Anyone working for Customs NZ?

[kevin-chow]

Anyone working for Custom NZ, or can point me where for help!

Got some bike parts ship from the US has landed in to NZ 7 days ago and is process by Customs NZ. I waited for 5 working days but Custom NZ still has not release my parts for shipping. I have not received any phone calls or letter form them regarding if there is a problem like tax to pay or what ever. So I email the head office and they toll me to ring Auckland department so I did, all f******* Friday:mad:, all I got was the answer machine (leave a message and we ring you back)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did that too, but never got a call back.

Have shipped parts before and Custom NZ always notify me if there is any problem, not sure what is going on this time.
Was looking forward getting the bike going before weekend!

[Mully]

How were they shipped? Via Post or an Express company (DHL, TNT, etc)?

Your information was a little scanty for me to make any specific helpful comments.

[kevin-chow]

USPS, tracked online it just shows custom still processing it.

[Mully]

NZ Post will be holding it then. I'd suggest ringing them on Tuesday if you have a tracking number. NZ Post probably can arrange Customs Clearance, but I think they charge for it.

Failing that, if you have never imported before, you can go into an NZ Customs office and their front desk will assist.

You will need the NZ Post notification plus all the commercial documents. Keep in mind that it's probably been held because there's GST payable.

NZ Customs (particularly their call centre) wont give a shit. They aren't specifically holding it - it's being held for Customs Clearance.

[kevin-chow]

Thank you. Will do that on Tuesday :2thumbsup

[Quasievil]

What did you buy in ?

[kevin-chow]

Starter motor gears and gaskets, all up about 30 parts

[Quasievil]

Starter motor gears and gaskets, all up about 30 parts

Was is cheaper than buying in NZ.............given the hassles ?

[White trash]

Customs normally are reluctant to hear from individual importers. That's why we have things called "brokers" who speak both plain english and customs geek speak. NZ Post (UPS) are fucking useless if they can't tell you why your shipment's not released.

Edit: NZ Customs are happy to deal directly if you're importing Ecstasy I've heard.

[Molly]

I've had this problem. Had some exhausts held by NZ Post but I couldn't just go to the Post Office window a few steps away and pay. No. I had to go home, ring some bloody number, pay by credit card and go back into town to pick up. Shit system they've got.

As it happens, I used to be a Customs Officer. Worst paid job I ever had. They can't hold on to front line staff unless for those staff it's a good job compared to their last one. As such, I found myself working alongside some bloke that was driving a taxi a few weeks before and some girl that'd just finished working at the local casino. Those of us with decent qualifications and options soon moved on.

Anyway, you'll get your parts down the line. Financially it can be well worth it.

[mossy1200]

If the total is over $1000nzd including freight you will need to fill in more paper work than normal as it is classed commercial until you show otherwise.
Things that will help if you go to local office are
Photo copy licence
Copy of invoice or paypal or online receipt(must show freight also).This is to prove the items are of matching value to the freight sticker.
If its over 1g then any info linking the parts to your ride will help you.
They do checks to see if the seller is a known trader who sells to public and not just dealers etc to see if you are trying to onsell the items.

Once you have provided info you will pay gst on the value.If they decide its commercial then a further 18% is added for vehicle parts.Dont go to the office withour all the paperwork.Mine was processed and payed in 45minutes and arrived the next day.

Broker charge is $80 if you get Post to do it.

[Mully]

That's why we have things called "brokers" who speak both plain english and customs geek speak.

Hey!! I resent that!!

I try to avoid speaking plain english - it makes me sound more important....

[kevin-chow]

Was is cheaper than buying in NZ.............given the hassles ?

No one is doing Aprilia parts around here. The few Aprilia dealers left in this country will take my order but every part is on back order and they can’t tell me when parts will turn up.

I don’t have any problem paying GST just pee off it takes shit load of times for things to happen. I mean custom should just send my package to the nearest Post shop to my address. I go to the post shop pay what ever GST there is and job done. Shit system.

