Just wondering if anyone has any experience with purchasing parts from the USA and importing them.
Im looking at some PROFORM carby bits from the USA cause they are like 800 here or 440 aus to buy from the states. Thats the prices i found from JEGS anyway. It will only be a main body($99 us $300 here) base plate and metering blocks. ($54 ea us about $130 ea here)
Just wondering what taxes duties etc i need to pay on top of that and what sort of freight cost so i can work out if its worthwhile or not
On the other hand a complete PROFORM 650 dp carby is only $499us( 750 dp is same price and $1127 here)
Just wondering if its worth it or not cause it looks so much cheaper
Buying and importing parts from the USA
Started by
_Torana308_
, Mar 22 2006 10:59 PM
19 replies to this topic
#2
LS1LX
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 09:11 AM
Any parcel combined in total of $250 Aud, that total is with shipping insurance etc. is subject to $52.50 customs duty and 10% GST ontop of the new total.
eg a $300 item would now cost $352.50 plus 10 %, around $390 aud
eg a $300 item would now cost $352.50 plus 10 %, around $390 aud
#3
Tiny
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 09:12 AM
I belive Toranamatt69 is the man you want to speak to!
Also have a chat to seperf... i know that he buys a great deal from the US and sells his gear here at good prices... Look in the businesses secion on this forum for him he may be able to help!
good luck!
Also have a chat to seperf... i know that he buys a great deal from the US and sells his gear here at good prices... Look in the businesses secion on this forum for him he may be able to help!
good luck!
#4
_MAWLER_
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 09:26 AM
O.k, so if I was importing a British Racing Green 1969 Mustang Fastback...
I wish
Cheers,
I wish
Cheers,
#5
_Torana308_
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 07:42 PM
Does anyone know approximate shipping times and costs at all?
#6
_torana_
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 07:54 PM
I have done a heap of importing stuff from the states/world. My tip is do it!
Shops/Sellers make a huge markup on imported stuff. ( look at thosse dodgey shops selling balinese furntiture and african carvings ) Sometimes i have to pick the items up from the depot at sydney, but usually it gets sent to my local post office, so thats sweet.
In my opinion, Insurance is a load of crap, and is just another money spinner. Of the maybe over 30 bits of stuff ive bought from the states and around the world, nothing has ever gone missing or damaged, but australian quarantine has opened up a few parcels but have never had any issues or been questioned on the cost, they just want to check for bugs.
PS:If you really want to get sly ask the seller to claim the price in the states at something maybe half the price of what you paid and you pay less customs duty and tax
PPS:It takes from 9 days to two weeks to leave the states and clear customs in australia.
PPPS:ANother loophole which the postal guys in sydney told me about was There is a free trade embago for made in the USA gear that has Made in the USA stamped or stickered on it. Even if the gear doesnt come with a sticker or stamp get the seller to make one up and stick it onto it. Never tried it but look into it, could save yourself some more cash!
PPPPS:Shipping costs a bomb, ( espically for large bulky items ) but aussie sellers have calced that into their costs with fat on top, so you are still in front. A carby shouldnt be that expensive to send.
PM me if you want more info
Shops/Sellers make a huge markup on imported stuff. ( look at thosse dodgey shops selling balinese furntiture and african carvings ) Sometimes i have to pick the items up from the depot at sydney, but usually it gets sent to my local post office, so thats sweet.
In my opinion, Insurance is a load of crap, and is just another money spinner. Of the maybe over 30 bits of stuff ive bought from the states and around the world, nothing has ever gone missing or damaged, but australian quarantine has opened up a few parcels but have never had any issues or been questioned on the cost, they just want to check for bugs.
PS:If you really want to get sly ask the seller to claim the price in the states at something maybe half the price of what you paid and you pay less customs duty and tax
PPS:It takes from 9 days to two weeks to leave the states and clear customs in australia.
