GST on purchases from UK etc

[banjoship]

Looking at the web sites for various UK suppliers of gear for Land Rovers, they state local taxes (eg GST) are the buyer's responsibility. I wonder what peoples experiences are when importing stuff under these conditions.

Ebay, for example, has inhouse collection of Aus GST on purchases from overseas, so everything works smoothly there. Same for Amazon.

I have imported in the past from the UK, prior to current regulations (which are all thanks to Gerry Harvey), no problems. I am just about to import from Advanced Factors and don't want stuff caught up in customs. Do people just import and hope for the best?

Any advice appreciated,

Lee

[DiscoJeffster]

All the ones I’ve used have removed the 17% VAT and applied our 10% GST on checkout.

[PerthDisco]

I’m pretty sure that the freight company adds it in and is legally responsible for it in the new way of charging GST. My LCAs from AF came through to my door but the freight was hefty so I assumed this was because it had the GST component.

[Lukeis]

I’m pretty sure that the freight company adds it in and is legally responsible for it in the new way of charging GST. My LCAs from AF came through to my door but the freight was hefty so I assumed this was because it had the GST component.

I imported 5 wheels recently and it go held up in customs in Sydney until the company freighting it called me and I had to pay the GST

this was two weeks aho. It’s never happened before

[SeanC]

Unless GST has been added to freight I haven’t ever had GST listed as a separate item on the invoice.

[loanrangie]

As above ebay will add gst but if the seller isnt registered for gst with an ABN then they cant collect it, i got my stereo from China without gst but items from the UK from ebay they charged it.
Its a bit hit and miss really.

[disco4now]

I have had recent packages from Island 4x4, Rimmer Bros, LR Direct, they all add the 10%, I noted one said unless its over $1000 , then they take it off and you have to pay it when it gets here. That explains the wheels.

[PhilipA]

From memory if the company overseas does not do $50k in one year of business in Australia then they do not have to apply GST or have a GST account.

I think in this case you get away with not paying , but if over $1000 then you have to pay plus plus.

Regards Philip A

[Konradical]

There was a thread on this a few months back regarding the UK sellers and how they manage GST. From memory there were people waiting for items for longer than normal because some suppliers got caught up in the rule change.

The main site I use, Rimmer Bros, was all over this come July 1st and there is a section on currencies that contains a note about Australian GST. GST will be charged up to $1000, from $1000.01 and up, the GST will be removed and then it will be collected by customs.

I have noticed that some other well know sites like Paddocks have a dedicated site for Australia. This obviously makes it easier for them to manage.

I would think a quick email to your supplier asking the question would be the safest way to find out their position.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190625/a81bfcab857b048cd18347382913f086.jpg

[Bigbjorn]

I have not bought anything from the UK or Europe for years because of the scandalous freight and postage charges. I have recently bought small items from the USA and as usual they just come straight through to my mailbox, no GST, no Customs interference.

[Vern]

I have not bought anything from the UK or Europe for years because of the scandalous freight and postage charges. I have recently bought small items from the USA and as usual they just come straight through to my mailbox, no GST, no Customs interference.Cost me £26 ($40) postage for 2 large parcels from the UK a few weeks ago, I re used the smaller of the boxes the other day , posted it about 400km away, cost me $18, weighed about the same. So didn't think my £26 was to bad.

[DiscoJeffster]

I have not bought anything from the UK or Europe for years because of the scandalous freight and postage charges. I have recently bought small items from the USA and as usual they just come straight through to my mailbox, no GST, no Customs interference.

So the part is half the price but the postage is high. End result is the outcome is still much cheaper than the local dealer. ??
And yes I’m happy to screw the dealer as their pricing is ridiculous and their inability to discount also poor form

[Konradical]

I have not bought anything from the UK or Europe for years because of the scandalous freight and postage charges. I have recently bought small items from the USA and as usual they just come straight through to my mailbox, no GST, no Customs interference.Some freight is still a bit overboard. The Rimmer Bros freight is charged based on the volume of the package. I have asked to see if I can get a better deal on shipping and they would only do better with large bulky items, ie; wheels.

Honestly though, the prices have come down a fair bit since I first got my RRC in 2010. The other thing about it is it's fast.. I have ordered stuff from both the UK and Melbourne at a lunch time, the stuff from the UK arrived in 3 days and a week later the Melbourne stuff arrived. Both off the shelf and to where I was living near Katherine NT.

