shipping from USA to AUS

[suihon]

Guys,

Im in the process of ordering a case of UDBlack and need to know whats the best way of shipping to AUS to avoid (or at least minimise) any customs and other fees with getting the goods to Aus.. Is there a tried and tested approach? I was thinking of splitting the boxes and sending in batches but ideally dont want to break open the case. Any suggestions.??

S.

 

[adhunt99]

dunno, i'd suggest calling your local customs office and asking what the duties payable are on imports of purchases from the us depending on value etc.

 

[rhysjsolomon]

DHL are quite good!!!!

I order stuff from Dacardworld.com sometimes and choose this type of shipping and it usually arrives within 7 days!!!

But not sure about a case as that would be alot heavier, but being ud black, its only small!

 

[graham]

Any courier company used to have a limit of $250 before they start charging customs/duties. This from memory included DHL, UPS, FedEX etc etc. I have heard that they recently increased this to $1000 but I havent been game to try it out. Also some of these companies will charge you fees for just "processing" your parcel through customs, even if it is under the limit. I've read stories of UPS charging $40 processing fees for a $7 mug/cup.

If you ship via USPS, you have a $1000 declared limit (including shipping) before customs will pull it up. If you split the case up it won't help - i've had 3 cases sent at the same time, shipped separately and customs just combined them when they got here. USPS have an Express Courier option so if you are concerned about speed, I would send USPS and use that option.

 

[A_Iverson_I]

When buying over the internet

 

[suihon]

Thanks guys. The link was very handy.

Hill33, Im going to take a punt and split the case. Im thinking of sending each batch 3 days apart. In either case, there isnt much else I can do.

With payment, whats the best way to pay for large orders such as this when dealing with US? I usually just pay via paypal which has a transaction fee and is ok for small items but what about items such as this where cost is higher. Has anyone payed with creditcard? I guess what Im trying to get at here is whats the cheapest payment method if the sellers flexible.

 

[adhunt99]

There's no fee for you to pay by paypal, the seller bears the fee.

 

[Foolish]

i bought my 2 cases from dacardworld of 06/07 ultimate it only cost 47.02 delievered via DHL international express delivery, on the invoice stuck on the outside of the box it has the total as being under $250US this will save on customs....Best way to go in my opinion!

 

[suihon]

Ive asked seller if those options are possible.. DHL also. The paypal conversion rates a worry though going down 4 c.. should have gotten in earlier

 

[DGCollectables]

a mate of mine bought a case of baseball exquisite without realising about the customs duty and he was slugged a good $455 Australian in customs, gst, and brokerage fees. needless to say hes not buying from the us again lol.

 

[Ersk]

If the item is not being insured, you can get the seller to claim a customs value of $750 to avoid customs duty. Just make sure he does not put an invoice inside the box, because if they open it and find the actual invoice, then you're stuffed.

Most sellers are happy to put whatever value you want on customs form if the item is not insured.

Ersk

 

[Ersk]

BTW, is it a 6 box case or a 10 box case you are getting?

 

[suihon]

Its the 10 Box Case and just waiting a short while to see if paypal more closely resembles the real AUS-US exchange rate.. The sellers looking at doing the invoice thing you guys mentioned. Ive asked the invoice be emailed so theres evidence or to send seperately.. In either case, I reckon this is the go! Thanks for your help guys all suggestions came in handy!!