Thread: Tyres ftom USA so cheap.

Thanks for that info will be seriuosly looking at this in the new year as I need a new set of muddies for the Cape trip I'm planning mid year.

Regards
John

hrm....difference in cost -


Aus supplied, fitted and balanced - $1564

Tirerack.com - supply $868, shipping $unknown but estimate max. of $300, filt and balance $unknown but estimate max of $200. Total $1368

So even using the max values there is still a $200 saving. But wait, what about import tax and GST which I am certain you will have to pay....

So I called Pirelli who mentioned that they do NOT warrant tyres purchased overseas as they are bar coded in Aus.....Not sure how this works but they may simply request proof of purchase in aus for any claims etc.

So buying from aus, I take a leisurely drive to my tyre guy, give them the car and walk to the local coffee shop. Then drive away slightly lighter in the wallet department but none the less satisfied that it is all over with minimal effort on my part.

Buying from US - organise payment of product and shipping, confirm customs etc with shipping co, pay customs then let shipping co know, wait for tyres and assume they will not drop them off without signed con note. Call shipping co up to arrange pickup as you are not going to have a day off of work for tyres. Pay tolls to pick them up (sydney ). Lob in the back then drive home. Make the car smell of rubber. Organise for fitting and balance. Drive to tyre place and have them shipped and balanced and pay for disposal of old tyres (yes this will be at a premium). Walk to local coffee shop. Drive home, with the car still smelling of rubber, knowing that you have saved a quid....or 3.



As you can see I am 'really' trying to convince myself to buy locally.......let's see what happens.

I went thru this excercise a couple of weeks ago.

Shipping from Tirerack worked out to about $70 per tyre.

I did the ring around, visited a couple of tyre outlets, and made my decision.

For the $200 - $300 saving, (the cost of 1 tyre) I couln't justify having no warranty.

I ended up buying locally.

IIRC, import tax only applies on goods valued at $1000 or more, excluding shipping.

Originally Posted by catch-22

Make the car smell of rubber.

mmmmmmmm

if you cant have the 'new car' smell might as well be 'new rubber' smell

Originally Posted by Basil135

IIRC, import tax only applies on goods valued at $1000 or more, excluding shipping.

Includes shipping and any other of the overseas costs involved in the purchase.

Garry

Well, got my tyres.....locally.....and had them fitted this morning. Got a top price but the guy imports so I got the best of both. That is, I could take a leisurely drive and have them fitted and didn't have to pay the $250+ markup.

Whether the Tyre distributor import or your local guy imports, it doesn't matter. Money is still going overseas. And the distributor is probably registered as an overseas Co anyway.

I have always found it hard to to hand over my stress earned cash to someone simply signing import papers and expecting to make a fortune because they can control the pricing of the market.

Anyway, made my decision.....

Originally Posted by garrycol

Includes shipping and any other of the overseas costs involved in the purchase.

Garry

Yep, your right.

Had a look at the ACS website, and if the goods are valued at $1000, then you are up for around $170 in duties, gst etc.

http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/re...sbypostfaq.pdf

My Tirerack Km2 s turned up thurs. 9 days and that was over the xmas period!
Had all 5 fitted for $40 so happy days

BTW if the vaule of goods is UNDER Au$1000 then NO gst or duties. shipping $$ is irrelevant