I am going to make a purchase for some model car items from Amazon US for a few hundred dollars.
The items are not sold by Amazon directly, so as far as I can see, there is no way to get free freight.
Before pressing the buy button, just checking with those more experienced, if there are any tips to save some money.
I see Cashrewards does not apply for toys/hobbies.
Are there any Amazon gift card offers with 5% discount?
Cheers
How much is import tax, and how does one find out if it is applied?
I can already see that GST is added by Amazon.
Not sure as I usually only order through Amazon AU. Have heard of others being stung though.
Duty is unlikely to be applied unless you're ordering over $1k and even then it's unlikely. If you're that unlucky, most items are 5% duty rate. the tariff codes and rates should be on the ABF site if you want to look them up.
It depends on the product your importing, generally if it's below the $1,000 AUD threshold you won't pay duty or tax though. You ca use these guys to calculate how much you'll have to pay.
Are there any Amazon gift card offers with 5% discount?
AFAIK you can't use Amazon AU gift cards on Amazon US and vice versa.
AFAIK you haven't been able to buy from third party sellers on Amazon US and ship to Aust since the GST changes so you'll have to ship to a US address such as a freight forwarder. Worth mentioning in case you haven't realised as they still show as shipping to Aust until you actually try and check out.
If I have family in the good ole US of A, could I in theory get the items sent there then ask them to send em to me as a gift?
Beware import tax if ordering direct through Amazon US.