Customs, too stupid to be idiots

**98tls** · 23rd May 2013, 20:25

Originally Posted by Woodman

Your call was probarbly more of an annoyance to them than anything. In the grand scheme of things it probarbly wasn't worth the effort.

Good onya for being straight up with them though, but I do wonder if they have now flagged that supplier as being fraudulent for future reference.

I doubt it as they didnt ask who it was bought off,the companys name was all over the box but as they didnt bother doing anything about it then they wouldnt have a clue.Being straight up with them was purely to avoid the hassle of them keeping it in a warehouse in Auckland until sombody could be bothered sending a letter,the duty owed was an annoyance but not as much as the suspected delay.Having a laugh at the "didnt have a clue what things are worth" comments by some,if they dont then what the fuck are they doing working there?If i paid my mortgage by owning a motorcycle parts related business i would be a tad miffed.

**Robert Taylor** · 23rd May 2013, 20:36

If the Government ( any Government ) legislated that the banks collected clearance and gst on every overseas monetary transaction that would stop a lot of false declaration fraud in its tracks and streamline the workload for Customs who are struggling to keep up with huge incoming freight.
The Governments overall tax take from gst is substanially down and to not put too fine a ppoint on it much of it must be from offshore internet purchases that have replaced local purchases from local companies who are obliged to charge gst.
Aside from many other politically polarised opinions there is little wonder that we are going to continue to struggle to get into surplus when for varying reasons the Government is failing to collect enough tax from existing taxation streams. As opposed to the creation of new taxes, something most of us dont want.
As I have stated many times the playing field is not level, severely penalising NZ businesses and the people they employ.

**98tls** · 23rd May 2013, 20:37

Originally Posted by Grizzo

Christ, another English teacher

Good score man, tiz good when good stuff happens

I guess mate.As i keep saying the point of contacting them (which wasnt that easy believe me) was to avoid any holdups not on some Crusade to pay duty.Nobody was more surprised than me when the box turned up.

**98tls** · 23rd May 2013, 20:43

Originally Posted by Robert Taylor

If the Government ( any Government ) legislated that the banks collected clearance and gst on every overseas monetary transaction that would stop a lot of false declaration fraud in its tracks and streamline the workload for Customs who are struggling to keep up with huge incoming freight.
The Governments overall tax take from gst is substanially down and to not put too fine a ppoint on it much of it must be from offshore internet purchases that have replaced local purchases from local companies who are obliged to charge gst.
Aside from many other politically polarised opinions there is little wonder that we are going to continue to struggle to get into surplus when for varying reasons the Government is failing to collect enough tax from existing taxation streams. As opposed to the creation of new taxes, something most of us dont want.
As I have stated many times the playing field is not level, severely penalising NZ businesses and the people they employ.

Wondered what you would have to say when i kicked off,believe me for the reason stated everything was done to ensure a smooth end to the parts turning up asap.

**BMWST?** · 23rd May 2013, 21:28

Originally Posted by 98tls

Punctuation i could give a toss about fella.Sure stuff gets through but i find it very surprising in this case as what was in the box was clearly worth far more than what was written on the ticket,as for sending them a cheque why?you can lead a horse to water but if hes not thirsty then so be it.My point here is ive read countless threads re owners of motorcycle based businesses banging on about imported stuff being cheap and the merits of customs and duty etc but after being informed of incoming stuff well undervalued customs still couldnt pick it up.

Its Karma Bro

**pzkpfw** · 23rd May 2013, 21:29

I once paid duty to customs for a Belly Pan and Hugger that came from the U.K.

Later realised they'd thought the stuff was clothing - and I shouldn't actually have been charged. (Confirmed with phone call to customs).

The run-around to get a refund made me just leave it in their coffers.

**Jjgres** · 23rd May 2013, 21:39

The system is not set up to deal with honesty.

**Coldrider** · 23rd May 2013, 21:47

A few $Million of chrystal meth probably slipped through while they were trying to track your package.

**AllanB** · 23rd May 2013, 21:47

Good deal and cheers to the customs dude. Thought you might get a $50 import charge or something.

The big question is why is there not a picture of the goodies yet?

**Berries** · 23rd May 2013, 23:31

Originally Posted by Robert Taylor

If the Government ( any Government ) legislated that the banks collected clearance and gst on every overseas monetary transaction that would stop a lot of false declaration fraud in its tracks and streamline the workload for Customs who are struggling to keep up with huge incoming freight.
The Governments overall tax take from gst is substanially down and to not put too fine a ppoint on it much of it must be from offshore internet purchases that have replaced local purchases from local companies who are obliged to charge gst.
Aside from many other politically polarised opinions there is little wonder that we are going to continue to struggle to get into surplus when for varying reasons the Government is failing to collect enough tax from existing taxation streams. As opposed to the creation of new taxes, something most of us dont want.
As I have stated many times the playing field is not level, severely penalising NZ businesses and the people they employ.

I blame Thatcher.

**ktm84mxc** · 24th May 2013, 09:12

If it's your money Robert would your answer be different ? had to buy parts on line for my VMX KTM, NZ can't supply so ordered from a guy in Austria. Needed a apple lap top charger can't get here , Ebay $39nz delivered. A lot of the time parts from overseas will keep a bike going as opposed to being junked here due to cost.

**Dragon** · 24th May 2013, 09:47

Another way around duty is to send the parts as a warranty item that way you can put the correct value of the goods for insurance purposes but for customs because its a replacement on the orginal good there is no charges as it has a $0 value.

**98tls** · 24th May 2013, 11:01

Originally Posted by Dragon

Another way around duty is to send the parts as a warranty item that way you can put the correct value of the goods for insurance purposes but for customs because its a replacement on the orginal good there is no charges as it has a $0 value.

Interesting though as most of the stuff i buys for a 15 year old bike not sure how that would go.