pho_boi
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Quote:
Not entirely true....
If the shop sends it from HK/China using FedEX, UPS or DHL than you will get charged tax even if it is under $1000AUD. I know because I've purchased a few amplifiers from HK already.
The shop declared my amp as $350USD and in the end FedEX gave me an invoice for $160AUD. This included duty tax of 5% on the $350USD, the shipping company's brokerage fee and GST of 10% on the CIF. CIF stands for Cost Insurance & Freight, this is value is the total of the declaration value plus the freight cost ($180USD) plus the duty tax. In my situation the CIF was $547.50USD, GST on that was $54.75USD. FedEX's brokerage fee is roughly $50USD!!!
$15 + $54.75 + $50 = $119.75USD or $160AUD!!!!!
All this info can be found on the Australia Customs website.
I actually paid $640USD for the amp or $850AUD, but in the end I had to pay $240AUD (20Kg amp) for shipping and $160AUD for taxes. Basic maths tells you that I paid $400AUD when the amp cost me $850, so thats just under 50% on-top of the cost price!!!!
So buyer beware!!! Plus theres the issue of sending the things back for warranty which will cost you more money, but fortunately you won't get charged anything when they send you back a new unit because warranty returns are tax free
.
Its definately cheaper to buy from HK and China, but depending on the item it may be worth purchasing from a local distrubutor for warranty and service. AND some manufacturers don't support grey importers (sellers from HK and China who sell to Australia/US/UK), this means the manufacturers won't support you with any problems or warranty. Just check out the Cayin and Shanling website, they warn people not to buy from overseas dealers.
Originally Posted by si_free I checked out coemaudio and was surprised at their mark up on this gear. I guess they get hit with a lot of import taxes, but on items imported into Auatralia under AU$1000 there is no import duty for individuals. This obviously adds to the attraction of shopping from HK/China. There are now many on-line shops selling all manner of goods direct from Hong Kong. We have used several that were very efficent, fast and cheap....a big shame there is not an audio supplier offering such good service. |
Not entirely true....
If the shop sends it from HK/China using FedEX, UPS or DHL than you will get charged tax even if it is under $1000AUD. I know because I've purchased a few amplifiers from HK already.
The shop declared my amp as $350USD and in the end FedEX gave me an invoice for $160AUD. This included duty tax of 5% on the $350USD, the shipping company's brokerage fee and GST of 10% on the CIF. CIF stands for Cost Insurance & Freight, this is value is the total of the declaration value plus the freight cost ($180USD) plus the duty tax. In my situation the CIF was $547.50USD, GST on that was $54.75USD. FedEX's brokerage fee is roughly $50USD!!!
$15 + $54.75 + $50 = $119.75USD or $160AUD!!!!!
All this info can be found on the Australia Customs website.
I actually paid $640USD for the amp or $850AUD, but in the end I had to pay $240AUD (20Kg amp) for shipping and $160AUD for taxes. Basic maths tells you that I paid $400AUD when the amp cost me $850, so thats just under 50% on-top of the cost price!!!!
So buyer beware!!! Plus theres the issue of sending the things back for warranty which will cost you more money, but fortunately you won't get charged anything when they send you back a new unit because warranty returns are tax free
Its definately cheaper to buy from HK and China, but depending on the item it may be worth purchasing from a local distrubutor for warranty and service. AND some manufacturers don't support grey importers (sellers from HK and China who sell to Australia/US/UK), this means the manufacturers won't support you with any problems or warranty. Just check out the Cayin and Shanling website, they warn people not to buy from overseas dealers.