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.