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Australian Customs - RE: amplifiers

#4
Hey Dan,

The following is an example of what to expect. I got advice from a mate when I was thinking of buying an amp from the USA a while back:

5% Duty on cost of item + shipping and insurance.
10 % GST on item grossed up.
Add broker fees if you use a shipping agent.

eg
$1350 USD + shipping
Assume Shipping $150 insurance $50
new price US$1550
AUD to USD exchange @86c
AUD Price $1802.33
Duty $90.12
GST $189.25
new price inc GST $2081.70

Also build in a contingency for broker/agent of around 10% grossed up.

I'd say.. worst case $2289.87



Hope this helps!
 
#9
+1000000000000000000000000000000

I was GLAD my SVT2 came in at JUST under $1000AUS not including shipping!!! So customs didn't have ANY need for it, IT arrived at my door 7 DAYS after it was sent from Florida!!! It took LONGER to get from Sydney to Hobart than it did from Florida to Sydney--go figure???????? I've had similar situ's w/ many other things. HOW on earth can an item take 2 weeks to get from Brisbane to Hobart, while something posted in Kentucky USA gets to me in 5 days!!!!!!!???????????????????????????? AUS Post???????
 
#10
funkydanbass said:
Yeh! And for what exactly am I paying for?? Carrier charges I understand, but why should our government cash in on the fact that I had to import something that wasn't availble in this country?

Anyway, rant over. Thanks for the heads up.
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Yeah I know, it sucks. What's worse is when you're a gigging musician and the government legally requires you to have an ABN and therefore eventually have to pay tax for. What the heck did the government do to help you to play music for an audience? What crap.
 
#11
funkydanbass said:
.... why should our government cash in on the fact that I had to import something that wasn't availble in this country?

QUOTE]

KevRudd.jpg


Yes, they appreciate your donation very much.....I'm sure! :rolleyes:
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#13
funkydanbass said:
Yeh! And for what exactly am I paying for? Carrier charges I understand, but why should our government cash in on the fact that I had to import something that wasn't available in this country??
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umm... if it were available in a store in Australia, there would be GST included in the price wouldn't there? What's the difference? Oh and GST is 10% not 15%. I'm starting to suspect you haven't done all your homework before pulling the trigger on this. That's something I don't recommend.

I haven't imported stuff for years but from memory the mathematical example given by Gruntollio Bass sounds about right.
 
#14
I get what your saying. There is 10% Gst and a 5% Duty. I have recently imported 2 Fodera's an F bass and have an Azola Baby Bass on the way. I have done my research extensively in regards to additional costs on instrument purchases just not amps. I am prepared to pay the difference, (just wanted to get a ballpark percentage).

My statement about the GST stands regardless of whether it's on an import or local purchase. I haven't agreed with GST since it was introduced. I don't know about you, but I don't like paying tax on any and every thing I do so the governemnt can have a multi billion dollar surplus that barely gets back to the Arts.
 
#15
funkydanbass said:
My statement about the GST stands regardless of whether it's on an import or local purchase. I haven't agreed with GST since it was introduced. I don't know about you, but I don't like paying tax on any and every thing I do so the governemnt can have a multi billion dollar surplus that barely gets back to the Arts.
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That's a whole other argument, one that I have with my client's all the time (I'm an Accountant by day). The GST is law, and it's here to stay. If getting out of paying the GST was a simple as buying from O/S, everyone would do it and all local businesses would go bankrupt.

Register for GST and claim it all back on your BAS. Depending on your circumstances, the extra paperwork can be well worth it, (but not always). Speaking of which, I've gotta do my Dec 07 BAS yet - it's due on Thursday. Thanks for reminding me :)
 

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