[Quasievil]

No one is doing Aprilia parts around here. The few Aprilia dealers left in this country will take my order but every part is on back order and they can’t tell me when parts will turn up.




yeah I feel your pain, If I was an Aprillia dealer I wouldnt stock the parts either........reason, everyone goes offshore to buy them instead, vicious circle isnt it, one day we wont have bike shops to buy anything from, they are dropping like flies and they will continue to for sometime yet.
so what can be done? support your NZ bike shops.

[kevin-chow]

Im all up for supporting NZ bike shops but if they cant tell me what time frame for parts then I will look some where else. Last time I got some oil filter on back order dealer, waited 3 months for that. The problem is not the dealer, its Aprillia NZ not up to the game. I can tell you the parts from off shore are not any cheaper. Until Aprilia NZ get there shits together I don’t think many riders will support them.

[Robert Taylor]

EVERYONE should pay clearance and gst irrespective of true value of goods. Im all for level playing fields. It would be a great way of creating more tax revenue and jobs at the same time.

[Quasievil]

Until Aprilia NZ get there shits together I don’t think many riders will support them.

I didnt buy a Aprillia for this reason, I brought a KTM instead, no issues there

[kevin-chow]

I didnt buy a Aprillia for this reason, I brought a KTM instead, no issues there

Im thinking that way too!:soon:

[mossy1200]

Im all up for supporting NZ bike shops but if they cant tell me what time frame for parts then I will look some where else. Last time I got some oil filter on back order dealer, waited 3 months for that. The problem is not the dealer, its Aprillia NZ not up to the game. I can tell you the parts from off shore are not any cheaper. Until Aprilia NZ get there shits together I don’t think many riders will support them.

And ill buy local if the price is close.
I got a quote for carbs from thunderbike (t100)for $2500
Cost me $960 including freight and gst(import)

Thats a criminal profit on one item so easy to obtain.Im not paying $1500 extra on an item.

[JATZ]

I would definitly buy local IF the price was in the same ball park and the goods arrival time was about the same as buying off shore. FFS I can get gaskets from the U.K. in 3 days as opposed to 3 weeks from the local supplier ( and they were the wrong ones), bits from Germany in about 10 days, took a month to get them here.
Sorry...... thread hijack......
As you were, hope you get your issues sorted Kevin

[Robert Taylor]

And ill buy local if the price is close.
I got a quote for carbs from thunderbike (t100)for $2500
Cost me $960 including freight and gst(import)

Thats a criminal profit on one item so easy to obtain.Im not paying $1500 extra on an item.

Their profit would be nothing even close to that. Many US companies can buy off manufacturers in US$ and that often gives them a huge advantage, plus bulk buying. Its not a level playing field and the yanks are helping to screw our local economy big time.

[Robert Taylor]

Im all up for supporting NZ bike shops but if they cant tell me what time frame for parts then I will look some where else. Last time I got some oil filter on back order dealer, waited 3 months for that. The problem is not the dealer, its Aprillia NZ not up to the game. I can tell you the parts from off shore are not any cheaper. Until Aprilia NZ get there shits together I don’t think many riders will support them.

Its easy to point the finger and make assumptions without realising the complexities of what may lie behind it.. There are terrible problems at present with material shortages and also quality of materials. We have lots of Ohlins mx steering dampers on order at present but Ohlins have not been happy with the material quality available. This has been ongoing for 3 months and the date has been moving back and back. I admire them for sticking to their guns on quality, it will come up to standard and until it does there will be no product!
Also consider that there are many subcontractors making parts for the factories. There have been many staff layoffs and bankruptcies because overall world motorcycle production is down nearly 40%. That will have a serious residual effect for some considerable time as everyone gets back on their feet. There will be much longer lead times. That is a cruel but unavoidable reality.

[mossy1200]

Their profit would be nothing even close to that. Many US companies can buy off manufacturers in US$ and that often gives them a huge advantage, plus bulk buying. Its not a level playing field and the yanks are helping to screw our local economy big time.

Im not sure if your trying to say that Thunderbike which is NZ triumph accessory dealer cant get Keihin cr carbs designed as bolt on kit for bonnevilles as cheep or cheeper than I can.I got the impression they had a guess at a price and called it my quote.They told me that they had put some on a thruxton race bike at some point in the past and we are only talking twin carbs not a block of four.
It took me a couple of minutes to find them for $560 usd plus freight and the company that sold them asked for all my existing mods and rejetted them prior to sending and gave me one size up and down jets at no charge because they expected difference in petrol quality.6days on my door step.