[twr7cx]

Your experiences will vary depending on who you purchase from, the total value (both purchase price of the items and freight costs) and the freight service/company used.
But to give you some idea from my experiences in purchasing from the UK in the past almost 12 months since the rules changed:
If you use an online sales platform such as Amazon/eBay they will collect the GST and sort it out.
If you purchase direct from a seller and the total (including freight) is sub $1,000.00, most of the freight companies will quote on a freight price that is inclusive of the GST collection. As such the freight price can seem high but it’s because of the GST collection, and likely some admin fees. This is a good process as the goods aren’t held up and go straight through to delivery. Some will incorrectly assume that they’re not paying the GST but it’s just because the freight company silently collects it...
As above, but if over $1,000.00, then it will often be held up in customs until the freight company contacts you to arrange payment of the GST, import duties, and brokerage fees. GST is applied last so you pay it on the import duties and brokerage fees too. This is a frustrating process as the goods are held up and delayed in delivery.
Once, when purchasing an over $1000.00 item from Japan, I had to arrange my own brokerage, used an online mob for this purpose. AusPost and Customs sent through a letter and this had the longest delays for delivery.

Regarding Land Rover items I purchase a lot from the UK. I actually have a trade account with one major parts suppliers over there. Four major reasons for purchasing from there:
1. Part price - I can usually purchase genuine Land Rover or OEM for cheaper than third party here in Australia. If I go with aftermarket from there then it’s generally significantly lower in price.
2. Options - purchasing from the UK provides me with the option of choosing between aftermarket brands, OEM or genuine all within an affordable price bracket.
3. Selection - for uncommon parts and little funny bits they usually have them available to order and do so without fuss or additional charges.
4. Speed - if it’s under $1,000.00 order I can usually have the parts on my doors step quicker than I can get them delivered from anywhere else in Australia.

My tip is if your finding your UK parts suppliers freight quotes to be too high, then change suppliers, there’s plenty of them and they do calculate freight differently between. Mine collects all the parts, packages, then quotes on freight and awaits confirmation that I wish to proceed at the quoted rate.
Personally I find the international freight form the UK generally reasonable compared to what we pay for freight within Australia.

Just to share a random story, for anyone still reading this essay, about eight years ago I purchased a ‘Made in Australia’ Safari Snorkel from the UK, including freight to me, it still worked out to be a $100.00 saving over what they wanted locally for it despite now having been made in Australia, delivered to the UK, resold and returned to Australia... Sad that Australians rip off Australians so badly yet happily sell to the rest of the world for less to remain competitive...

[banjoship]

Many thanks to all who responded. Some real life experiences, always good value.

I think the message is to just proceed and see what happens. And thats what I will do. Most of what people had to say I was pretty well aware of. But the freight companies paying the GST is a new one on me. I import regularily, all sorts of items, and no problems yet. Most recent import was an electronics item from Germany, no GST,no problem.

And of course it is price + freight which is important in making comparisons. Generally I have found freight from UK to be very reasonable. From the US, outrageous, except when using eBay's Global freight system. Even with US freight costs it often pays to import. A few years ago I imported an anchor with a landed price here of about $700aud compared to retail here of $1000aud + freight.

At the moment I am assembling a spares kit for outback travel in a D3. I have been buying parts from hong Kong, Australia, etc. Advanced Factors UK have a good price on a set of 4 height sensors, and rear wheel speed sensors. So I am now going to proceed with those.

Lee

[PerthDisco]

See invoice below from AF.

LCAs at ex-vat price with a few other small parts in the order. Also the Aulro discount was included.

Whilst the LCAs are heavy and bulky I took the shipping price as including gst.

There was no choice of shipping provider or speed of shipping in the order process.

Tracking of the parts occurred almost immediately from time of purchase.

Parts came through to my house within days.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190626/7e63d7652ec9eb2cf4c2779796d99e3f.jpg

[banjoship]

See invoice below from AF.

LCAs at ex-vat price with a few other small parts in the order. Also the Aulro discount was included.

Whilst the LCAs are heavy and bulky I took the shipping price as including gst.

There was no choice of shipping provider or speed of shipping in the order process.

