Just wondering, If I buy a Cross(Neckless) on Ebay that is $7US will it cost me $30+ like I was told due to import fees?

Forums › Off topic › Just wondering, If I buy a Cross(Neckless) on Ebay that is $7US will it cost me $30+ like I was told due to import fees?

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keewee01

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#553442 4-Dec-2011 11:50

Cadriel: They aren't always so specific. The last item I imported they only charged based on the item value - non-inclusive of the shipping cost. They were quite clear about doing it that way - and I got the distinctive impression that they 'felt sorry' for having to charge in the first place.

I can understand the GST charges - it bring's most items I import closer to the local price. However, the additional charges of $38 are a little excessive.

In most cases - if the item i'm importing would incur charges, I wouldn't bother importing. If the online store allows 'fiddling' with the declaration form - then I definitely import, as it becomes WAY cheaper.

Other things to be aware of; If you pay for the faster shipping options - don't expect that to make any difference when it arrives in NZ. They all go into the same queue - no matter if it's priority or not.

You should include some specifics of item values for the times when you are getting charged the fees so that it is clear what the circumstance are behind it please. Otherwise, for all we know you're importing a $2 empty box and being charge duty/fess/gst.

Cadriel

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#553518 4-Dec-2011 15:16

:)

Most of the items I bring in are RC Model equipment. Things like Radio's, Receivers, Helicopter kits and parts.

Range from 20US through to 400+.

I know through experience that if the item(s) are going to incur GST of over $60 - then Custom's will get at it. Which means the GST charge along with their service charges.

A lot of the equipment is generally 15 - 30% cheaper than buying locally - and that's after shipping costs. Sometimes, even after working out what it is to import including GST and Custom charges - it's still cheaper. :)

ulive

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#553619 4-Dec-2011 17:58

i have brought lots of ebay and other sites like this and i have had no import fees

Cadriel

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#553700 4-Dec-2011 21:08

How much have you spent on individual purchases?

What type of goods?

How often?

I've spent lots on eBay too - and so long as they fall under certain circumstances - I don't get any import fee's.

martyyn

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#554079 5-Dec-2011 15:12

I used to work for a freight forwarding company and was a licenced 'clerk' being able to produce Customs documentation to import all sorts of goods and personally Ive imported many things from the US, Europe and Asia.

The rule of thumb for personal effects has pretty much been the following:

Up to a value of NZD400 was pretty much ignored, unless you were seen to be importing something regularly.

Anything between NZD400 and NZD800 was at the discretion of the Customs officer who saw it. It would then come down to what it was. A new mobile phone would probably be charged (and Ive had mixed results with phones) but an item which is clearly second hand probably wouldnt. They may also track what they had seen for you in the past. If you had new phones coming in every week then you would be expected to pay. If you brought new phones in regularly claiming they were second hand 'items' you can expect a phone call ;)

Then anything above $800 would certainly attract gst and may even be sent to a Customs Agent to have the correct documentation drawn up. This is my biggest gripe, because its actually pretty easy to do that yourself and if you phone Customs, explain the situation, and most importantly are nice and polite, they will allow you to do the document yourself saving you the $100 charge (or whatever it is these days).

timmmay

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#554088 5-Dec-2011 15:26

As people have said, small items below $400 won't attract any customs fees. Large items will.

Last week TNT charged me GST on both the item price and the shipping cost, which doesn't seem fair, but since I get the GST back I didn't bother looking into it.

bazzer

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#554098 5-Dec-2011 15:41

timmmay: As people have said, small items below $400 won't attract any customs fees. Large items will.

Last week TNT charged me GST on both the item price and the shipping cost, which doesn't seem fair, but since I get the GST back I didn't bother looking into it.

Why would you not expect to pay GST on the shipping?

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timmmay

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#554100 5-Dec-2011 15:42

I expect to pay GST on a product that's imported. I'm not sure why i'd expect to pay for a service that happens before it hits NZ. I guess it is a service though, and the government want all the money they can get.

keewee01

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#554103 5-Dec-2011 15:51

timmmay: I expect to pay GST on a product that's imported. I'm not sure why i'd expect to pay for a service that happens before it hits NZ. I guess it is a service though, and the government want all the money they can get.

I agree that it is extremely stupid that the shipping cost gets taken into account and you get charged on that also!

But, they wrote the rules to include it, so not much we can do. Wonder what Labour's policy was on import duty, gst, and import fees?... I know - too late to ask now!

bazzer

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#554106 5-Dec-2011 15:53

timmmay: I expect to pay GST on a product that's imported. I'm not sure why i'd expect to pay for a service that happens before it hits NZ. I guess it is a service though, and the government want all the money they can get.

I guess it depends on who you consider gains the benefit of the service (the sender or the receiver). I'm sure that when I've sent packages overseas I haven't had to pay GST on the postage (as long as I don't use stamps), but I could be wrong (and probably am). They probably like to charge in both directions!

Lurch

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#554120 5-Dec-2011 16:04

Buy stuff on ebay all the time. $7 USD I wouldn't worry about it. The shipping and conversion rate would be low. :-)

keewee01

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#554132 5-Dec-2011 16:37

bazzer:
timmmay: I expect to pay GST on a product that's imported. I'm not sure why i'd expect to pay for a service that happens before it hits NZ. I guess it is a service though, and the government want all the money they can get.

I guess it depends on who you consider gains the benefit of the service (the sender or the receiver). I'm sure that when I've sent packages overseas I haven't had to pay GST on the postage (as long as I don't use stamps), but I could be wrong (and probably am). They probably like to charge in both directions!

Correct - if you pay the international parcel rate over the counter then there is no GST on it; but if you use stamps then it is dearer due to the GST on the price of stamps. Stupid system if you ask me - queue for ages, tie up their staff, but get a cheaper rate - use stamps so as to not tie up your time or their staffs and pay more for the pleasure.

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