What are the duty or customs charges for buying parts from the US?

[Drtylilman]

Hey Guys,

Just bought a new bike and need to get a few aftermarket parts like sliders and maybe a Yoshi or 2Bro pipes.

Has anyone brought anything in recently? what does customs sting you for on bike parts? does it work out cheaper just trying to find them here?

Cheers

[James Deuce]

Yes, Customs knows. They put it on their website.

http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/charges/Pages/default.aspx

[gwigs]

Ive bought up to $400 worth of bike parts from USA and have paid no duty on it.
Dont know what the limit is though.It was heaps cheaper than buying from the Stealerships here.

[grbaker]

Basically GST if they decide to charge you for it... usually around the $1,000 mark.. but I have had to pay it for less.

[marty]

you can usually get stuff valued at less than NZ$400 (including freight) with no GST penalty. Over that, and you should expect to pay.

[Mad-V2]

Customs will tax you 15% of the price declared on the package if that declared price is over $400

[akkadian]

Yep it's GST on anything over $400 NZ, plus a $60 processing fee. Watch out though as the $400 includes any shipping charges. I usually split my stuff up and pay two lots of shipping as the shipping is less than the fees this end.

[Drtylilman]

Thanks guys sounds like it will still be cheaper bringing in from the US and pay gastapo tax than to buy stuff locally.

And James Deuce, really? if you have nothing usefull to contribute why bother even responding. I looked at the customs website first but couldn't work out what the charges would be, figured there would be people here who have brought stuff in and know what the charges were so thanks to those.

[riffer]

And James Deuce, really? if you have nothing usefull to contribute why bother even responding.

What do you mean? He's posted the link to exactly the right place to go to. Not his fault if you're too lazy or ignorant to understand the site.

[steve_t]

What do you mean? He's posted the link to exactly the right place to go to. Not his fault if you're too lazy or ignorant to understand the site.

LOL. Bling :drinknsin

[ExpertoCrede]

The question was answered.
Great link provided.
Others added their personal experiences.
All in all a good combination of information.

[Drtylilman]

Ok apologies to James Deuce I took it as a smart ass reply

[imdying]

Yeah those direct web links can be pretty deceptive at times.... :blink:

[Badgerclarke]

So as long as the value on the package is listed as $400 or less by the seller then there will be no fees this end is that correct?

Can't imagine that the package is actually opened to identify the true value of the goods inside is it?

[steve_t]

Can't imagine that the package is actually opened to identify the true value of the goods inside is it?

I've had multiple packages opened and inspected by customs

[nodrog]

seven dollars twenty

[Mad-V2]

So as long as the value on the package is listed as $400 or less by the seller then there will be no fees this end is that correct?

Can't imagine that the package is actually opened to identify the true value of the goods inside is it?

I've had most of my international parcels rummaged through, I reckon they look for undeclared items so they can take them home and sell them :shifty:
Any new big ticket items over $400 should also be removed from the original package before it's sent so it looks second hand, just in case.

[DrunkenMistake]

I skim read the other replies and they are all about the same,

you have a 50/50 shot of having to pay GST or not,
I have brought in over a grands worth of stuff in one go, and didnt have to pay a cent, my recent purchase was fairings which were marked as Motorcycle race sample products, with a total value of $100 not sure how they figured that one out, but anything over $500 you run the gst risk

[Drtylilman]

Thanks guys did a bit of ringing around for Yoshi and 2 Bro exhausts and regardless of whether I get pinged GST Its still going to be a whole lot cheaper.

I'd love to buy local and help out businesses that no doubt will be hurting from the quake but the difference in price is nearly double :shit:. A bit like the AB jerseys

[steve_t]

Sometimes going into a bike shop and talking face to face with one of the good people there can make the difference between buying overseas and buying locally more favourable considering you'll still have Consumer's Guarantee protection etc. Just thought I'd mention it in case you wanted to see what they could do for you :niceone:

[Robert Taylor]

Ive bought up to $400 worth of bike parts from USA and have paid no duty on it.
Dont know what the limit is though.It was heaps cheaper than buying from the Stealerships here.

The ''stealerships'' you so scathingly refer to have to pay clearance and gst when you dont. Is that fair?