I know that your service is well worth paying for RT but that doesnt extend to every other shop in NZ.Service I dont mind paying extra for but these guys needed to put more effort in to grab my money.People say keep the money in New Zealand but whats the difference.Logic says that they would source the part overseas and therefore send money away anyway.I would rather keep the difference in my own pocket in NZ.

I was expecting a quote around 1100-1200 odd not 2500.
How can they expect to make sales and profit if their pencil is blunt.

[kave]

For me my bike is my only form of transport. If I need a part, I need it now. Every day that I am without my bike costs me excessive amounts of money in transport costs, and can triple the amount of time I spend commuting (which means less time with my family). If a part is going to take three months to turn up, it would be cheaper for me to buy another cheap bike on trademe than to wait. If I have the option of waiting a week to get a part from overseas or waiting three months to get the same part from my local supplier, then there is no real question as to which course I will take. I would love to help support local businesses, and if the wait was an extra day or two (and the price charged wasn't three times what I can get it elsewhere for) then I would do so.

My situation is different from many. Flash businessmen blinging out their brand new Harleys or MV Agustas are not as price-driven as I am. Some products (such as suspension) may require fine-tuning by a supplier. Those dealers who deal with luxury items or provide a high level of service to those who require it understandably charge a premium, but a bike shop shouldn't be trying to charge a three figure sum for a basic OEM Suzuki brake lever.

[Robert Taylor]

Im not sure if your trying to say that Thunderbike which is NZ triumph accessory dealer cant get Keihin cr carbs designed as bolt on kit for bonnevilles as cheep or cheeper than I can.I got the impression they had a guess at a price and called it my quote.They told me that they had put some on a thruxton race bike at some point in the past and we are only talking twin carbs not a block of four.
It took me a couple of minutes to find them for $560 usd plus freight and the company that sold them asked for all my existing mods and rejetted them prior to sending and gave me one size up and down jets at no charge because they expected difference in petrol quality.6days on my door step.

I know that your service is well worth paying for RT but that doesnt extend to every other shop in NZ.Service I dont mind paying extra for but these guys needed to put more effort in to grab my money.People say keep the money in New Zealand but whats the difference.Logic says that they would source the part overseas and therefore send money away anyway.I would rather keep the difference in my own pocket in NZ.

I was expecting a quote around 1100-1200 odd not 2500.
How can they expect to make sales and profit if their pencil is blunt.

I hear you but I was also trying to illustrate that its not always as simple as it seems on the surface. Often it seems that there are too many barriers to being in business in NZ and trying to make a decent living. The playing field is also very definitely not level!!!!
Those that are too lethargic to get out of their own way, well I guees they dont deserve to be in business anyway.

[Robert Taylor]

For me my bike is my only form of transport. If I need a part, I need it now. Every day that I am without my bike costs me excessive amounts of money in transport costs, and can triple the amount of time I spend commuting (which means less time with my family). If a part is going to take three months to turn up, it would be cheaper for me to buy another cheap bike on trademe than to wait. If I have the option of waiting a week to get a part from overseas or waiting three months to get the same part from my local supplier, then there is no real question as to which course I will take. I would love to help support local businesses, and if the wait was an extra day or two (and the price charged wasn't three times what I can get it elsewhere for) then I would do so.

My situation is different from many. Flash businessmen blinging out their brand new Harleys or MV Agustas are not as price-driven as I am. Some products (such as suspension) may require fine-tuning by a supplier. Those dealers who deal with luxury items or provide a high level of service to those who require it understandably charge a premium, but a bike shop shouldn't be trying to charge a three figure sum for a basic OEM Suzuki brake lever.

Bike shop margins are anything but flash!

[mossy1200]

I hear you but I was also trying to illustrate that its not always as simple as it seems on the surface. Often it seems that there are too many barriers to being in business in NZ and trying to make a decent living. The playing field is also very definitely not level!!!!
Those that are too lethargic to get out of their own way, well I guees they dont deserve to be in business anyway.

