Thread: Importing stuff...Grrr...

Yeah, like the $48, "Quarantine inspection fee", which AQIS reckons should be $18.
I wrote to LR direct about this and everyone who gets stung should write to the shipper as the contract is between them and DHL.
Regards Philip A

To drag this out of the pit.

Just imported a new auto from Ashcrofts and DHL haven't changed. The reason UK shippers use DHL is when packages are over 100kg TNT won't touch it. The only thing I have done is I armed myself with the details from AQIS and customs on all their charges and when they are applicable. Made them read out the list of charges they wanted to hit me with, the total was over $400- (shipping was only $260-) and I said no, no, no, no. Got it down to $80-.

Similar recent experience for me CAG, when I had a few large items come round by sea. It was low value for me (total purchase cost about $700), but very bulky, and the charges this end were 1.5 times what it cost me to move it all 11500 miles.

Just got a call. Here's an unknown tip. My stuff was shipped without an invoice, door to airport. So I needed to take care of supplying the invoice. The goods were listed as "Master Rebuild Kit" (ashcroft speak for LT230 bearing and seal kit). The DHL guy said is it car parts, "yes", new "yes".

Because they were new, not complete components and shipped to the airport the shipping charge was not part of the value and so kept the invoice cost under $1000- (ok so there may be some fudging). But I was prepared for some GST but was surprised at the system.

I had the same.

Though I did actually put what I'd paid on the invoices.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

I rarely buy stock from UK/Europe these days.Freight costs are quite excessive. I buy nearly all stock from the USA and insist on the vendor using the US Postal Service. Use USPS flat rate boxes if the stuff will fit and keep your purchases under AU$1,000. FedEx and UPS are miles more expensive.

Brian I have had exactly the opposite experience, I just bought a set of Crane Valve lash caps in Australia, because shipping USPS from USA for a matchbox size item was $36USD and no guaranteed delivery before the middle of next month, and that was the cheapest option. Bought from Crane in South Australia Express post (dearest) $13 and 2 days delivery. Also bought EGT guage from USA $27 USPS, 19 days (16 of them days in the USA).
Ford Explorer Timing/Cam setup Kit $113AUD, $136USD for USPS, took over 2 weeks.
Costs for post/frieght are ridiculous whether from UK or USA, but at least the goods from the UK get here in this millenium, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by Tank

Brian I have had exactly the opposite experience, I just bought a set of Crane Valve lash caps in Australia, because shipping USPS from USA for a matchbox size item was $36USD and no guaranteed delivery before the middle of next month, and that was the cheapest option. Bought from Crane in South Australia Express post (dearest) $13 and 2 days delivery. Also bought EGT guage from USA $27 USPS, 19 days (16 of them days in the USA).
Ford Explorer Timing/Cam setup Kit $113AUD, $136USD for USPS, took over 2 weeks.
Costs for post/frieght are ridiculous whether from UK or USA, but at least the goods from the UK get here in this millenium, Regards Frank.

Someone is doing something wrong. Are they sending them in solid gold packages by private jet? Medium flat rate boxes 13 5/8 x 11 7/8 x 3 3/8 or 11 x 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 Priority Mail International cost $59.95 and holds up to 20 lbs. Takes 6 -10 days sometimes only 5 sometimes up to 15. Large Flat Rate Box 12 x 12 x 5 1/2 or 23 x 11 3/4 x 3 likewise up to 20 lbs. $77.95. I import machine shop supplies and Engineer's tools and have been doing so since 2000. USPS provide the boxes free and do the Customs Declaration for the shipper. Priority Express is more expensive and takes 3-5 days. A 4lb. Priority Express envelope cost $59.95.

Mmmmm, I'm dreading the bill when my engine lands! Should be interesting to see how they handle a wrapped 6Bt and gearbox still in chassis!! I believe there to be no value on the docket so it will be described as "Engine and Gearbox for rebuild, Condition Unknown" and valued at £480.. We'll c how we go with it!