international shipping?

Guys,

I'll be gettting some leathers sent form the US, Works out cheaper than buying here. But is it true if I get them sent as a "gift" I can save myself a whole lot of pain?

Make sure they do not have a company name on the packing, have them marked as a gift and are valued at under $250 Aus..

I got stung $100 in GST and customs charges on one o/s purchase. I asked them to do the above, they said ok, no probs, and then it arrived with there company name plastered all over the packaging, they valued it at $250 US and didn't mark it as gift.... the bastards.!!

I got a set of warmers in no duty or sales tax. they jus turned up on the door via a delivery van, all marked with company logos and a packing slip with an invoice in it for a value of UKP152.00

i thought customs don't charge you unless its valued at over au$500? Might depend on what it is though, it's definately $500 for the digital camera i got sent over as customs checked the package, but didn't charge the fee.

Theres a difference in values depending on if it is sent via the post our a courier. I think its $250 if by courier and $1000 if by post..
My stuff was sent through DHL so I was stung... The post seems to let of stuff through.
I also had a set of warmers sent over from the uk, via post and they got no charges..

Check this info.
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4752

I believe the larger freight companies (DHL & FedEx) charge all the duties themselves and then remit to the relevant authorities. They're too big to bother trying to help the little fella and it isn't worth getting them selves in the shit.

Always try to buy from a supplier who uses international post or another freight mob than these. Post is best.

get it marked as a "warranty replacement" maybe?

If I have the value marked at less than $250, wont that screw me if I wanna insure it fro delivery?

I've checked with customs
1. Gifts upto value of $250 do no attract duty or gst
2. Although the goods are sent from US, duty applies to clothing based on counry of manufacture (in this case, wherever they make alpinestars)
3. GST is applied to the total cost of the package- ie: purchase price+duty+shipping+insurance...........

based on the above calculations - the suit still works out at least $400 cheaper than here. Shows how were getting ripped off.

I think it is all based on if a customs guy picks up ya parcel or not. Mostly an honesty system like our tax department, they simply do not have the people power to check everything.

mate not sure how much consideration they take if it is marked as a gift, but like dave said its either $250 by a frieght company or $1000 via post before duties and gst.