Tracking of the parts occurred almost immediately from time of purchase.

Parts came through to my house within days.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190626/7e63d7652ec9eb2cf4c2779796d99e3f.jpg


Thanks for that. Confirms what I am thinking. Did not know about AULRO discount so will be sure to ask...thanks

Lee

[Bigbjorn]

Many thanks to all who responded. Some real life experiences, always good value.

I think the message is to just proceed and see what happens. And thats what I will do. Most of what people had to say I was pretty well aware of. But the freight companies paying the GST is a new one on me. I import regularily, all sorts of items, and no problems yet. Most recent import was an electronics item from Germany, no GST,no problem.

And of course it is price + freight which is important in making comparisons. Generally I have found freight from UK to be very reasonable. From the US, outrageous, except when using eBay's Global freight system. Even with US freight costs it often pays to import. A few years ago I imported an anchor with a landed price here of about $700aud compared to retail here of $1000aud + freight.

At the moment I am assembling a spares kit for outback travel in a D3. I have been buying parts from hong Kong, Australia, etc. Advanced Factors UK have a good price on a set of 4 height sensors, and rear wheel speed sensors. So I am now going to proceed with those.

Lee

If buying from US suppliers insist they use the Post Office (USPS). I have them use flat rate boxes. You can get 20 lbs. of goods in a large flat rate box. Flat rate boxes come in several sizes, shapes, and costs. The boxes are supplied by the post office free of charge and the PO will complete the customs declaration for the sender. The PO will quote on oversize/overweight items. I bought a new Muncie gearbox from Florida. The supplier was quoted over US$900 by FedEx and a bit less by UPS. I asked them to get a quote from the PO. They were not aware that the PO would do this. US$360 and it arrived in 5 days and this is the rub. It came by FedEx so the PO had subbied off the job to the carrier that had quoted ove US$900.

[banjoship]

If buying from US suppliers insist they use the Post Office (USPS). I have them use flat rate boxes. You can get 20 lbs. of goods in a large flat rate box. Flat rate boxes come in several sizes, shapes, and costs. The boxes are supplied by the post office free of charge and the PO will complete the customs declaration for the sender. The PO will quote on oversize/overweight items. I bought a new Muncie gearbox from Florida. The supplier was quoted over US$900 by FedEx and a bit less by UPS. I asked them to get a quote from the PO. They were not aware that the PO would do this. US$360 and it arrived in 5 days and this is the rub. It came by FedEx so the PO had subbied off the job to the carrier that had quoted ove US$900.


Yes, I am aware of the intricacies of freight from the US, and that USPS often works out the cheapest. It all depends on the seller: many Americans are parochial, frightened of international transactions, and won't work to the best solutions. EG, last year I attempted to buy some snowshoes from the US; the seller got a quote around $180 (for a 2.5kg package), I tried to get him to explore USPS, no joy, his attitude was thats the quote, so no sale. On the other hand, I bought some binoculars from B&H in New York, they shipped via DHL for $12 which I thought was great. Its all a lottery dealing with Americans.

Lee

[Bigbjorn]

You can put 20 lbs. weight of goods in a US post office medium or large flat rate box. Medium is 11" x 8.5 x 5.5 inches. Cost is US$49.60. A large flat rate box is 12 x 12 x 5.5 inches. Cost is US$64.60. These are classed as international priority mail and delivery is supposed to be 5-10 business days. Delays are usually at this end when the boxes get into the Aus. Post system. If they fly into Brisbane then usually no delay. God help you if they get into the shambles at Sydney Airport /Port Botany.

When I was running my machinist tools and machine shop supplies business I got everything by flat rate boxes after the sea mail service was terminated. Prior to then I got stock orders by sea mail for cheapness but expected to take up to three months. I got sold orders by air mail flat rate boxes. I just got my supplier to break up orders into <20 lb. and/or <AU$1000 lots.

Yank businesses can be funny about overseas orders. Some don't want to know credit cards issued in other countries. Some will only sell in the USA and Canada. I couldn't get through to one supplier that my Mastercard was issued by a major multi-national bank with branches throughout the USA. No, has to be a USA card. I have found web sites that won't accept orders from other than USA and Canada. Others won't use the Post Office. I usually ask them if they want the business, and. if so, walk down the street to the post office. So simple. Others go out of their way to be helpful.

