I want to import some camera equipment from B&H and Adorama. B&H can collect import duty cost in advance but Adorama doesn't. Four items in total cost $400 AUD.
What are the chances of getting stuck at customs if not paid in advance?
Custom Duty When Buying from The USA
[Deactivated] on 04/11/2020 - 06:45
Last edited 04/11/2020 - 10:57 by 1 other user
Last edited 04/11/2020 - 10:57 by 1 other user
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Yes, they ship direct through expensive Fedex or DHL
Very low chance if sent via post, especially if under $1k (which yes, is still the limit). If via courier then the courier will almost certainly pick it up and apply the charge. BTW I'm assuming you mean GST as B&H have never offered to collect import duty for me, just GST and I don't recall it being optional.
They do give an option to pay Duties & Taxes upfront (Prepay) or do it later by dealing with customs.
You've nothing to lose by ordering from the shop that doesn't charge GST. It's the carrier that you've to worry about. Using the postal service is the best option.
Both companies do not offer cheaper postal service. Only DHL and FEDEX respectively.
Well that is a shame.
If they're your only two choices (I'm sure I've had things from B&H via post earlier this year) then you may as well pre pay it as the courier will almost certainly charge you if anything's outstanding which will cause a delay but it won't be much, typically a day or two at most while it's all processed. They generally get it all organised prior to the parcel even arriving in country.
Post must be cheaper right? How come they do not offer anything other then DHL anymore :-D
Something to do with Cotit-19?
@[Deactivated]: Usually but often not by as much as you may think. Post is far less likely to pull you up for GST etc, courier is usually significantly faster, especially these days.
Might have something to do with the value? I bought a couple of Manfrotto mini ball heads and the total was only around $100. Maybe over a certain limit they force you to use courier for better tracking/security? Or maybe I'm just completely misremembering.
When you're done, don't forget to thank Gerry Harvey for all of this! That son of a…..
:-D pos
Both sellers ship direct to Australia? At total $400 you won't pay anything on entry.