PPPS:ANother loophole which the postal guys in sydney told me about was There is a free trade embago for made in the USA gear that has Made in the USA stamped or stickered on it. Even if the gear doesnt come with a sticker or stamp get the seller to make one up and stick it onto it. Never tried it but look into it, could save yourself some more cash!
PPPPS:Shipping costs a bomb, ( espically for large bulky items ) but aussie sellers have calced that into their costs with fat on top, so you are still in front. A carby shouldnt be that expensive to send.
PM me if you want more info
Edited by torana, 23 March 2006 - 08:02 PM.
#7
Bazza
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 08:47 PM
Hi
Check with Australian Customs to confirm (I believe this info is still current) but if you import through the postal service, all goods (provided they are not prohibited) up to the value of AUD$1000 are allowed in with no customs, GST or any other charges.
Remember the goods have to be lodged (in the case of the USA) with the United States Postal Service so that it will be delivered by Australia Post. Don't try breaking up a large consignment into $1000 packages because the Customs Officers stationed at the Australia Post International Mail Centres will pick them up, combine the values and charge customs duty and GST accordingly. Goods from the same sender should be spread over a few days.
Arrival in Australia by any other method eg DHL Fedex etc etc means that the $250 limit will be invoked.
Check with Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263 or email to [email protected]
Hope this helps folks importing fast bits.
Bazza
Check with Australian Customs to confirm (I believe this info is still current) but if you import through the postal service, all goods (provided they are not prohibited) up to the value of AUD$1000 are allowed in with no customs, GST or any other charges.
Remember the goods have to be lodged (in the case of the USA) with the United States Postal Service so that it will be delivered by Australia Post. Don't try breaking up a large consignment into $1000 packages because the Customs Officers stationed at the Australia Post International Mail Centres will pick them up, combine the values and charge customs duty and GST accordingly. Goods from the same sender should be spread over a few days.
Arrival in Australia by any other method eg DHL Fedex etc etc means that the $250 limit will be invoked.
Check with Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263 or email to [email protected]
Hope this helps folks importing fast bits.
Bazza
#8
_user asked to be removed_
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 08:59 PM
Its the USA, I dont think theyre trust worthy at all lol
*Liam
*Liam
#9
LS1LX
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 09:59 AM
Anything under $250 AUD combined, you will NOT pay duty, customs or GST.
If it is over $250 AUD by law they can apply customs fees, duty and GST.
If it is made in USA under the free trade agreement of 2003 anything over $250 AUD will not incur DUTY fee, BUT you may still be charged the $52.50 CUSTOMS fee and the 10% GST.
BTW always get insurance, I had pretty much 75% of the mechanicals on my car imported by myself from the states, about 2 items went walk about and another 2 took 8 weeks over ETA.
Try send small stuff, big stuff like gearbox, cylinder heads etc buy them here in Aus might cost a touch more but very little headache, big stuff is a pain and cost $$ to send.
If it is over $250 AUD by law they can apply customs fees, duty and GST.
If it is made in USA under the free trade agreement of 2003 anything over $250 AUD will not incur DUTY fee, BUT you may still be charged the $52.50 CUSTOMS fee and the 10% GST.
BTW always get insurance, I had pretty much 75% of the mechanicals on my car imported by myself from the states, about 2 items went walk about and another 2 took 8 weeks over ETA.
Try send small stuff, big stuff like gearbox, cylinder heads etc buy them here in Aus might cost a touch more but very little headache, big stuff is a pain and cost $$ to send.
Edited by LS1LX, 24 March 2006 - 10:00 AM.
#10
Toranamat69
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 03:54 PM
Bazza and LS1LX pretty much have it summed up there (my last shipment I got stung for $63.50 Customs fee, documentation fee and tradegate so it must have gone up a bit from the $52.50 LS1LX refers to above), the only other things I have to add are Jeggs has a US$8.95 handling charge per O/S order, but they don't do USPS delivery, only DHL or other international courier.