[DiscoMick]

My limited experience is if you buy through eBay it states if the GST is included and that's it. But I'm not a big buyer.

[ChookD2]

On a side note, I ordered a small item from Amazon recently. There was no indication of where in the world it was but the seller had a good rap so I went with it.
Got the email saying my item had been shipped, so I went to have a look at the tracking through Amazon. This stated that ...... "The carrier has not provided tracking details for this shipment at this time." And when I look a little further down I see......."Carrier: Latvian post" :eek2:

I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

[DiscoJeffster]

I’ve had a few parts from that neck of the woods. It’s fine. Good prices as their market prices are lower

[DiscoClax]

Agreed. My experience has been the same. OE alternator and starters and related tend to be a good buy from that region.

[Aussie Jeepster]

On a side note, I ordered a small item from Amazon recently. There was no indication of where in the world it was but the seller had a good rap so I went with it.
Got the email saying my item had been shipped, so I went to have a look at the tracking through Amazon. This stated that ...... "The carrier has not provided tracking details for this shipment at this time." And when I look a little further down I see......."Carrier: Latvian post" :eek2:

I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

Was that Amazon AU or Amazon USA??

[twr7cx]

Was that Amazon AU or Amazon USA??

I recently used smile.Amazon.com (USA site that supports a charity with a % of your purchase price) and it collected the GST on a purchase as the item was being delivered from USA.

[Shropshire]

I am also about to do a order from advanced factors. Is there any discount codes that are still current. I remember reading about them awhile back. Thank.

[PerthDisco]

I am also about to do a order from advanced factors. Is there any discount codes that are still current. I remember reading about them awhile back. Thank.

Try AF4LRP

[ChookD2]

Was that Amazon AU or Amazon USA??

Amazon AU. Made sure of address when I joined, guess they just open it up to all sellers.

[Max Headroom 2.3m]

A couple of months ago I purchased a whole bunch of parts from the UK from various suppliers. I bought from Island 4x4, LR parts UK, Britcar and Ascroft's. All were excellent to deal with and parts arrived pretty quick. Britcar charged GST at time of purchase but all the others didn't. The Island 4x4 shipment was well over AU$1000 and I had to pay GST separately but the shipping company (DHL I think) contacted me the day before it arrived in Oz and I paid over the phone with no delay to shipment. I spent big at Ascroft's but broke it up into two shipments so that each was sub AU$1000 inc freight = no GST on either. This was still cheaper than a putting it all together as a single shipment over AU$1000 + GST.

[101RRS]

The $1000 rule not longer applies - you are supposed to pay GST either on purchase or entry into Aust on all purchases irrespective of whether it is over or under $1000.

While they will chase up GST on items on higher valued items, realistically it is not feasible for the authorities to collect it for every little item than arrives from overseas.

Garry

[loanrangie]

The $1000 rule not longer applies - you are supposed to pay GST either on purchase or entry into Aust on all purchases irrespective of whether it is over or under $1000.

While they will chase up GST on items on higher valued items, realistically it is not feasible for the authorities to collect it for every little item than arrives from overseas.

GarryOn duty it still applies but not gst.

[twr7cx]

The $1000 rule not longer applies

Yes and no. While your correct it doesn't apply for GST anymore as that applies to all imports regardless of value, it does apply still to import duties which makes a big difference as you often then get slugged with an additional brokerage fee and you will pay GST on the import duty amount charged and brokerage fee amount too. So all up the difference between $999.99 and $1,000.00 can be larger than you imagine...

[101RRS]

Yes and no. While your correct it doesn't apply for GST anymore as that applies to all imports regardless of value,

Yes true but I was just talking about GST as that is the topic for this thread. My post was a follow on from Max Headroom where he said said GST was not payable when items came in under $1000 which is no longer the case.


I spent big at Ascroft's but broke it up into two shipments so that each was sub AU$1000 inc freight = no GST on either. This was still cheaper than a putting it all together as a single shipment over AU$1000 + GST.

