|
Wasyoungonce,
Thanks, I'm already at the stage where my new Tak has landed and is awaiting clearance. I have budgeted for the GST, and annoying as it is, its still cheaper than getting one here, plus there is no waiting list.
My Tetelescope arrived (via USPS of course!) and I was sent clearance forms forms in the mail. I charged up my eftpos, and headed out to the Gateway Postal Depot as I had done on previous occasions with camera gear.
This is where the hassle sets in.
Apparently you can no longer just rock-up at the depot, fill out the forms, pay for and collect your stuff.
It all has to be done on-line (lower or no fees) or through a Customs agent. Customs House and Gateway PO are about 1/2 a klick apart now, nobody answers the phones 'cuz they're too busy and it takes about an hour for a return e-mail.
Staff at both places were very helpful, and they wanted to give me my scope, but couldn't get everything sorted in time for closing.
This system has only been in place for about a year and everyone that works there hates it I'm told.
Its much more time-consuming for them and mistakes get made all the time. Previously (a year or so ago), it was all under one roof, and the customs guys just handed the post office guys the clearance forms and away you went with your toys.
If anyone has recent experience in clearing stuff the "new" way, I'd be very grateful to know of any pitfalls to watch out for.
Peter
|