[gwigs]

The ''stealerships'' you so scathingly refer to have to pay clearance and gst when you dont. Is that fair?

When I have to pay double the price here,yeah its fair.If prices werent so ridiculous here I,d be glad to spend my money here.

[Robert Taylor]

When I have to pay double the price here,yeah its fair.If prices werent so ridiculous here I,d be glad to spend my money here.

Its part but not all of the reason prices are more expensive here. The reasons are way more complex than many are prepared to realise, if there were quick and foolproof answers it would be sorted!
I think anything that helps to put ordinary kiwis out of work is something we should ALL be very concerned about. Every offshore purchase threatens everyones job security and Im certain that a good many kiwis have lost their jobs because of this.

[Road kill]

So as long as the value on the package is listed as $400 or less by the seller then there will be no fees this end is that correct?

Can't imagine that the package is actually opened to identify the true value of the goods inside is it?


I have about 3-4 of the 12 or so packages I've bought in opened.
I think most of the time it's to find just what the goods really are rather than their actual value.
Plus they must keep indervidual records because the first of a couple of lots I bought in were opened,an then nothing since.

[flyingcrocodile46]

if there were quick and foolproof answers it would be sorted!


That's exactly how I look at it, but I already pay taxes to do my bit for the community and what's left isn't enough to cover all I need so I have to get the very best value for money with all of my purchases. I reckon I save an average of around 35% by buying from retail traders overseas. That's my quick and easy answer, none are foolproof, but it is sorted.

I simply can't afford to support NZ traders through their inequity problems. Sorry if you don't like it but we all have to do what we have to.

[Mad-V2]

Its part but not all of the reason prices are more expensive here. The reasons are way more complex than many are prepared to realise, if there were quick and foolproof answers it would be sorted!
I think anything that helps to put ordinary kiwis out of work is something we should ALL be very concerned about. Every offshore purchase threatens everyones job security and Im certain that a good many kiwis have lost their jobs because of this.

But duties and tax don't explain the ridiculous labour charges N.Z bike shops charge, ya have to start looking after customers somewhere.
I had a rear shock put in years ago which cost me $1200 in labour, if I knew then what I know now I would have laughed in the guys face and done the job myself.
I bet if their was some sort of motorcycle superstore like the warehouse that imported large amounts of stock and put cheap prices on it, everyone would sharpen their pencils a bit.
Then again I'm no expert on the subject, I'm just on the receiving end

[BMWST?]

So as long as the value on the package is listed as $400 or less by the seller then there will be no fees this end is that correct?

Can't imagine that the package is actually opened to identify the true value of the goods inside is it?

customs are a law unto themselves,they have powers the police dont have.They can asses the value of the package themselves if they think the value of the invoice does not reflect the actual value of the goods

[Robert Taylor]

That's exactly how I look at it, but I already pay taxes to do my bit for the community and what's left isn't enough to cover all I need so I have to get the very best value for money with all of my purchases. I reckon I save an average of around 35% by buying from retail traders overseas. That's my quick and easy answer, none are foolproof, but it is sorted.

I simply can't afford to support NZ traders through their inequity problems. Sorry if you don't like it but we all have to do what we have to.

But its an inequity when many private imports dont accrue clearance charges and gst. That further disadvantages businesses and the ordinary everyday kiwis they employ. Bear in mind that this is an issue across the board, not just with the motorcycle industry.

[Robert Taylor]

customs are a law unto themselves,they have powers the police dont have.They can asses the value of the package themselves if they think the value of the invoice does not reflect the actual value of the goods

If they pay particular attention to shipments where the value is falsified downwards then all power to them

[Robert Taylor]

But duties and tax don't explain the ridiculous labour charges N.Z bike shops charge, ya have to start looking after customers somewhere.
I had a rear shock put in years ago which cost me $1200 in labour, if I knew then what I know now I would have laughed in the guys face and done the job myself.
I bet if their was some sort of motorcycle superstore like the warehouse that imported large amounts of stock and put cheap prices on it, everyone would sharpen their pencils a bit.
Then again I'm no expert on the subject, I'm just on the receiving end

So what is a ridiculous labour charge? Ive worked overseas and its no different, maybe in real terms more expensive in other localities. If you are paying the going rate and get an average job from a mechanic that doesnt care then yes it is ridiculous. But a good experienced, qualified and dedicated motorcycle mechanic is worth their weight in gold. There are a few of them

There are a few professions that need their charges scrutinised well before the motorcycle service industry

Please elaborate on the $1200 for shock installation?