Cheers

Garry

[AlexRS4]

From my last purchase from FCP Euro (Feb 2019) of $770.80USD ($1128 Aus or so) the UPS fee breakdown to release from customs was:
$9.95 security fee
$1 GST on the security fee
$83 Customs fee
$116.89 GST on goods inwards
Total $210.84

From my invoice:
Effective from 1st January 2016, the formal Declaration Fee (formerly known as the formal entry fee) imposed Border Protection will be AUD $83.00 for shipments over AUD $1,000 by the Department of Immigration and
As of 1st January 2016, the formal Declaration fee for shipments valued over AUD $10,000 imposed by the Australian Customs Service will be AUD $185.00

You may still get caught at inbound for GST on parts under $1k but looks like you'll avoid a fee on top. I've only bought from eBay and Amazon since the new rules which, as others have said, add the GST at checkout.

[jc109]

Similar experience here.
I wish I’d done my research prior, as I’d thought the $1000 limit was on the goods only.
I just purchased some items from the UK, and with shipping I ended up at about AUD $1030. Extra cost paid to DHL to get it in my hands was a further $269. If I’d known I’d have split the package into two orders.
Caveat emptor.

[Aussie Jeepster]

The whole GST thing is pretty hit or miss.
Most US sellers have not listed with the government as they don't see why they should, so independent sellers out of the US can be GST free if it is under $1000.
Same in the UK, although they understand the concept of VAT and some have opted to collect the GST.
Remember, if you buy from the UK, you need to ask for the VAT to be removed as it only applies to sales in the UK and EU - but having said that, some smaller outlets dont want the added papaerwork of doing it.

[twr7cx]

The whole GST thing is pretty hit or miss.
Most US sellers have not listed with the government as they don't see why they should, so independent sellers out of the US can be GST free if it is under $1000.
Same in the UK, although they understand the concept of VAT and some have opted to collect the GST.
Remember, if you buy from the UK, you need to ask for the VAT to be removed as it only applies to sales in the UK and EU - but having said that, some smaller outlets dont want the added papaerwork of doing it.

I have to agree and disagree with you here. While I agree that most of the sellers aren't listed with the Government and aren't collecting the GST, I disagree that you're getting out of it as all the freight carriers have. So most US/UK sellers don't collect, but the freight service that they use to deliver it to you does collect the GST and pass it onto the Australian government - so you haven't gotten away with it. A lot of people just don't realise as it's all just part of the total freight cost that is quoted and charged - it's why for those of us that are regular overseas shoppers we noticed a price increase when the change came into effect.

[Tombie]

Similar experience here.
I wish I’d done my research prior, as I’d thought the $1000 limit was on the goods only.
I just purchased some items from the UK, and with shipping I ended up at about AUD $1030. Extra cost paid to DHL to get it in my hands was a further $269. If I’d known I’d have split the package into two orders.
Caveat emptor.

DHL are a bunch of rogues and thieves.
Never seen such rorting. Never had the gouging when using TNT or others.

If a company will only ship DHL I don’t buy from them.

[101RRS]

If a company will only ship DHL I don’t buy from them.

I agree 100% - many o/s companies have their contracted couriers (often DHL) and will not use anyone else or take your package to the post. In the UK - Royal Mail is substantially cheaper than DHL and deliver just a quick and without the hassles but most sellers will not do a mail run to post your items as DHL pick it up.

Garry

[grey_ghost]

In my job - I am currently working with DHL on a project..... Oh lord, help me! [emoji15]

[Aussie Jeepster]

I agree 100% - many o/s companies have their contracted couriers (often DHL) and will not use anyone else or take your package to the post. In the UK - Royal Mail is substantially cheaper than DHL and deliver just a quick and without the hassles but most sellers will not do a mail run to post your items as DHL pick it up.

Garry
Same in the US - Fedex and UPS pick up and deliver from many stores - the USPS is cheaper, but it's too hard for them to take it to the post office.
I have 2 outlets in the US who will do USPS for me, but it's a personal deal and a box of chocolates when I visit helps to keep the system working.
I won't share the names, but the US retailers are so entrenched with their shipping companies, they just wont budge.
And the bonus is the USPS does not add GST!
Alan

[ChookD2]

On a side note, I ordered a small item from Amazon recently. There was no indication of where in the world it was but the seller had a good rap so I went with it.
Got the email saying my item had been shipped, so I went to have a look at the tracking through Amazon. This stated that ...... "The carrier has not provided tracking details for this shipment at this time." And when I look a little further down I see......."Carrier: Latvian post" :eek2:

I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

Well my part arrived today (11/7/19) which I think is not too bad. Ordered on a Friday night (21/6) and advised of despatch on Wed 26/6 with a rather wide delivery expectation of 9/7 - 24/7. On another plus side this is what appears to be a genuine Bosch item which would have cost $100+ from a retailer here but I am very happy with $38.49 incl GST and free postage even though I had to wait. On a minus side I did get a tracking number but was unable to track the item once it left Latvia.