Summit have US$23 handling charge per O/S order but they will send the parts USPS (smallish items) so it usually ends up cheaper to go Summit but wait until you have a decent number of things to order at once, not just the one thing.
Both places will be able to give you firm shipping price before you jump in and buy it.
Be careful you get what you want, it is not easy to return
M@
Summit have US$23 handling charge per O/S order but they will send the parts USPS (smallish items) so it usually ends up cheaper to go Summit but wait until you have a decent number of things to order at once, not just the one thing.
Both places will be able to give you firm shipping price before you jump in and buy it.
Be careful you get what you want, it is not easy to return
M@
Edited by Toranamat69, 24 March 2006 - 03:56 PM.
#11
_Torana482HP_
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 04:41 PM
I buy most of my brand new car stuff from the states and second hand stuff from ebay.
bought about 15 things from the states, never paid any tax, some stuff was worth over a grand, and takes a week to get here from the time they ship it,
ive had customs check one of my parcels, it was worth US$290 and still didnt have to pay customs tax or gst.
im getting me holley DP 750 from the states, US$479 for the race one - $1100 here and about US$45 for the shipping.
got me holley black pump brand new and shipped to my door for A$179.
never used insurance.
Im trying to decide at the moment whether to buy a transbrake, US$409 and $980 here.
I also get my stuff from the one company over there, Massive Speed Systems.
He looks after me, has good prices and cause i buy so much stuff he chucks in free t-shirts, stickers and keyrings etc.
And he has been very trustworthy. one package was missing a parts bag so he sent it with my next order.
Anthony.
bought about 15 things from the states, never paid any tax, some stuff was worth over a grand, and takes a week to get here from the time they ship it,
ive had customs check one of my parcels, it was worth US$290 and still didnt have to pay customs tax or gst.
im getting me holley DP 750 from the states, US$479 for the race one - $1100 here and about US$45 for the shipping.
got me holley black pump brand new and shipped to my door for A$179.
never used insurance.
Im trying to decide at the moment whether to buy a transbrake, US$409 and $980 here.
I also get my stuff from the one company over there, Massive Speed Systems.
He looks after me, has good prices and cause i buy so much stuff he chucks in free t-shirts, stickers and keyrings etc.
And he has been very trustworthy. one package was missing a parts bag so he sent it with my next order.
Anthony.
#12
_Torana482HP_
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 04:42 PM
Oh and Jegs are more expensive than my supplier.
#13
_Torana482HP_
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Posted 24 March 2006 - 04:44 PM
And one last thing, my supplier sends by USPS and they dont hardly get checked by customs as much as ships and other couriers etc. Thats why i havent got taxed yet either.
#14
_Antony(ant308)_
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Posted 25 March 2006 - 08:55 AM
Hey Guys, just came across this post now, otherwise would have posted earlier. I work for customs and quarantine and as of October last year the duty and tax limit for imports into australia is $1000 by any means. This means you can use UPS FEDEX DHL Post, anything. If the invoice is under 1000 dollars there are no charges. If you have any specific questions or queries just ask.
cheers
Antony
cheers
Antony
#15
_EXLXSL_
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Posted 25 March 2006 - 04:00 PM
I have been slowly buying some parts for my Ducati. Buying one bit at atime and spacing the purchases out to about weekly. Shortest delivery was 4 days. But shop around. Clutch hub (doesn't really matter if you don't know what I'm talking about) made in Western Australia and selling in the USA was A$310 shipped and US$243 before shipping. Cheaper of the 2 was the Aussie price and it arrived in 2 days. If the parts all magically appear at the post office at the same time they will be added together and if over $1000 you will have to pay import and GST. Not sure what happens if 3 parts turn up from 3 different contries and total more than the $1k. Screen for my bike was $202 and a 3 month wait by buying from an accessories crowd here is Aust. Could have bought the exact same thing (screen was made in the USA) for US$57 plus shipping adn had it in 2 weeks or so. But I found that one too late.
There is money out there to be saved, just do the research and pay if you have to. You could still be in front.
