----- Original Message -----
From: "Rev Simon Rumble" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Jeff Waugh" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Penguinillas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2001 10:51 PM
Subject: Re: [SLUG] Buying VA Linux in .au
[snip]
: 2) Paying tax twice -- Customs charge the standard tax rates _after_
: applying a 20% "lift factor" because they assume you imported it at
: wholesale prices, regardless of whether you pay retail price or now.
I've imported a fair amount of hardware from the states. Just parts, CPUs,
hard disks, video cards, etc - for personal use only. But probably about
1000 USD's worth over the last 6-12 months. I've yet to be charged any tax,
let alone anything ludicrous like that. I'm sure the rules differ for
companies, but I'd suggest you check with the customs office first. They
have good information about this stuff on their web site, and respond well
to emails. For stuff you're not planning to resell, and in small quantities,
I was under the impression that you're not going to get hit hard (GST at
most).
: 3) Shipping will either be slow and expensive or fast and ludicrously
: expensive.
Have a look at USPS. They are quick, and inexpensive. Usually around half
(!) what UPS, DHL or FedEx will charge, for a comparable product (2-3 days
shipping time, insurance). I've been very happy with their Global Express
Mail product. Got all my hardware here on time, and undamaged.
http://ircalc.usps.gov
Cheers,
Matt
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