Whoops, somehow missed this reply. Sorry for responding late!
First, I can tell you that the shipping quote you got from Thingfarm UK isn't correct. I've talked with him on a number of occasions about shipping to North America, and his shipping charges can easily run triple or more what you were quoted. When I first contacted him for a kit, it was going to be ~$60 just for shipping.
Next, Thingfarm North America's prices have dropped, and will keep dropping. Not $36 (yet), but driving down prices is an ongoing process. Thingfarm North America has only been operating since February, so I'm still finding better deals all the time, and will keep adjusting prices downward as I can.
Please also consider that these are Metric parts being purchased here in North America. In Europe Metric parts are the only ones you can get, but here in North America you *can* find Metric parts, but not as cheaply as SAE parts (and in some cases, finding a stable supply can be tricky - ask me how I know). Being only $36 off the UK price, I think I'm doing pretty well in sourcing my parts thus far.
Either way, I hope you got the kit you want (either from me or from the UK).
As a further update to this thread, Mendel and Prusa kits are in stock, NEMA 17 stepper motors are in stock, Wade's Geared Extruder kits are in stock, and more parts will be added as the year goes on (hot end for Wade's, thick cut sheets, RP parts) and as demand dictates.
Andrew Netherton
Thingfarm North America
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thingfarm.org]