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Post by sean on May 18, 2009 15:24:14 GMT 10
A few weeks back I bought an Orca F3J from the manufacturer in Germany. When it came to shipping there were two options - have it sent to my door or have it sent to the airport, where I'd have to go and pick it up in person. The second option was much cheaper so naturally I took it.....
That turned out to be a bad idea. After arriving at Brisbane Airport last Tuesday, it's only just ready to be picked up now. It turns out I needed a customs broker to handle it. I had to fill out all sort of forms which I know nothing about, I received numerous phone calls from the customs broker asking about the package, and they even contacted the manufacturer for more information. It got inspected by quarantine, the full bit. Total cost in handling fees (on top of the shipping charges I'd already paid) - $369.
I believe if I'd chosen to have it sent to my door these costs would have been part of the total shipping cost, and the people dealing with the customs clearance would have been more familiar with this kind of shipment (consumer goods rather than business related import), plus it would have come out costing less.
So the lesson in all of this is - if you're buying something from OS and the seller says you can save by having the item shipped to you nearest international airport rather than to your door - don't do it! Unless of course you know what you're doing, unlike me!
Sean.
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Post by skyzking on May 18, 2009 15:43:15 GMT 10
Thanks for the thumbs up Sean, i hope you enjoy your new plane, Ive heard lots of good thing about it.
Abdullah...
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Post by bundyglida on May 18, 2009 17:52:17 GMT 10
I had this experience myself.
I ordered a new Evolution f3b from Jiri Tuma.
But I had a broker ('MEGATOP'....Beware!!!) who Forged my signature to have my Evo released from customs, who then proceeded to send me a bill for the stamp duty, customs clearence, pick up fee's and postage to Bundaberg totalling $1500 extra on the price of the glider.
Once they were advised that I was going to advise Customs, and take legal action for forging my signature, I then only had to pay for the customs clearence....$300, and pick it up myself from Brissy.
In my experiences in buying many mouldies.... if purchasing from O/S, you should buy from a distributor such as Soaring USA or Skip Miller.
You will recieve the model quickly to your door (5-7 days), and they will usually include a dummy invoice on the package for a lesser amount then actual price, this will allow the model to slip through customs with no further charges.
Dale
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Post by sean on May 18, 2009 18:08:17 GMT 10
Wow Dale, that makes my experience look like a very positive one! Sorry to hear you had so much trouble with the Evo.
I enquired with Skip Miller re the Orca and the price was a LOT more. Aside from a little added stress from the customs experience buying directly from Stefan Eder worked out quite well. His communication was mostly very good.
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Post by bundyglida on May 18, 2009 19:02:16 GMT 10
That's good to hear you didn't end up handing over too much.
One of my personal experiences, I bought a Europhia from Soaring usa for the equivilant of $1800 AUS dollars, and $200 postage, still cheaper then I could have bought it in OZ for, and no stress at all.
I've got a new 'Pike Perfect' coming this week or next week sometime, and I've given the local guys a go this time so I'll see how that all goes (David Prattly- airstrike, and, Model flight.)
By the way, congrats on the ORCA, that's a serious bit of thermal kit, for a slope soarer ;D
Dale
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Post by sean on May 18, 2009 19:15:12 GMT 10
Yeah it should be good, but it'll be mostly a thermal machine, the slopes around here tend to wreck planes, or at least I tend to wreck planes on the slopes around here  . I was very tempted to buy something locally, largely to save the import hassles but decided to go with the Orca because that was the plane I really wanted. All up, even with the extra fees it was a bit cheaper than an Xplorer from Airstrike. I would happily pay a little more to buy locally (for the peace of mind), it's just that the choice is so limited when buying locally. I'm sure you'll love the Pike! |
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Post by bananaman on May 18, 2009 19:54:34 GMT 10
Cost ... Ha, I beat that.
I'm sitting at Hong Kong airport with my new models (carbon Xplorers) by my side. Part of my "allowable" luggage. I won't pay anything to any scamming customs agent but geez the air fare to go over to Europe to pick 'em up was a bit. Plus the added tours, accomodation etc, etc, etc. Makes these very expensive.
I'll just get hit with the GST over the "duty free allowance" which still makes the purchase cost effective (provided you are already going to do the holiday!).
It really does pay to do the research if self importing or get a quote first from an agent before buying models OS. I've imported stuff like 50kg of winch line spools and 3 moldies before and did the process myself but it still costs.
Some things also have duty payable. If I had described the winch line as fishing line it was going to attract duty (as fishing line is manufactured in Oz) but I described it as a textile monofilament and it had no duty.
High dollar model imports always include flag fall fees just for entry to the airport or shipping port, fees for storage (especially if you are tardy clearing it) "other" handling fees PLUS GST on the item AND the freight AND on all the other fees added by everyone else putting their hand out.
Often the door to door price looks expensive initially but do your sums it ain't (most times). Also the local guy's price may not be that bad after all.
Research or pay.
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Post by laanguy on May 19, 2009 10:53:00 GMT 10
Imports and customs clearances are not that hard when you have done it a few times. I never use brokers and do my own clearances to save costs. Brokers will charge you an arm and a leg but it is a little quicker. Also makes a big difference if goods are sent by a postal company or freight company. If goods are declared with a dummy invoice and there is any damage, you will not get back your money.
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Post by jase on May 19, 2009 13:02:08 GMT 10
I think costs have to be over AU$1000 to incur GST and customs fees.
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Post by bananaman on May 19, 2009 13:36:32 GMT 10
Well I'm home now and the kind Customs man waved me through after having a good look at the box via the scanner. I had declared the value, but he just waved me on and said have a nice day and I am. That means I saved $450.00 on each model  (on buying them here) If only it always worked like that. |
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Post by bundyglida on May 19, 2009 16:10:47 GMT 10
welcome home Brian. Great to hear you goyt the Explorers through OK. My pike has also arrived in Oz, and once the O'rielly/Prattly team decide how much they want to sting me, it will be firmly in my hands. Time to start sticking it to the southerners . Have you sorced a new tranny yet? Dale |
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Post by bananaman on May 19, 2009 17:43:17 GMT 10
The best bloke on the planet ....... " Jeff Irvin " is loaning me his MC24.
Plus Mr. O'Reilly may have a replacement 12X for me as well.
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Post by bundyglida on May 19, 2009 18:23:32 GMT 10
Wow! Jeff really is the 'best bloke' in the world I noticed a mc24 for sale on rctrader for $800 too.... |
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Post by bananaman on May 19, 2009 18:44:34 GMT 10
Hmmm pay $800.00 to destroy $5000.00 or use the "best man on the planet's" MC24 where I know its history and owners very well.
I believe my choice is made. ;D
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(on buying them here) If only it always worked like that.