Why don't we pay GST on imported stuff?

**Padmei** · 4th August 2012, 13:21

Why is the limit set at $400? I was thinking it isn't really fair on retailers here if the GST isn't included on imported stuff.

**nzspokes** · 4th August 2012, 13:23

Because costs of enforcement are higher than what they would recover. True story.

Retailers here charge to much, ask Robert Taylor.

**FJRider** · 4th August 2012, 13:25

Originally Posted by Padmei

Why is the limit set at $400? I was thinking it isn't really fair on retailers here if the GST isn't included on imported stuff.

The Goverment already got it's cut from import tax/dutys. GST is just cream ...

**Scuba_Steve** · 4th August 2012, 13:40

Australia has 1000$ so if you're an importer stop complaining, & if you're a consumer definitely stop complaining the more saving to be had the better.

**Road kill** · 4th August 2012, 13:59

I buy a lot of sporting gear from the states.
Most of what I'm buying can not be found in NZ,and what little can is bought from exactly the same people and is then on sold here at around 100% mark up by the one shop that brings it in.
The GST on any shipment over $400 is the same for the shop that brings it in as it is for me.
I do keep my shipments under $400 where I can but on larger items which I only buy once every two years or so,I get stung by customs every time.
The funny thing is the one shop that does bring in the gear I buy myself,provides such poor service that it was them that got me buying it in for myself in the first place.
Up until then I was buying from them,so they have no grounds for complaint.
Again,if I order from this one shop they more often than not get my order wrong,and then it can take two weeks to turn up.
But direct from the American supplier,it's "always" been correct and always get's to my door in 7 days or less,,,every time.
Fuck the shops,,this is the new world they created.

**Howie** · 4th August 2012, 14:47

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Because costs of enforcement are higher than what they would recover. True story.

What he said

Originally Posted by FJRider

The Goverment already got it's cut from import tax/dutys. GST is just cream ...

Except that under the $400.00 limit you don't pay any import tax or duty either.

The tank I brought in for my KLR in January attracted no extra charges, and would have been right on the $400 limit depending on what exchange rate they used to calculate the $NZ value.

Padmei I can't wait for Mr Taylor to see this thread.

**tigertim20** · 4th August 2012, 18:44

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Because costs of enforcement are higher than what they would recover. True story.

.

correct!

10 . . .

**Robert Taylor** · 4th August 2012, 18:48

Originally Posted by Scuba_Steve

Australia has 1000$ so if you're an importer stop complaining, & if you're a consumer definitely stop complaining the more saving to be had the better.

Dont compain then if you lose your job if you are in an industry that is affected by private importation...................

**nzspokes** · 4th August 2012, 18:53

Had to happen.....

**98tls** · 4th August 2012, 19:01

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Because costs of enforcement are higher than what they would recover. True story.

Retailers here charge to much, ask Robert Taylor.

God help you if ever customs grab something though,getting it back is a fucking nightmare,bought shitloads over the years with little trouble then when i bought a secondhand exhaust system of ebay for $500 the seller in the states for some reason put the value at $10 when he sent it,customs grabbed it then did nothing about telling me they had the thing,when i finally gave up waiting for it to arrive and tracked it down the fun really started.Never in my life have i had the misfortune to have to deal with a bigger bunch of idiots,thickest bunch of people god ever put breath into i can tell ya.

**Jantar** · 4th August 2012, 19:07

I know I've said it before, but here goes again.

I WILL support local retailers and I am happy to pay a reasonable premium above importing an item my self. I consider 50% to be reasonable, and if the New Zealand price is more than that then I'll import from overseas.

A recent example is mirror extenders for my bike. Purchase price on Ebay US$9.99, freight US$6.00 With exchange rates this is equivilent to NZ$20. The same item from my local bike shop NZ$89.99.

Is it any wonder that more and more people are shopping overseas?

**98tls** · 4th August 2012, 19:10

50%

Your a lot more generous than i.

**Jantar** · 4th August 2012, 19:15

Originally Posted by 98tls

50%

Your a lot more generous than i.

Yeah, I know. But I figure the retailer has to pay the same as I do, then add his markup and GST. Also I do like to support the small local guy as he's the one who has to maintain a workshop to change my tyres etc.

**Madness** · 4th August 2012, 19:20

Originally Posted by Jantar

But I figure the retailer has to pay the same as I do, then add his markup and GST.

But the retailer is almost certainly paying a lot more to the local importer/wholesaler than you're paying an Ebay trader from the U.S. In turn, the local importer is likely paying more than the Ebay trader due to economies of scale and because he's importing in bulk he's paying duties & GST each & every shipment.