Import/shipping costs

matt · #1 04-05-2007, 10:46 AM

OK. I'm officially confused

Sorry to ask a question that I'm sure has been answered a few times before during the lifespan of this website.

I'm trying to work out what the final cost will be on getting an OTA over from the US and the more I read the more fuddle-headed I get

For the sake of the exercise, let's say I'm spending $2700AUS on this item.

Let's say shipping is going to cost around $500AUS.

So, when it lobs into Aus and it's at customs, do I end up paying 10% on the original $2700 or on a combined ($2700+$500) $3200??? That would add (10%) $320, bringing my total spend to $3520???

Seems a bit wrong to include the shipping cost in the value of the item, which in reality is $2700.

Have I got this right?

RB (Andrew) · #2 04-05-2007, 10:53 AM

They may even slog you more than 10% and I think they include shipping costs.
There will also be a lot of paper work to go through if you bring it in yourself.
If you get UPS to deliver it, they take care of all the customs PW for you but it will cost more.

matt · #3 04-05-2007, 10:56 AM

Cheers, RB.

I wish we weren't forced to look at this as an option, but I'm looking at a potential saving of over 1K on an item which is only valued at $2400US.

The mark-up and added costs on some stuff once it lands here is extraordinary.

RB (Andrew) · #4 04-05-2007, 10:59 AM

I hate it too but sometimes we have no choice but to buy OS.

Good luck.

I'd highly recommend using UPS if it's an option, even if it costs a bit more.
Some U.S. dealers insist on it actually.

casstony · #5 04-05-2007, 11:22 AM

I recall discussion here on IIS where items described as 'astronomical instrument' were free from some charge - i don't recall if it was GST or something else. Might be worth going through old posts.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #6 04-05-2007, 12:55 PM

Don't forget that your Overseas purchase may be excluded from any warranty claim depending on the product and retailer...

matt · #7 04-05-2007, 01:08 PM

Yes. That is true.

But at the moment I'm just concentrating on the initial outlay

GrahamL · #8 04-05-2007, 02:28 PM

Have you had a try in trade /wanted yet matt ?
Last year I had an item I had been hunting for a while pop up in buy /sell
about 10 minutes after I had sent payment OS .

matt · #9 04-05-2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightstalker

Have you had a try in trade /wanted yet matt ?
Last year I had an item I had been hunting for a while pop up in buy /sell
about 10 minutes after I had sent payment OS .

Hi Graham

Are you refering to IIS?

Historically I haven't had a great deal of luck with the 'Wanted' items I've placed here.

Just luck of the draw I s'pose and perhaps the sort of items I'm seeking....but enuff to make me look elsewhere

GrahamL · #10 04-05-2007, 02:52 PM

yes it was here matt
the next time I asked first and it worked out well .

matt · #11 05-05-2007, 02:03 PM

So, I've been given a quote on the OTA of interest of $2290US + shipping of $300US (UPS) for a total of $2590US.

That converts to about $3157AUS.

Anyone care to hazard a guess what the final cost will be after duties etc?

Thanks

[1ponders] (Paul) · #12 05-05-2007, 02:38 PM

I reacon between $4,290 and $4,320.

matt · #13 05-05-2007, 02:44 PM

You're kidding, right?

You're telling me duties will add about $1200AUS to the final price?

That's about 39% in duties.

That can't be right?

[1ponders] (Paul) · #14 05-05-2007, 03:21 PM

Duties will be around $50 (if at all for astrogear. The jury is still out on that one) and then add GST to the lot.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #15 05-05-2007, 03:24 PM

I bought a G11 from optcorp about 18mths ago and it was about $2200 US. By the time it got to my door it was just a tad under 5 grand (about $4750 from memory). It was about $450 US just for delivery but a G11 is a bit heavier than a scope

matt · #16 05-05-2007, 03:33 PM

Isn't GST only 10%?

10% of $3157=$315.70

That should bring the total to $3472.70

Even with $50 duties that should still be $3522.70

wavelandscott (Scott) · #17 05-05-2007, 04:13 PM

I can't speak about GST/Duty etc...

But don't also forget that...

Assuming that your credit card is an Australian Dollar denominated one that they will charge you a conversion fee of some kind (they may hide it in a poor exchange rate figure or it may be an additional fee)...

So you do yourself a disservice in calculating the cost if you use the "official" exchange rate...better to look at what Travelex (or similar) are using to calculate your AUD$ cost...

[1ponders] (Paul) · #18 05-05-2007, 04:21 PM

You may be right Matt. I wouldn't trust the calculator I was using either.

I used your 3157 as US not AUS...sorry

mill (Martin) · #19 05-05-2007, 04:26 PM

Import duty is calculated over the cost of the item.
Untill about $1500 you dont have to pay duty and after that you start to pay duty.
I had that when i imported swords from overseas.

matt · #20 05-05-2007, 04:46 PM

So, anyone care to hazard an educated guess on final cost?

I think I'm pretty close with the $3522.

But it might be a little less working off mill's claim?