[flyingcrocodile46]

But its an inequity when many private imports dont accrue clearance charges and gst. That further disadvantages businesses and the ordinary everyday kiwis they employ. Bear in mind that this is an issue across the board, not just with the motorcycle industry.

If we are talking about businesses that make their money out of importing stuff then the justification for buying off those businesses just so those people have a job, doesn't really wash with me as it lacks proper thinking through the bigger picture.

From a non importers perspective. If everyone saved 10% off the cost of everything they bought they would have more money left to spend on other things like restaurants, Rainbows end, fishing charters, plays, hookers etc. It would result in the need for a lot of businesses to employ extra staff to keep up with demand.

Doesn't matter what the business is, buyers getting best value for money is the bottom line. If one business (for whatever reason) cleans the buyer out of all of their money there is less to go around to other businesses who also need some of the buyers money so that they can employ their staff.

Have you ever stopped to wonder if the higher prices charged for your parts have had a flow on effect that might be preventing the employment of other people in other businesses? I would bet money that you haven't.

So please don't try to make me (or others like me) feel bad about your problems. We aren't here to feather your nest.

Also please don't try to tell me that the money I spend overseas on the parts I import for myself is somehow a bigger loss to our society than the money that you spend overseas on the same (or different) parts. It ain't like a Kiwi manufacturer is losing out.

[ynot slow]

How many retailers actually support kiwi manufacturers,not bloody many,most import the product.Hence importers do add to NZ jobs if only via sales or despatch staff.

I am trying to get a credit for work on my old bike,the shop hadn't fixed the problem,and I paid the bill,but had traded said bike on new one.The shop is ok and will arrange a credit(which will be mutually agreed on)for me to use in store,this has so far gone towards a headlight guard.
But I looked offshore for a couple of Shoei visors,a clear pinlock and iridian blue,total cost is $108us plus freight(approx$35)so maybe $160nz,the prices here are $90 and $165 respectively.Very very hard to justify spending here.

And my job leaving school was a clothing cutter at the end of 70's-1984,we had 3 factories in Taranaki,employing 150-225 staff,and factories in Foxton and Otara with similar numbers,then importation of clothes came in and almost all jobs were lost in godzone,was I pissed off when my ex wife lost her job in the 1989-1992 era nope she was pregnant lol,but I had left the industry way before when writing was on the wall.The thing was/is that no one gives a toss supporting kiwi made(big difference from kiwi bought).

[Robert Taylor]

If we are talking about businesses that make their money out of importing stuff then the justification for buying off those businesses just so those people have a job, doesn't really wash with me as it lacks proper thinking through the bigger picture.

From a non importers perspective. If everyone saved 10% off the cost of everything they bought they would have more money left to spend on other things like restaurants, Rainbows end, fishing charters, plays, hookers etc. It would result in the need for a lot of businesses to employ extra staff to keep up with demand.

Doesn't matter what the business is, buyers getting best value for money is the bottom line. If one business (for whatever reason) cleans the buyer out of all of their money there is less to go around to other businesses who also need some of the buyers money so that they can employ their staff.

Have you ever stopped to wonder if the higher prices charged for your parts have had a flow on effect that might be preventing the employment of other people in other businesses? I would bet money that you haven't.

So please don't try to make me (or others like me) feel bad about your problems. We aren't here to feather your nest.

Also please don't try to tell me that the money I spend overseas on the parts I import for myself is somehow a bigger loss to our society than the money that you spend overseas on the same (or different) parts. It ain't like a Kiwi manufacturer is losing out.

In fact I wasnt talking about my particular business as we have largely adapted with the times. I was talking in general and not only about the motorcycle industry.

We are all hypocrites, the clothes we wear on our backs may be cheap but they are made with sweatshop labour offshore. We used to have a clothing industry that supported their kiwi workers and their families. Just one example.