[101RRS]

Well my part arrived today (11/7/19) which I think is not too bad. Ordered on a Friday night (21/7) and advised of despatch on Wed 26/7 with a rather wide delivery expectation of 9/7 - 24/7.

Wow that is great - your part arrived before you ordered it and before it was despatched - I like that [bighmmm]

[ChookD2]

Wow that is great - your part arrived before you ordered it and before it was despatched - I like that [bighmmm]

It's either old age or dyslexia take you pick. I'm going with old age.

Amended.

[Aussie Jeepster]

Here is one from powerbulbs in the UK.
I decided to upgrade the bulbs in the D3 high beam.
No GST and freight free. Also fast service if previous orders are anything to go by.
152695

[twr7cx]

No GST and freight free. Also fast service if previous orders are anything to go by.

Not necessarily at all.
1. Have you actually received the item yet? If not, it may still be held up to await your payment of the GST component - I don't think this is likely though.
2. More likely is as the freight was free and the GST is often being collected by the freight companies as part of the delivery charges to Australia, it may just be that they, powerbulbs, paid the GST component as well when the paid the freight - as I would assume they don't actually get free freight from what ever delivery carrier they're using they would of had to pay them - in that case you still ended up paying GST and freight, it's just covered in the sale price they've charged you rather than being added on separately later...
Either way it sounds like your happy with the total price deal so that's good!

[Bigbjorn]

Yesterday I received a package of small items from the USA. No GST or duty. Straight through the postal service to my letter box. Same happened last month.

[twr7cx]

Yesterday I received a package of small items from the USA. No GST or duty. Straight through the postal service to my letter box. Same happened last month.

Again, if it's under AUD $1,000.00 then there's no duty.
How do you know there's no GST though? Most of the US carriers are incorporating the GST collection into their freight charges - so if the sender paid the freight for the packages then in doing so they likely also paid the GST component too. The fact that it's not showing GST collection separately doesn't mean it didn't happen just that it was included as part of the carrier costs - I do also accept that the reverse is potentially true too. But as it's generally been integrated into the carrier costs for parcels under AUD $1,000.00 it means that it will go straight through the postal service to your letter box with no hold up as it's all already sorted.

[Bigbjorn]

Again, if it's under AUD $1,000.00 then there's no duty.
How do you know there's no GST though? Most of the US carriers are incorporating the GST collection into their freight charges - so if the sender paid the freight for the packages then in doing so they likely also paid the GST component too. The fact that it's not showing GST collection separately doesn't mean it didn't happen just that it was included as part of the carrier costs - I do also accept that the reverse is potentially true too. But as it's generally been integrated into the carrier costs for parcels under AUD $1,000.00 it means that it will go straight through the postal service to your letter box with no hold up as it's all already sorted.

I have two principal US suppliers. Neither charge me GST just catalogue price less my dealer discount plus actual postage. Neither are interested in Australian red tape as their business to Australia is not sufficient to justify the extra work. They pick it, pack it, and take it to the post office. I have always made sure my orders are <AU$1000 including postage. If necessary splitting orders into two or more units. I have my suppliers use cheapest air-mail, usually flat rate boxes. USPS provide the boxes free and will complete the customs declaration for the sender. Great service and best price.

[101RRS]

And the odds are you will not have to pay GST but if one of your packages is picked up in one of Customs (AustPost) random checks and they see that the company you deal with is not registered for GST then you will have to pay GST. But as said it is unlikely to be picked up.

I am also yet to be convinced that all overseas companies charging GST are actually passing it on to the Aust government and just pocket it themselves.

Garry

[Aussie Jeepster]

I have two principal US suppliers. Neither charge me GST just catalogue price less my dealer discount plus actual postage. Neither are interested in Australian red tape as their business to Australia is not sufficient to justify the extra work. They pick it, pack it, and take it to the post office. I have always made sure my orders are <AU$1000 including postage. If necessary splitting orders into two or more units. I have my suppliers use cheapest air-mail, usually flat rate boxes. USPS provide the boxes free and will complete the customs declaration for the sender. Great service and best price.