I hear you Robert but at the price i was quoted I couldnt afford to get my wallet from my pocket.I went to my local shop and they recommended Thunderbike as being a good start.I use my shop as often as possible but still need to get some bits overseas.
Take for example I will want ya828 next year.Can be sourced local or overseas.ya828 with ride height adjuster and custom weighted spring with back up service at a price thats not over the top can be sourced local only.Local supplier survives,thrives,increases customer base and creates free word of mouth future sales.Thats better than an over inflatted most likely guessed price by a shop that claims to be NZ leader in triumph accessery parts who makes no sale or friends in the process.
Word of mouths a funny thing.Your never to sure how well its working.I have pointeda gsxr front end and fzr rear end your way in posties this month so far.The only thing that travels faster than good news is bad news.

[kave]

Bike shop margins are anything but flash!
I am unsure as to where I said they were? But, if I can get the identical part from overseas, for less than half the price, in less than half the time, as much as I want to support New Zealand businesses I simply cannot afford to. I honestly wish I had the luxury of being able to support my local bikeshop, but I can't. I do support my local bike mechanic, and that is because he is providing a service that cannot be posted to your door.

[kevin-chow]

Its easy to point the finger and make assumptions without realising the complexities of what may lie behind it.. There are terrible problems at present with material shortages and also quality of materials. We have lots of Ohlins mx steering dampers on order at present but Ohlins have not been happy with the material quality available. This has been ongoing for 3 months and the date has been moving back and back. I admire them for sticking to their guns on quality, it will come up to standard and until it does there will be no product!
Also consider that there are many subcontractors making parts for the factories. There have been many staff layoffs and bankruptcies because overall world motorcycle production is down nearly 40%. That will have a serious residual effect for some considerable time as everyone gets back on their feet. There will be much longer lead times. That is a cruel but unavoidable reality.

Im not making any assumptions, I know for fact that Aprillia has been taken over by Triumph NZ so every thing is not up to order so that’s why they cant tell me a time frame for parts.

[firefighter]

Im not making any assumptions, I know for fact that Aprillia has been taken over by Triumph NZ so every thing is not up to order so that’s why they cant tell me a time frame for parts.

Don't make excuses for yourself Kev.

You found better service with an overseas company, I don't blame you really. If the Aprilia company in N.Z wants to compete it can learn how to deal with it's customers better, and treat you like you should be treated. You walked away because it was easier to source what you needed yourself.....who's fault is that? Not yours at all.

However, before you bite Bob, I DO support local dealers, I buy a shit load of stuff from them, and I DO look there first.

However some things I buy overseas as i'd be a fool to buy old technology at premium prices, with less product in the hand; eg. why do overseas helmets come with more toys and you have to pay for the standard stuff as extras here? And this is already on top of paying more for the thing in the first place? I mean come on, that's just not cricket now is it?

[kevin-chow]

Anyway finely got the parts released for delivery, a letter was sent out but was lost. Pay a total of $116 NZD Tax for $600 USD parts. So looking forward getting bike going this weekend for the ACC protest at Welly. :argh:

[Squiggles]

If the total is over $1000nzd including freight you will need to fill in more paper work than normal as it is classed commercial until you show otherwise.
Things that will help if you go to local office are
Photo copy licence
Copy of invoice or paypal or online receipt(must show freight also).This is to prove the items are of matching value to the freight sticker.
If its over 1g then any info linking the parts to your ride will help you.


Did that just the other day, paid the gst, waiting on the delivery now... If anyone knows a company that deals in obscure/custom bits for DR650's in NZ then do tell and ill happily buy from them ;)

[k14]

Anyway finely got the parts released for delivery, a letter was sent out but was lost. Pay a total of $116 NZD Tax for $600 USD parts. So looking forward getting bike going this weekend for the ACC protest at Welly. :argh:
Yeah make sure next time you ask them sender to put a value of $250USD on it and you won't have to wait for nz post to sort their shit...:Pokey:

[Robert Taylor]

Yeah make sure next time you ask them sender to put a value of $250USD on it and you won't have to wait for nz post to sort their shit...:Pokey:

That is condoning fraud, if commercial operators have to pay port fees, edr fees, clearance fees and gst on those charges and the TRUE fob value of the goods then why should it be any different for one off imports?????

