10 replies to this topic

[harryagain]

There has been various quotes regarding exchange rates and better purchasing in the US. It might be beneficial to list up some US based suppliers that are used and trusted.

Anyone to start?

[CLuTZ]

I'll start:


extremepsi
jnz tuning
import evolution


i'm sure we have a thread on this already

[JC evo1]

maperformance

[Evo-00x]

If you ask nicely some will even downgrade the invoice amount if you ask them to so you avoid customs, tariffs and GST etc for values over $1000AU including shipping!! lol
Remember, if the value of what you are buying INCLUDING shipping is over $1000AU, Aussie customs will hit you with a 10% tariff fee, 10% GST, Administration fee, you have to register as an importer and fill in shitloads of paperwork etc. I found out the hard way the first time I purchaed an entire bottom end kit, but now I stick to purchases under $950AU including shipping to be on the safe side of the exchange rate.

[THE411]

I also found out the hard way, with a bill of $571 in extra charges. Was certainly not happy that afternoon. I think the letter they send you to tell you that you are goin to be charged extra costs, is like $25 alone.

[MatS]

I also found out the hard way, with a bill of $571 in extra charges. Was certainly not happy that afternoon. I think the letter they send you to tell you that you are goin to be charged extra costs, is like $25 alone.

Ouch! never knew it got this high, what was the value of goods to get hit with that much in fees?

[Evo-00x]

Another lesson learned was bringing in a front bar from Malaysia via shipping freight (was quoted a cheaper price than air freight so thought why not - big mistake. That was the cost of the freight only.... read on).

To buy the bar was only $150AU. To have it shipped to Australia was around $300AU from memory. When it hit our shores I had to get a broker to do the paperwork. Then hit with fumigation charges, broker charges, admin charges, GST, fkn toilet paper charges you name it. It cost me more in fees to clear it through Australian beaurocratic bullshit than what it cost me to buy the item and ship it from Malaysia to Australia!

At the end of the day my $150AU front bar ended up costing $1350AU

Just goes to show how fukd up and expensive Australia is when it comes to importing items so its little wonder why our businesses charge what they do retail.

BE CAREFUL, AND PAY FOR A DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE PRE-DETERMINED BEFORE YOU BUY IT. DONT LEAVE ANYTHING TO CHANCE.

Since then, its been <$1000AU items only via EBay or shops that offer a Door to Door delivery service.

Edited by EVO-00X, 22 October 2009 - 03:12 AM.

[JC evo1]

so is there any way they can sting you if you buy an item over $1000 and you get them to write the value including shipping is under 1K? Any way they can prove the items are worth more than whats written?

[Missile]

so is there any way they can sting you if you buy an item over $1000 and you get them to write the value including shipping is under 1K? Any way they can prove the items are worth more than whats written?

Nope, Fee's etc. go on the amount invoiced (because in theory the amount invoiced should equal the amount paid). Unless you not doing something completely outrageous you wont run in to any issues.

The two places which I have dealt with have been more than happy to under invoice. I think by law you need to have an invoice attached to the outside of the box. This is checked and then passed. They have either e-mailed me the correct invoice, or had the correct invoice inside the box.

[runuts]

Just remember, you can only insure it for the declared value. Some parts are worth reducing it, others are not.

[ozyvr4]

+1
extremepsi
maperformance