Yep, that's what I've found. Most of the small sellers in the US don't even know where Australia is, let alone collect tax for our government!!!!
And if you can work with some good, known firms, it pays off when they look after you with USPS delivery.
If Australian customs ever decide it is profitable to collect GST on small parcels, I'll pay it, but me thinks it is a long way off yet.

[vbrab]

Have never been charged GST /VAT on UK items as they are being "exported" (No VAT).
Have always asked suppliers to breakk invoices/parcels into under $1000 per package and so far have never been hit for GST either.
Ebay sites do add GST as their committment to helping our government extract GST (from everybody but them it would seem).

It also seems that USA gets LR parts supplied to them cheaper than our dealers in Australia (at least that is what the dealers tell us).

[Bigbjorn]

[QUOTE=vbrab;2924808
It also seems that USA gets LR parts supplied to them cheaper than our dealers in Australia (at least that is what the dealers tell us).[/QUOTE]

I bought some Australian made accessories for my '86 County from a USA dealer. Landed here by air mail around 30% cheaper than the rogues selling these items in Australia charge. Now the USA dealer has to ship the stuff from Australia and then send it back via an expensive method, air-mail. Australian retailers in many cases suffer from the greedy syndrome. They need to modify their thinking. Times have changed. We can now buy from anywhere in the world and get it here relatively quickly.

[Tombie]

I bought some Australian made accessories for my '86 County from a USA dealer. Landed here by air mail around 30% cheaper than the rogues selling these items in Australia charge. Now the USA dealer has to ship the stuff from Australia and then send it back via an expensive method, air-mail. Australian retailers in many cases suffer from the greedy syndrome. They need to modify their thinking. Times have changed. We can now buy from anywhere in the world and get it here relatively quickly.

There’s quite a bit more to it than that...

Exports from Australia get concessions on volume exporters - and no additional taxes or duties.
They are shipped in bulk via sea container which is sub $1k. Then held in warehouses.

If a Dealer orders for export, no state taxes apply.

Over here, a dealer will buy a few items, pay all taxes applicable, plus has to hold stock, pay much higher wages, payroll tax, super etc. so they need to recoup costs in a more prompt manner or they go out of business.


Your drop-ship orders circumvent on a small level exactly what many bitch about bigger companies attempting to do; tax avoidance/reduction.

Sure, you may have a little less mark up, but that’s your choice. Go put $300k worth of goods on your shelf and see how quick you would want your money recouped.

[Bigbjorn]

There’s quite a bit more to it than that...

Exports from Australia get concessions on volume exporters - and no additional taxes or duties.
They are shipped in bulk via sea container which is sub $1k. Then held in warehouses.

If a Dealer orders for export, no state taxes apply.

Over here, a dealer will buy a few items, pay all taxes applicable, plus has to hold stock, pay much higher wages, payroll tax, super etc. so they need to recoup costs in a more prompt manner or they go out of business.


Your drop-ship orders circumvent on a small level exactly what many bitch about bigger companies attempting to do; tax avoidance/reduction.

Sure, you may have a little less mark up, but that’s your choice. Go put $300k worth of goods on your shelf and see how quick you would want your money recouped.

Tombie, Brian's Retirement Sale buys all its stock from the USA. I deal in machine shop supplies, engineer's cutting tools, precision tools. Yanks give better service, better quality, far better prices. I was getting obsolete taps and dies made in the USA. I had to order minimum 50 of each size. Last major order I placed was for 900 items and they cost me average AU$4.50 each. My major competitor was selling the smallest size at AU$32 and theirs are made in China. Sheer greed. I know about greedy corporations. I worked for a couple of them. One, a distributor of earthmoving, mining, and construction equipment marked up its spare parts stock by 250% of cost into store. A $100 item was thus priced at $350. This crowd did not give trade discount. They reckoned everyone they sold to was an end user of one kind or another. Another marked up parts and accessories by 175% of cost into store.

[Tombie]

And wages?

We pay haulage $40.50 an hour plus loading. Internal charge cost runs to about $116.00

How do you think that, interest rates, overdrafts are all paid for?