The big difference if you buy parts, built up units / services off my particular businesse is Im a hell of a lot more accessible if there is an issue. We provide old world service and might actually know what we are talking about.

If we are headed to more and more megastores ( generally ) then expect to be dealing with more staff that know precious little about the product.

There are indeed price inequities with a lot of product and the harsh reality is we will see more and more retailers go to the wall. Where do these people go? Am I the only one concerned about that????????

Has it also not occured to you that the intent for any manufacturer to have a distributor in every country is to provide goods, service, parts backup and product knowledge???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Robert Taylor]

How many retailers actually support kiwi manufacturers,not bloody many,most import the product.Hence importers do add to NZ jobs if only via sales or despatch staff.

I am trying to get a credit for work on my old bike,the shop hadn't fixed the problem,and I paid the bill,but had traded said bike on new one.The shop is ok and will arrange a credit(which will be mutually agreed on)for me to use in store,this has so far gone towards a headlight guard.
But I looked offshore for a couple of Shoei visors,a clear pinlock and iridian blue,total cost is $108us plus freight(approx$35)so maybe $160nz,the prices here are $90 and $165 respectively.Very very hard to justify spending here.

And my job leaving school was a clothing cutter at the end of 70's-1984,we had 3 factories in Taranaki,employing 150-225 staff,and factories in Foxton and Otara with similar numbers,then importation of clothes came in and almost all jobs were lost in godzone,was I pissed off when my ex wife lost her job in the 1989-1992 era nope she was pregnant lol,but I had left the industry way before when writing was on the wall.The thing was/is that no one gives a toss supporting kiwi made(big difference from kiwi bought).

Yes I remember those factories, kiwis being employed to make goods for kiwis. People ( our own ) earning a fair wage rather than what occurs in the sweatshops in Asia

The reality is we are also largely a country of importers ( by neccessity ), the reality that is also slowly happening is that wholesale is becoming the new retail, so many products you wont be able to buy at a shop because there wont be any margin for them.

So, if the exchange rate against greenbacks was currently around 40 cents ( as it was back around 2000 for a while ) how many on this forum would be complaining on US forums that goods from the States were a ripoff and how many would be praising the price of the same goods in NZ ( except if they were US made and sourced ) ???

[98tls]

Yes I remember those factories, kiwis being employed to make goods for kiwis. People ( our own ) earning a fair wage rather than what occurs in the sweatshops in Asia

The reality is we are also largely a country of importers ( by neccessity ), Funny you say that Robert,my how times have changed,these days we have imports employed to make goods for export earning fuck all not to mention employed at the expense of Kiwis not being,that to has a knock on effect.

[Robert Taylor]

Funny you say that Robert,my how times have changed,these days we have imports employed to make goods for export earning fuck all not to mention employed at the expense of Kiwis not being,that to has a knock on effect.

Yes, sad state of affairs isnt it! Im well aware of ( for example ) fruit growers employing off shore labour to keep costs down as a means of competing in overseas markets. Really our dollar should be a lot weaker against the mainstream currencies so it helps our exporters, and those exporters should be employing our own!
It seems that many on this forum are quick to criticise current NZ retail and proclaim the virtues of buying offshore.
The situation is a hell of a lot more complex than people realise and in fact US resellers selling into many countries ( not only NZ! ) is a headache for a lot of manufacturers. These same manufacturers are under pressure to institute global pricing to combat this open slather.
Im challenging people to think of the short and longer term implications and in fact negative by-products for kiwi workers. I make no apologies for having concerns about where this is all leading to.

And to not put too fine a point on it, think about what the price of US sourced goods would be at 40 cents or thereabouts. Currency has a major distortional factor.

[Mad-V2]

So what is a ridiculous labour charge? Ive worked overseas and its no different, maybe in real terms more expensive in other localities. If you are paying the going rate and get an average job from a mechanic that doesn't care then yes it is ridiculous. But a good experienced, qualified and dedicated motorcycle mechanic is worth their weight in gold. There are a few of them

There are a few professions that need their charges scrutinised well before the motorcycle service industry

Please elaborate on the $1200 for shock installation?