[k14]

That is condoning fraud, if commercial operators have to pay port fees, edr fees, clearance fees and gst on those charges and the TRUE fob value of the goods then why should it be any different for one off imports?????
Gee you make it too easy :calm:

[Robert Taylor]

I hear you Robert but at the price i was quoted I couldnt afford to get my wallet from my pocket.I went to my local shop and they recommended Thunderbike as being a good start.I use my shop as often as possible but still need to get some bits overseas.
Take for example I will want ya828 next year.Can be sourced local or overseas.ya828 with ride height adjuster and custom weighted spring with back up service at a price thats not over the top can be sourced local only.Local supplier survives,thrives,increases customer base and creates free word of mouth future sales.Thats better than an over inflatted most likely guessed price by a shop that claims to be NZ leader in triumph accessery parts who makes no sale or friends in the process.
Word of mouths a funny thing.Your never to sure how well its working.I have pointeda gsxr front end and fzr rear end your way in posties this month so far.The only thing that travels faster than good news is bad news.

In reality I do implicitly understand all sides of the story. NZ Wholesalers / retailers are by no means operating on a level playing field, especially compared to our US counterparts who can work on volume for purchasing and volume for return.
I was just trying to illustrate through several posts in this thread that the reasons are rather less simple than many think.

[Robert Taylor]

I hear you Robert but at the price i was quoted I couldnt afford to get my wallet from my pocket.I went to my local shop and they recommended Thunderbike as being a good start.I use my shop as often as possible but still need to get some bits overseas.
Take for example I will want ya828 next year.Can be sourced local or overseas.ya828 with ride height adjuster and custom weighted spring with back up service at a price thats not over the top can be sourced local only.Local supplier survives,thrives,increases customer base and creates free word of mouth future sales.Thats better than an over inflatted most likely guessed price by a shop that claims to be NZ leader in triumph accessery parts who makes no sale or friends in the process.
Word of mouths a funny thing.Your never to sure how well its working.I have pointeda gsxr front end and fzr rear end your way in posties this month so far.The only thing that travels faster than good news is bad news.

And your referrals will be remembered in kind!

[Robert Taylor]

Gee you make it too easy :calm:

Above all Kirk I am after a sense of fair play, nothing more or less.

[k14]

Above all Kirk I am after a sense of fair play, nothing more or less.
Yeah totally agree, although I don't think you could find on system in NZ where that is the case!

[kevin-chow]

Haha, no never going to have a fair system in NZ just have a look at ACC :gob:

[Robert Taylor]

Haha, no never going to have a fair system in NZ just have a look at ACC :gob:

Yes it is unfair that employers ACC levies subsidise sporting injuries.

[JMemonic]

Yes it is unfair that employers ACC levies subsidise sporting injuries.

And employee but that argument is irrelevant in here.

Robert your right its not a level playing field for some especially when the Australasian agent is taking a cut as a handling fee or the best is the NZ agent orders off Aussie, who takes a cut, then they order off Singapore who in turn takes a cut thus jacking up the price, then if anywhere in that chain decides they need the part today when you have been waiting 6 weeks for it so takes the part allocated to you.

I am all for support NZ sellers but sometimes its just not worth the wait and headache involved.

[MarkH]

Yeah make sure next time you ask them sender to put a value of $250USD on it and you won't have to wait for nz post to sort their shit...:Pokey:

I have never asked anyone that I have ordered stuff from to put a lower price on the customs declaration and I don't know why they would risk getting in the shit for doing so. But I have had stuff arrive plenty of time with the customs declaration showing a much lower value than what the goods were worth. There is even a place in Hong Kong that lets you select what goods description you want them to put on the package and they have a drop down box for the value they should declare (I think from 20% of the real value to 100% of the real value). I just changed it to 100% - why lie when the goods are worth less than a hundred bucks and there is no GST due on something that cheap.

Of course in the UK there is no lower threshold value for being charged VAT & whatever fees that they charge - it can be really dear to import cheap stuff there. I think NZs system is actually pretty good in comparison.