Nice to know that both methods of shipping are the same as a bloke at work is buying stuff for his Camira (oops - I mean Camaro) and he thought FEDEX and the like were still only $500 = both doubled from the $250/$500 that they used to be.
There is money out there to be saved, just do the research and pay if you have to. You could still be in front.
Nice to know that both methods of shipping are the same as a bloke at work is buying stuff for his Camira (oops - I mean Camaro) and he thought FEDEX and the like were still only $500 = both doubled from the $250/$500 that they used to be.
#16
_Torana308_
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Posted 26 March 2006 - 11:50 AM
So if the carby is worth $500 us plus shipping i should be under the import duty limit? in other words i pay the $500 plus their shipping and handling fees only? Sorry for all the questions but i dont want to jump in head first and then have my carby confiscated or whatever when it gets here. As for insureing it i dont think i could risk not doing it theres always the what if it goes missing.
#17
_EXLXSL_
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Posted 26 March 2006 - 04:19 PM
Here ya go. Pays to shop around - 50 bux cheaper.
Have not bought from them but their shipping page says they use UPS (the post office). Can't see a carby costing more that 50 to send but email and ask then. Don't forget to put your address in - like I forgot that last week.
Proform carby
Shipping Policy
Australia is in thier list of freindly places so that shouldn't be a problem - just check what shipping will cost. Ask about insurance. Be nervous as we all have been the first time. Under $500 and you shouldn't have to pay the extra. My bank (the Commonwealth) changes an international transaction fee too - a few bux at the most - just some else to be aware of.
Have not bought from them but their shipping page says they use UPS (the post office). Can't see a carby costing more that 50 to send but email and ask then. Don't forget to put your address in - like I forgot that last week.
Proform carby
Shipping Policy
Australia is in thier list of freindly places so that shouldn't be a problem - just check what shipping will cost. Ask about insurance. Be nervous as we all have been the first time. Under $500 and you shouldn't have to pay the extra. My bank (the Commonwealth) changes an international transaction fee too - a few bux at the most - just some else to be aware of.
#18
LS1LX
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Posted 26 March 2006 - 05:55 PM
Actually USPS is the US postal Service, UPS is a courier company.Here ya go. Pays to shop around - 50 bux cheaper.
Have not bought from them but their shipping page says they use UPS (the post office). Can't see a carby costing more that 50 to send but email and ask then. Don't forget to put your address in - like I forgot that last week.
Proform carby
Shipping Policy
Australia is in thier list of freindly places so that shouldn't be a problem - just check what shipping will cost. Ask about insurance. Be nervous as we all have been the first time. Under $500 and you shouldn't have to pay the extra. My bank (the Commonwealth) changes an international transaction fee too - a few bux at the most - just some else to be aware of.
I have sent 2 new holley carbs over, for just under $40 USD shipping but that was slow boat 4-6 weeks, express 6-10 days would be around $80-90 USD.
Good luck, just hope they dont sting you at customs.
#19
_Antony(ant308)_
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Posted 29 March 2006 - 02:11 PM
Hi torana308,
Shipping costs do not come into it. You only pay duty or tax on the invoiced amount. not the total amount on your AWB or BOL. and that limit is up to 1000AUD.
Some of the better sites i have found are www.jegs.com or www.summitracing.com
If you have any specific question just PM me.
Antony
Shipping costs do not come into it. You only pay duty or tax on the invoiced amount. not the total amount on your AWB or BOL. and that limit is up to 1000AUD.
Some of the better sites i have found are www.jegs.com or www.summitracing.com
If you have any specific question just PM me.
Antony
#20
antelopeslr5000
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Posted 30 March 2006 - 02:56 PM
I've found the easiest way to avoid GST and duty is to get the item you are importing marked as a 'Gift'. May not always be a practical solution on all imported items (motors and gearboxes). I've imported laptops, video cameras, well over $3000 for each item and never yet have I paid GST, duty or customs fee.
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