Ridiculous labour charges:
I had my Ohlins installed on the rear about 6 years ago. I know the price for the shock was around $1200 sourced in N.Z and the bill i got when I picked up the bike was almost $2500.
Not long ago I wanted a guy to do the timing belt on our small V2 18hp auxiliary ,
I wouldn't have taken it there but I needed it done urgently. He quoted me $600 to do a half an hour job!!! I said no thanks and did it in my own time. RIDICULOUS!!

I realise there are some very competent mechanics who deserve every penny they get, but I have had some really shit work done on my TL/car/dirt bike by people who charge the same rates.
Now I just do most the work myself and by stuff internationally.

[Robert Taylor]

Ridiculous labour charges:
I had my Ohlins installed on the rear about 6 years ago. I know the price for the shock was around $1200 sourced in N.Z and the bill i got when I picked up the bike was almost $2500.
Not long ago I wanted a guy to do the timing belt on our small V2 18hp auxiliary ,
I wouldn't have taken it there but I needed it done urgently. He quoted me $600 to do a half an hour job!!! I said no thanks and did it in my own time. RIDICULOUS!!

I realise there are some very competent mechanics who deserve every penny they get, but I have had some really shit work done on my TL/car/dirt bike by people who charge the same rates.
Now I just do most the work myself and by stuff internationally.

So you are effectively saying that the labour charge to instal the shock was almost $1300? Surely not, you must have had a lot of other work done at the same time? The installation of an Ohlins shock is semi nasty as theres a few adaptation plates to fit and a slight modification to the underside of the fuel tank for clearance reasons. I and a half hours at most.
Yes it is an industry problem ( and not only the motorcycle industry ) that non competent mechanics often charge the same rates but because of their incompetency also take longer to do a substandard job.

[Mad-V2]

So you are effectively saying that the labour charge to instal the shock was almost $1300? Surely not, you must have had a lot of other work done at the same time? The installation of an Ohlins shock is semi nasty as theres a few adaptation plates to fit and a slight modification to the underside of the fuel tank for clearance reasons. I and a half hours at most.
Yes it is an industry problem ( and not only the motorcycle industry ) that non competent mechanics often charge the same rates but because of their incompetency also take longer to do a substandard job.

Thats roughly what I was charged. The bike was still in pretty much brand new condition when I got it done so there was no need for any other work.
Installing the adaption plates is like adding a couple of washers, and the mod under the rear tank bracket/hinge, they just moved a relay that was in the way and tucked it into some wiring to stop it rattling around. The job itself took around a week and a half to do, I wish I still had the invoice.
But you see what I mean. Somehow mechanics should be scrutinised like builders are so they can't rip people off that will either just pay the money coz they can afford it, or are too stuipid to realise how easy the job could actually be.
I'd hate to think what it would have cost to have a mechanic do all the work up till now on my bike.

[Robert Taylor]

Thats roughly what I was charged. The bike was still in pretty much brand new condition when I got it done so there was no need for any other work.
Installing the adaption plates is like adding a couple of washers, and the mod under the rear tank bracket/hinge, they just moved a relay that was in the way and tucked it into some wiring to stop it rattling around. The job itself took around a week and a half to do, I wish I still had the invoice.
But you see what I mean. Somehow mechanics should be scrutinised like builders are so they can't rip people off that will either just pay the money coz they can afford it, or are too stuipid to realise how easy the job could actually be.
I'd hate to think what it would have cost to have a mechanic do all the work up till now on my bike.

You should have sought an independent opinion at the time prior to paying it!

[Mad-V2]

Shoulda coulda woulda....... won't do it again
But it's because of that nincompoopery I now buy offshore and now do all the work myself.
It's the customers that pay the mechanics not the other way round.
And the attitude should change too as I feel like when I take something to a shop, the mechanic seems to think he's done me a favour, but I paid the man to do it.
This is why there needs to be some sort of shake up, customers should be treated fairly like the old days. But that will never happen in my lifetime obviously.
I have had surprisingly good service from bike shops in Napier since I've lived here but my experiences before then in other towns have been less than average.
Car mechanics in Napier.....not so much good service either
I did have very positive results with your shop and my forks, Thanks again.
Cost me the equivalent to a new set of forks though, but they felt like new forks when I got them anyway, 100% better and worth the cost.
But that should be expected in your line of specialist work.