is our only business.
A Most every kind of electrical appliance you may need and all the name brands you know and trust. In addition to the items shown here, we have over 500 other items to choose from.
Q Why would I want to purchase 220 volt appliances in the United States for overseas?
A Extraordinary savings, an extensive line of name brand quality products often unavailable overseas and convenient telephone or catalogue shopping. Simply contact us and we will be glad to help you with any of your appliance needs.
Q How much can I save if I purchase it here and bring it back with me?
A Many of our products sell for 200% or more overseas! Taxes, tariffs, exclusive distributorships, monetary fluctuations, lack of competition and other factors drive the overseas costs up. We are confident that we can save you a significant amount of money.
Q Can any of these appliances be used in the United States?
A Yes, although primarily designed for use overseas, a few of our appliances are factory designed to operate in dual voltages and will work here in the United States.
Q Are these appliances really 220 volt or are they converted with a transformer?
A The overwhelming majority of appliances we sell are factory designed and built to operate on 220 volt 50 cycle.
Q Can I take my "American 110 volt" appliances with me and use a transformer?
A That will depend upon the particular appliance. Some appliances will operate properly with a transformer, many will not. Transformers can change the voltage from 220 volt to 110 volt (called a step-down transformer) or can change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts (called a step-up transformer). However, transformers do not convert the cycles from 60 cycles to 50 cycles (cycles are also know as Hertz or Hz.). In the United States our electrical supply is 110 volts 60 cycles. Most overseas countries use 220 volt 50 cycles. Using a transformer improperly on certain appliances may be dangerous, it may cause the appliance to malfunction or may significantly decrease the life expectancy of the appliance. We recommend that you call us and discuss this with us before using a transformer on any appliance.
Q Do you have a catalogue of products that I can view?
A Yes, and they are absolutely free! We would be glad to send you a complete set of our full color catalogues. Our catalogues give you full color pictures of every item, a helpful description of each item and other information such as size, weight and technical specification of many of the items. We will also send a price list along with each catalogue. You can request the catalogues by telephone, fax or by e-mail. We are happy to send the catalogues anywhere in the world.
Q How would I place an order if I am interested in a product?
A You have several choices. The easiest method is to call our toll free number, 1-800-327-1758 and speak with one of our salespeople. (If you are calling from outside the United States you may need to call our direct telephone number 516-254-4102). We can give you product suggestions, specifications and comparisons if that is what you need. We will give you all of the shipping options, discuss the shipping time and answer any questions you may have to be sure that you get the appliance that you want and need. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New York time.
Of course if you would prefer you can ask any questions by leaving an e-mail with us here.
Q What about shipping, how and where do we ship?
A Basically, we can ship just about anything anywhere in the world. A lot will depend upon what type of appliance(s) you want, where you want to take delivery and how fast you need them delivered.
For example, if you are taking delivery of these appliances in the United States, depending upon what appliances you want and where you are, we can have the appliances shipped directly to you (or your shipping company) by truck or by U.P.S. The method of delivery will depend upon the weight and size of the appliance order. We always quote you a shipping price in advance so you know the exact costs including delivery.
If you want delivery of appliances directly overseas we have several international shipping companies which we regularly deal with and we would be happy to give you a quote for shipping to foreign countries. We can give you a price to ship it to the nearest seaport or we can give you a "door to door" price quote.
We can send small packages overseas using U.P.S. or other international shipping company. We can also send some small appliances through the United States Postal Service. This is very helpful for those individuals who are in the Armed Services or other U.S. Government employ and take delivery at APO addresses.
Q What options do I have to pay for my appliances?
A For individuals looking to purchase for themselves we accept most major credit cards. If you would like, we also accept personal checks, cashier or bank checks and postal money orders. (You must allow sufficient time for personal checks to clear before the appliance would be shipped.)
For Government Employees we accept United States Government Purchase Orders.
For businesses and corporations, we will consider Invoicing upon proper credit approval.
Q How long does it take to get the appliance?
A Most appliances are shipped the day you place the order. Therefore, if you are taking delivery in the United States you will have them within a few days. However it is always better to allow more time. Realistically, we suggest that you call us several weeks before you are considering placing an order to discuss availability of the product and shipping options and timetables to insure that you receive the appliance on time.
If you are taking delivery overseas the average shipping time is 4 to 6 weeks if the appliance is being shipped on the ocean. Naturally air shipments will take considerably less time.
Q Do you have a showroom where I can look at these appliances?
A No, but that doesnt mean that you can see the product for yourself before you purchase it! Because we sell only name brand appliances such as General Electric, Braun, Rowenta, Skil tool, and other name brands, you may be able to view the equivalent 110 volt model in your home town local appliance store. For example, we sell the same 27 cubic foot, side by side refrigerator that you see in your local appliance store, except our model is factory designed and built to operate on 220 volt 50 cycles. The same goes for our small appliance such as our Skil tools, Braun coffee makers or Kitchen Aid mixers. Once you have our full color catalogue you will see a picture and have a full description of every appliance.
Q Will my television and VCR work overseas?
A No, probably not. Different country have different "Broadcast Systems" and most "American style" televisions will not receive the foreign "Broadcast Systems". In the United States we use a broadcast system called "NTSC", most foreign countries uses either "PAL" or "SECAM". You must have the proper system to receive and view broadcast or cable television.
Q Does this mean I have to purchase a special television just for that country?
A No, we sell so called "Multi-System" televisions. These televisions will work virtually anywhere in the world. They are dual voltage (110 or 220 volts) and receive all three major broadcast signals (NTSC, PAL, SECAM). You can use these televisions here in the United States and in most every county in the world.
Q What about my "American VCR" will that work overseas?
A The answer will depend upon what type of television you will be connecting the VCR into. Most "American VCRs" will not work in conjunction with a PAL or SECAM television. Our "American VCRs" will work in conjunction with a Multi-System television.
Q I have lots of "American tape" and movies I want to bring overseas, what will I need to watch these tapes?
A You have a few choices here. Most people have a collection of tapes which they want to be able to watch while overseas (especially those Disney tapes for the children). We sell Multi-System VCRs which will allow you to view "American style" (NTSC) tapes on any television. These Multi-System VCRs are also dual voltage (110-220 volt) and can work in conjunction with an "American style" (NTSC) television, and it can work overseas in conjunction with a PAL or a SECAM television. You can use these Multi-System VCRs right here in the United States in conjunction with your "American style" television.
Q I am confused with all of this television and VCR stuff, what do I really need?
A This is probably most common question asked. The correct answer depends upon what you equipment already have, to what county are you relocating, do you plan on moving again in the next few years and will you be sending or receiving tapes back and forth to you relatives or your company. You may only need a "Multi-System" VCR or you may need a new television and VCR. The best solution to this problem is to call us and we would be happy to listen to your needs and we will explain the various options you have. There are other options which may save you hundreds of dollars, please feel free to call us and we would be happy to answer any questions which you may have.
Q How can I find out what "Broadcast System" is used where I am planning to go?
A Simple, just click here for a list of the "Broadcast Systems" throughout the world.
Q How can I find out what electric current is in a particular country?
A Simple, just click here for a list of "Electric Current" throughout the world.
Q Do I have to pay import taxes or duty when I take these appliances overseas?
A That will depend upon many factors such as what county you will be going to, your nationality, the value of the appliances and other factors. We suggest that you contact the office of the Consular and ask them if there is any import duty/taxes or tariffs which must be paid upon import. For a list of Consular Offices please click here.