| Originally Posted by Bonthouse /img/forum/go_quote.gif Don't ever let the seller put on the actual value on the box. It creates the opportunity for someone of working for the mail to think "Hey, that might be worth looking at!" It also raises flags at the customs and they will take their sweet time inspecting it. I'm talking about 3 ~ 5 weeks. |
| Originally Posted by roadtonowhere08 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Without getting political, can anyone tell me why there are these HUGE import fees in most countries? Is it a revenue generator, or is it to protect local markets? Whatever the case is, it sucks big time. I can't imagine how much it must cost some of the more well off international people on this forum to import some of the more expensive stuff from other countries. |
| Originally Posted by NightOwl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Everything is political. It is primarily revenue based with secondary social considerations. It is to protect local distributors and retailers since they pay taxes and employ people who pay taxes to the government. The more sales are made within the country, the more revenue is generated. This has the secondary consideration of more voters being employed and doing better, thus being happier and less likely to vote for change. The government also wants their tax dollars if you choose to purchase from outside the country. Customs fees and duties in addition to taxes are to discourage purchases from outside the country and so that any processing expenses are incurred by the individual and not the bureaucracy. I won't get into the political arguments about why things are cheaper in other countries. Some are valid and some aren't. And yes, I try to purchase within my own country first, but have bought goods cheaper from outside more than occasionally since I'm not completely altruistic. |
