Amazon imports fee deposit for orders under $400 NZD.

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80 posts

Master Geek

#956563 23-Dec-2013 13:32

the thing about customs is that they can hit you no matter what the value of the item, and different items have different % of fees etc, it's more that customs usually let items through that are under 400 because it's not feasible from a business perspective to get $30 with work that would cost $50 sorta thing.

mattwnz

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#956569 23-Dec-2013 14:02

resurrect: the thing about customs is that they can hit you no matter what the value of the item, and different items have different % of fees etc, it's more that customs usually let items through that are under 400 because it's not feasible from a business perspective to get $30 with work that would cost $50 sorta thing.

Are you sure as I think it is on legislation that if the amount of gst and duty is less than a certain amount they can't collect it.

Distorter

220 posts

Master Geek

#956595 23-Dec-2013 14:47

"If the amount to be paid to Customs is under $60, this will be waived, but if it’s more than $60, you’ll have to pay any duty and GST. You can find out more about these charges on the Customs website."

I would assume it would cost them money in admin fees. Basically its not worth their time.

Different goods have different duty charges so the whole $400 thing isn't the best rule to go by.

surfisup1000

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#956597 23-Dec-2013 14:52

Distorter: "If the amount to be paid to Customs is under $60, this will be waived, but if it’s more than $60, you’ll have to pay any duty and GST. You can find out more about these charges on the Customs website."

I would assume it would cost them money in admin fees. Basically its not worth their time.

Different goods have different duty charges so the whole $400 thing isn't the best rule to go by.

Yes, I understand this -- but, amazon are collecting the money on behalf of customs so I was wondering if amazon have done a deal with the nz government to just pass on amazon custom fees regardless of actual duty.

I wonder if customs are 'more' likely to take fees from amazon imports knowing this.

Batman

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#956598 23-Dec-2013 14:58

freitasm:
surfisup1000:
ajobbins: Was the price over $400 when shipping was included? The import amount includes shipping charges

Amazon are doing free shipping for orders over 125usd at the moment :) You can get some brilliant deals right now.

Free shipping to New Zealand?

yup as long as sold my amazon itself. ordered a half price earphone ... very tempting to order another one if i can't find anything else to buy by tonight :D

Linuxluver

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#956613 23-Dec-2013 15:26

surfisup1000: I created an amazon order where the total price came to $380nzd. Which , is under the $400 where customs charges for gst and admin costs.

But, amazon have added about $90 in 'import fees deposit' .

So, given my order is under $400, would I get a full refund of that amount? Or, do amazon just pass that on to customs anyway?

Updated after reading last lost:

Customs include the cost of shipping in the GST assessable amount. If the shipping is free, then $380 is usually low enough.

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mattwnz

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#956617 23-Dec-2013 15:36

joker97:
freitasm:
surfisup1000:
ajobbins: Was the price over $400 when shipping was included? The import amount includes shipping charges

Amazon are doing free shipping for orders over 125usd at the moment :) You can get some brilliant deals right now.

Free shipping to New Zealand?

yup as long as sold my amazon itself. ordered a half price earphone ... very tempting to order another one if i can't find anything else to buy by tonight :D

I have just tried to order a kindle, and it isn't giving free shipping on that.

You may find that the free shipping to NZ is error and it only applies to the US, so they may contact people later on if it is indeed an error.

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theEd

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#956626 23-Dec-2013 15:49

mattwnz: I have just tried to order a kindle, and it isn't giving free shipping on that.

You may find that the free shipping to NZ is error and it only applies to the US, so they may contact people later on if it is indeed an error.

See here.

skyplonk

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#956627 23-Dec-2013 15:50

mattwnz:

I have just tried to order a kindle, and it isn't giving free shipping on that.

You may find that the free shipping to NZ is error and it only applies to the US, so they may contact people later on if it is indeed an error.

No. It is not a mistake. I was directed marketed to from Amazon about free GlobalSaver shipping to NZ on eligible items over $125, 6 days ago. Samsung Tabs are included, but the Kindles are not. Nexus 7 is, Nexus 5 is not.

Got several things so far, all have been fine.

Makes me laugh.. A Canon EOS Rebel T3i, will ship to NZ and for free but some guitar picks for a couple of bucks wont

As long as you check out using GlobalSaver shipping you will be fine.

Bung

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#956628 23-Dec-2013 15:52

surfisup1000:Yes, I understand this -- but, amazon are collecting the money on behalf of customs so I was wondering if amazon have done a deal with the nz government to just pass on amazon custom fees regardless of actual duty.

It may be a move by courier companies to streamline their procedures at the border. It's no problem for them if it goes through without taxes but if it's held up it possibly constipates their storage.

"You further agree that the Designated Carriers may disclose to Amazon Export or Merchant (as applicable) the amount of actual Import Fees levied on the item you have purchased from Amazon Export and/or Merchant ("Actual Import Fees"). In the event that the Import Fees Deposit exceeds the Actual Import Fees, Amazon Export or Merchant (as applicable) will refund the difference to you. "

mattwnz

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#956631 23-Dec-2013 15:55

theEd:
mattwnz: I have just tried to order a kindle, and it isn't giving free shipping on that.

You may find that the free shipping to NZ is error and it only applies to the US, so they may contact people later on if it is indeed an error.

See here.

Thanks. Doesn't look like kindles are a AmazonGlobal Saver product, so don't qualify which is a pity.

freitasm

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#956649 23-Dec-2013 17:52

surfisup1000:
Distorter: "If the amount to be paid to Customs is under $60, this will be waived, but if it’s more than $60, you’ll have to pay any duty and GST. You can find out more about these charges on the Customs website."

I would assume it would cost them money in admin fees. Basically its not worth their time.

Different goods have different duty charges so the whole $400 thing isn't the best rule to go by.

Yes, I understand this -- but, amazon are collecting the money on behalf of customs so I was wondering if amazon have done a deal with the nz government to just pass on amazon custom fees regardless of actual duty.

I wonder if customs are 'more' likely to take fees from amazon imports knowing this.

Amazon is acting as your importer broker. They're not collecting money on behalf of customs.

If you buy something and have it sent via DHL or FedEx and there's GST or duty to be paid these companies will contact you AFTER the items arrive in New Zealand. They will ask you to confirm some information and invoice you. You can pay over the phone or via banking and wait.

What Amazon is doing is basically "hey we know this may or may not attract some fees so we will collect it now and if your Customs asks for money we will pay straight away. If they don't ask for anything or is less than what we're collecting now we will return the money to you".

Basically they are making things FASTER for you. I don't see what's the problem here.

dolsen

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#956681 23-Dec-2013 19:37

freitasm:
Basically they are making things FASTER for you. I don't see what's the problem here.

Well, if they return my 80 odd dollars they took for no reason, I'd agree.

freitasm

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#956682 23-Dec-2013 19:41

There must be a reason. Contact them and ask why the item was charged and what. Some items (clothes, jewellery) will attract GST plus import tax. They must know why they asked for that money.

networkn

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#956685 23-Dec-2013 19:48

joker97:
freitasm:
surfisup1000:
ajobbins: Was the price over $400 when shipping was included? The import amount includes shipping charges

Amazon are doing free shipping for orders over 125usd at the moment :) You can get some brilliant deals right now.

Free shipping to New Zealand?

yup as long as sold my amazon itself. ordered a half price earphone ... very tempting to order another one if i can't find anything else to buy by tonight :D

Which headphone?

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