QLD EOI: ECS Order over $1000.

[James Dean]

Hi all.

I maybe doing a large order through ECS very soon. The amount for the gear I am getting amounts to well over $1000 so i am seeing if anyone here is looking for anything? The only thing holding me back from ECS at the moment is the postage.

So if we can get a few people together, total doesn't matter, then we can get shipping down down down.

[h100vw]

You might save on shipping but attract duty on the shipment instead. Over a $1000 is the limit.

Gavin

[James Dean]

You might save on shipping but attract duty on the shipment instead. Over a $1000 is the limit.

Gavin

My order alone is $1600.

[PranK]

When buying over the internet

Imported goods with a value above A$1000

If your imported goods arrive in Australia by air cargo, sea cargo or by post and their value is above A$1000, in most cases, you will be required to make an Import Declaration and pay the calculated duty and taxes.

An Import Declaration is a statement made to Customs and Border Protection providing information about imported goods.

There is a Customs and Border Protection import processing charge for making an import declaration. Information on Customs and Border Protection fees and charges is available in Australian Customs Notice 2006/21.

For more information about import declarations see the fact sheet Import Declarations.

Imported goods may also require clearance from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). More information on AQIS requirements is available at Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service - DAFF

That being said, most cluey international sellers know about this and reduce the declaration value.

So, as said above, you might save on postage, but you'll attract other fees.

[dainese]

I dont think ECS undervalue their sale packages for customs purposes though

[PranK]

I dont think ECS undervalue their sale packages for customs purposes though

I wouldnt think so. They havent for me.

[Lito]

I just had to go through customs with my frankenturbo, paid $250 for a $1100 valued package. It's not cheap!

[walbjj]

this is why u order and send to relatives/ mates in the usa, and they forward it to u. u save money on shipping and also they can declare it as a gift.
do u have relos or mates?

[James Dean]

this is why u order and send to relatives/ mates in the usa, and they forward it to u. u save money on shipping and also they can declare it as a gift.
do u have relos or mates?

Actually yes, my sisters best friend lives over there. Would it actually be worth it? I guess Christmas is the time to do 'gifts'

[walbjj]

i guess u need to do the maths.
the cost of postage within the usa and the subsequent reposting to u in australia would be cheaper than the ecs postage to australia alone imo.
then factor in ur sisters friend being able to repackage and then declare the cost of goods sent and again, i think ur ahead.

[BrianS]

And if it gets lost in the post etc.

[walbjj]

...and if it gets lost in the post, then i guess the guy has ****ty luck. hopefully they have the common sense to ship it via ups where its tracked and they put some insurance on it for $995.
in all my years of buying overseas (ive been buying stuff on ebay since about 98, as well as stuff from overseas before that), and in all my years ive only ever lost 2 things, or rather 2 things never turned up. 1 of them, i think i just got plain scammed and they took my money and never sent (was a cd or something) and the other i got my money back as they tracked it and it got lost.

its the risk u take if u wanna save a few hundred bucks. he can always play it safe and buy locally, im not saying for him not to, im just saying that there are options out there if u want to try and get ahead a little.

[goodfella]

Having run several group buys through ECS, its pretty straight forward!

here's a basic calc for your importing costs factoring in Stamp Duty (5%) and GST (10%) :

If INV > 1000 AUD then:

TOTAL COST = [{(INV+SHIP) + (INV * 5%)} * 1.1] + FEES

Where:
INV = Cost of Ordered Items only
SHIP = Shipping (also referred to as T&I)
FEES = Customs Broker and Bank forex charges


NOTE: there is a free trade agreement of 0% Stamp Duty for items MANUFACTURED in USA, I believe GST does still take effect though.

I am not certified to give advice, this is purely on past experience