Shipping Charges

[AlligatorsMum]

not sure if this is the right area but it is about clothing so fashion? lol

i wondered if anyone knew what the possible custom and import charges would be to get a formal dress sent over from america would be? I would estimate the dress would be maybe 3kg since it is the satin material ?

a friend's daugther has found a formal dress that she likes but cant get it in time here (they need 12-14 weeks!) but she could purchase one from america and receive in about 2-3 weeks.. just trying to work out whether cost wise it is an option.. and we are wanting to work out the hidden taxes for shipping it?

TIA!

[Jaycee]

can you request a shipping quote from the manufacturer?

[AlligatorsMum]

no they have said to ask our government. I have sent off an email to then to find out.

I *think* reading it that there wont be charges as it is under the value of $1000 (only $300 aus) but want to check this.

[black_rose]

When I have bought things from the us including clothes I have never had to pay anything at customs, I agree with asking the company though.

[AlligatorsMum]

i have asked the company and they just say to enquire at your government cuz they ship to all international countries and obviously they all differ

[Jaycee]

That doesn't sound right. If they are a company they should organise a quote for shipping. If they can't do that I would be questioning the legitimacy of their business.

[Rouge]

That's just to cover their butts for international orders as customs. I'm pretty sure their wont be any extra charges as I've never had any. I've also seen US online stores say that I'll need to pay taxes in my country which I've never had to pay. It's probably a standard clause where this is the case in certain countries. But generally it must be large items.

Also this isn't shipping. This is on top of shipping. If they are saying this is shipping then that's a bit dodgy.

[Ms_Fi]

Have a look at http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-im...x-calculation/

I used to use it with work and its very accurate.

You'll need to have an idea of shipping costs to get an accurate quote but I just tried it with $300US for the dress, $100US for shipping and $15US for insurance and there wasn't any duty/import costs/tax to pay.

[Cherished]

You don't need to pay customs on any purchase under $1000 (double check latest customs data by giving them a call if you are worried). As for shipping charges companies vary so much! I have no idea why? I get lots of things online and I think some companies just charge loads more for international orders. They should be able to give you a shipping quote though.

[k4t]

As the others have said there will be no import duty but there's a big variation in shipping costs (and times) depending on the company.

I've once had TOLL charge a 'customs processing fee' on top of shipping (ie. not money to the govt but to TOLL for arranging for our stuff to be reviewed by customs or some other bull****) but that was for a very large package with lots of different stuff in it and they agreed to waive the fee as we weren't warned about it beforehand.

[nickle730]

I agree, no customs charge if the value is less than $1000. I recently ordered two horse saddles from Germany, each valued at $900 AUD (although they sell her for $3K!) and the company shipped them in one package instead of 2 as requested. Customs was about $400 for items valued at $1800. Bugger!!

It is generally the receivers responsibility to figure out customs and import duty on an item being sent from overseas. I would not let this deter you from ordering from the company if all else appears reputable.

[Phteven]

You pay import tax on items over $1000.
It's a standard condition for international shipping.

[AlligatorsMum]

Thanks girls.

your right i should have worded the title of thread differently! they arent saying its a shipping cost. just that there may be customs and import taxes at our end and should check with the government.

It sounds like we have worked it out right from that its value is not enough to incur charges but i have sent an email of to duty officers and will hopefully get a reply soon,

Thank you!!