Claiming TRS and bringing back a similar item, how do I prove it?

minty on 26/04/2023 - 18:22

I share an expensive camera and few lenses with a friend in NZ, I have it for half of the year, mail it to them, they do the same, rinse and repeat.

(The camera is currently in NZ) recently did a job for a client, and they asked to buy the exact equipment used to take the said photo, this has happened before, why they want it is frankly beyond my comprehension, this time the offer is very attractive, think retail + ~25%.

I was thinking of buying an identical brand new kit here, get on a cheapie flight to NZ, claim TRS on the way out and hand that unit to my friend, and bring the 2nd hand unit back to sell to the client, whom have already paid a deposit.

How does TRS track high value items (eg, $35k) and do they check returning passengers, is it over a particular value? If they ask me, how do I prove that the identical item is not actually identical? I suppose I could tell them the serial number on the way out if that's even an option(?)

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Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 26/04/2023 - 18:28
    +1

    Surely something that expensive has serial numbers … eg lens and body..

    • minty on 26/04/2023 - 18:31

      It does, do I nominate these information at time of claiming TRS?

      Was thinking of just bringing the 2nd hand back without saying, but wasn't sure if at a particular value it's flagged in their system to check my belongings upon re-entry.

      • nxllson on 26/04/2023 - 18:37

        TRS doesn't keep the full invoice on file when you claim. What they will have is the retailer's ABN & invoice number.

        If your invoice has a serial number, that should be handy in order to prove your case if you are stopped by Border Force.

        • minty on 26/04/2023 - 18:56

          Ah I see, I'll give the retailer a buzz and find out whether a serial number is on the invoice in this case, thanks!

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 26/04/2023 - 19:27

        Ask your seller to put it on the invoice. I did to it with Harvey Norman many years ago, but surely anyone else could accomodate with a generic note line. That invoice gets checked (and stamped) then that can be your proof.

        It has been many years since I bothered with trs btw

  • KSMLJ on 26/04/2023 - 18:48

    Why not do what you have always been doing and mail the old one back to yourself from NZ?

    • minty on 26/04/2023 - 18:54

      That was my initial idea, but since I'm going there anyway thought I'd save a few bucks and just bring it back, we don't pay for the whole insurance on $35k normally as that plus shipping would be like $1k (via Auspost) which is ridiculous, so we gamble it and pay a portion. Was hoping a $300 cheapie ticket could be solution for this out of the norm situation.

      • KSMLJ on 26/04/2023 - 18:57

        It's a $35k camera?

        Alrighty then, that is a bit of a risk. :S

        • minty on 26/04/2023 - 19:05

          Nah, camera + 2 lenses, still, expensive as shit yes.

  • AircraftFreight on 26/04/2023 - 21:37

    Right for $35k they might track and note everything but if they dont you are in (profanity) ditch. If they do, thats great for the P/N match at inbound customs, if they only take an invoice which doesnt have any S/N's and proof that the items are with you - again (profanity) ditch IF you come back.

    You could on your Inbound Passenger Declaration Document could answer no and try get past customs on arrival, if you succeed - you win | But if you get caught, you will be required to pay the GST + duties and a hefty fine which would be upwards of $10k, because if they didnt take in depth info, they wouldnt care sadly if it was a different unit, unless if you have solid proof (such as a serial on the invoice) - you would just walk out of customs down a lot and would need to go to a magistrate to fight it.

    My advice, would be to mark yes on your IPDD "Goods obtained overseas or purchased duty and/or tax free in Australia with a combined total price of more than AUD$900, including gifts?" - and then to fully explain what you have done. Take pictures of the S/N at the TRS, and have them match the new unit.

  • SmiTTy on 26/04/2023 - 22:00

    I've claimed mobile phones via trs and they've recorded serial numbers. Admittedly that was years ago so not sure if that still happens

  • Stewardo on 26/04/2023 - 22:04

    If you doing jobs for clients with cameras, wouldn’t you be claiming cost of all equipment on a depreciation schedule anyway?

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