GST Import Charges With Sites Other Than Major Sites?

drspy00 on 14/05/2019 - 15:05

Ebay now charge the 10% GST since last year, since then I have only bought on ebay and Aliexpress where its charged automatically at checkout.

Does anyone have experience with buying stuff from overseas from smaller and less known sites that do not charge this? Did you get charged on entry?

I like the security of ebay, but if its possible to avoid a $40-50 charge on items I get regularly I would rather buy from the smaller store sites.

I know they've always had the rule for items of $1000 but mostly my orders are much less than that.

General Discussion

Comments

  • Amaris on 14/05/2019 - 15:15
    +1

    I don't think bhphotovideo charges this yet.

  • yippy on 14/05/2019 - 16:09
    +4

    As far as I know if the store doesn't charge it at checkout and the value is under $1000 you won't get charged GST on entry.

    • Clear on 14/05/2019 - 16:50

      You're 100% correct.

    • donbot on 14/05/2019 - 16:59
      +1

      Seconded this. I asked the question on here some time ago, and kept the imports below $1000. Didnt get charged GST on entry.

    • Cheaplikethebird on 14/05/2019 - 17:12
      +2

      It only applies to companies who do 75k worth of business to Australia. How they supposedly keep a track of that I have no idea.

      • Daabido on 14/05/2019 - 19:33
        +6

        It only applies to companies who want to do the government's bidding. There is no obligation for foreign companies to comply.

        • Diji1 on 14/05/2019 - 21:32
          +2

          Really the only people screwed over by this tax is every day Australians.

          Despite this the braindead will continue voting to screw themselves by voting Laberals.

  • drspy00 on 14/05/2019 - 17:53

    Thanks for the reply. Its mainly for action figures from the US and China, and other stuff but I figure if its the same price on ebay no point paying $45 more just for fun!

    • Cheaplikethebird on 14/05/2019 - 19:08

      1/6 by any chance? I usually find Popcultcha has their figures priced around the same as what it would cost to purchase from overseas + shipping and when you factor in their bonus scheme it sometimes makes it a little cheaper.

      • drspy00 on 14/05/2019 - 20:28

        Yes but quite rare items not available here. Ive mainly started obtaining things that are really unusual that they only make a few of.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 15/05/2019 - 09:13

          Well from my experience with rare custom pieces you're better off joining the buy sell groups on FB like Sixth Scale Grails, generally you'll get better prices than eBay and there's a sort of reputation system.

  • ibuy on 14/05/2019 - 23:24
    +1

    I collect as well and the only way around the GST on eBay is to have it sent to a friend or relative living in that country and then they bring it here when they visit or to have them onship it to you. There are also lots of people on airtasker USA and similar gig sites who will receive the goods, unpack and take photos for you and if all ok then onship it to you. If you’re buying highly valuable rare collectibles then this is the better way to go. I use freight forwarding companies in the States and most don’t understand that despite the collectibles being quite robust and normally packed well by the seller, they need to be repacked carefully or the items can be damaged. If you find a careful package receiver on airtasker it is often easier to deal with than a reforwarding company whose employees may be under the pump to get things shipped. (Think - item arrives damaged, you have to take photos, get valuations, complete insane long winded claim forms, answer a barrage of additional questions, wait a week or two and then hope the full amount is paid out or you could receive less because they don’t agree with the value. :X

  • [Deactivated] on 15/05/2019 - 09:56
    +2

    Dhgate doesn’t charge it when you put in an ABN

  • drspy00 on 22/05/2019 - 18:36

    The package I was asking this question about, from an independent website in the US tracking showing it arrived in Sydney on the 18th, then today went to Dispatched from sorting center - International arrival - awaiting clearance, seems to indicate its in Customs. I am woried I will now be charged the tax at this end. If I am, what do they base the tax on if theres no invoice? Do they also add the tax for the postage cost?

  • alexshel on 24/08/2019 - 11:25

    what shops you know other than bhphotovideo who don't charge GST ?

  • bwatt72 on 23/11/2019 - 00:02

    What about if including your shipping cost it takes it just over a $1000 i take shipping is not part of that $1000 just on goods only as thats how it used to be can you confirm

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