Shipping into Aus?

BladeRider · 05-08-2005, 10:53 AM

Hi All

Off topic question for the Aussies.

Anyone ever order anything international into Aus? Did it make it in alright? I ask because I'm thinking of placing an order for about 600-700 USD, the same stuff (not motorcycle related) would cost me at least 50% more here. Anyone have a package held at customs, what was the hit to get it through?

Thanks

matt232 · 05-08-2005, 1:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BladeRider

Hi All

Off topic question for the Aussies.

Anyone ever order anything international into Aus? Did it make it in alright? I ask because I'm thinking of placing an order for about 600-700 USD, the same stuff (not motorcycle related) would cost me at least 50% more here. Anyone have a package held at customs, what was the hit to get it through?

Thanks

I bought some Kingston memory for my laptop about 18months ago. It worked out to be about 75% of getting it from a computer shop locally.

Kingston delivery costs with DHL covered the costs of getting it to customs at our end and then I had to foot the bill for customs and DHL hit me up for $70 to delivery it from customs to my door step. Taking a $AU200 purchase to $340 and way more expensive than I would have got it locally.

Make sure the delivery costs will get the delivery to your door otherwise you are going to be paying **** loads for it.

the real kicker was about a week after it arrived, I found the same memory with a new local supplier I took onboard for cheaper than buying direct from Kingston.

BladeRider · 05-08-2005, 2:01 PM

It's a bunch of outdoor gear, backpack and lightweight tent etc... for a week hiking in NZ. The site will list the cost to get it here but understandably they won't guarantee anything with customs. For example the backpack I want is about 500 Aus here, and 199 USD plus 40 bucks shipped from the US, with the exchange rate the way it is today I think the price locally here is a serious ass rape.

nomad · 05-08-2005, 4:17 PM

Have you checked out http://mec.ca ? If you see anything you like here, let me know and I can pick it up and ship it for you. They're just down the street and tend to have better prices than some places. We also have a store called Europe Bound that'll beat any MEC prices if you go talk to them... The owner of our local store works the cash and negotiates on everything. *shrug* Sorry, the web site is shiet but I can look for specific products if you want.

BladeRider · 05-08-2005, 5:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad

Have you checked out http://mec.ca ? If you see anything you like here, let me know and I can pick it up and ship it for you. They're just down the street and tend to have better prices than some places. We also have a store called Europe Bound that'll beat any MEC prices if you go talk to them... The owner of our local store works the cash and negotiates on everything. *shrug* Sorry, the web site is shiet but I can look for specific products if you want.

Thanks Nomad you rock for the offer

Since I moved from the US I have plenty of people that will reship for me but I thought any package of value might get checked

Maybe I am overlooking a valuable resource

RPinOZ · 05-08-2005, 8:38 PM

If you get your import sent by post(USPS) the threshhold for duty is AUD$1000. If you use a courier (DHL, UPS etc) the threshhold is AUD$250.
Check this site out.

FuTAnT · 05-08-2005, 9:31 PM

USPS can still work as DHL, Fedex, UPS etc though too, if it's a priority worldwide shipping or something. Basically it gets here in about 4 days, and you'll be hit just like the others. The best thing is that you only pay taxes and duties (if they apply), but don't get hit with the clearance fee, so it's still a fair wack cheaper.

In reply to your original question, if you get it USPS snail mail, and wait a few weeks, if the goods are less than $1000 AUD it'l come in for zip. If you're worried, perhaps get them to split the package and ship two parcels. I find a quick phone call sorts these problems out. It only cost a few bucks now to call the states, so it really helps if you've got any questions.

I'd say go for it, then spend the money you saved on some hard earned beer.

BladeRider · 05-08-2005, 10:11 PM

Thanks guys I will call today and tell them to ship via USPS, I'll see how that works out.

The Sook · 05-09-2005, 3:52 AM

It just depends. I got one of CE's ex Castrol race suits and got stung HARD for it. Had to go pick it up etc etc. But the exhausts I bring in get delivered, and I do get hit 10% GST and 5% tax. Every now and then though, one slips through. I'd order it in bits and pieces if I were you. If it's big, they'll stop it for sure.

FuTAnT · 05-09-2005, 3:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sook

It just depends. I got one of CE's ex Castrol race suits and got stung HARD for it. Had to go pick it up etc etc. But the exhausts I bring in get delivered, and I do get hit 10% GST and 5% tax. Every now and then though, one slips through. I'd order it in bits and pieces if I were you. If it's big, they'll stop it for sure.

Just a question Trev, about GST. As you are the importer etc, and a business that then on sells the product, do you get to claim back the GST for your initial purchase, but then charge it on to the end product? Or does it get stung twice, once for you, then again for us when we buy it from you etc.

hokoyo · 05-09-2005, 9:46 AM

I have bought loads of stuff including ski jackets, pants, brake lines pcII etc. no duty was charged so saved about 40% on what the stuff sells for here.

Just bought some galfer pads for the cbr1000rr from the states, $50 plus $14 delivery to my door.

If you try and split up the parcel you will save on duty.

The Sook · 05-13-2005, 4:50 AM

Yeah works most of the time, but it ain't a 100% deal Hokoyo. I was getting some vitamins out of the U.S and after 4 times, the 5th got stopped and I paid a f'kin packet for it to get here. ha Bastards. But hey, if you know someone in baggage, it seems you can get KILO'S of Coke etc through, no drama's. Hahaha

GST I pay when it lands as well as 5% sales tax on exhausts. I claim that back when I do my tax, and I pass on the 10% tax I charge the customer for any sales, at the same time. It sux. Coz say I buy 10K worth of gear, I pay 1000 in GST. BUT, if I then sell the 10K worth for say $15K, I then PAY tax of $1363. So I buy it for $11K really, which I get 1 back, and then I sell it for 15K and pay $1363, which, looks like (at buy for $10K, sell for $15K) that I make about 50%, but I really only make 36%. (is this right? I'm crap at this sorta thing.) in which case I am actually paying 14% tax. Fukin arseholes. Haha