Buying guitar overseas question

[Kiwiaxe]

Ok I know I'm going to get hit with customs and GST shit etc.

But the guitar is over $1000 - do I need an import license or does that not apply for private use?

Customs website is useless.

[Eruera]

I've had mixed experiences. As far as I know, technically yes you will need a licence and probably pay a broker to handle the clearance.

[Tonemaker]

I think if you use EMS or DHL they have their own customs clearing services and quite possibly you wont need an import or brokers license. Also I think you only need to worry about that if you are shipping via ocean freight, that's when it gets really messy...

[StrummersOfThunder]

Nah you should be fine if you use a large reputable shipping agency.
You will most definitely get stung by customs on a $1000 item.

[SimpleSi]

You need a client code / importer code.

There's a form online on the customs website.

Fill out it, sign it, email it back.

Takes about 3-4 days

[higainer]

You need a client code / importer code.

There's a form online on the customs website.

Fill out it, sign it, email it back.

Takes about 3-4 days

+1

Especially if you are bringing in items $1000 & over.

[slash-ed]

Naaaah.

You don't.

If you explain to them that it's for private use, they will issue you the invoice and you just pay it and they release the guitar.

I've cleared lots of guitars over $1000 through customs this way.

Don't use a broker either. I did that once or twice when I first imported guitars and it's a pointless step that just costs you more money.

[jeremyb]

NZ Post will act as a customs broker for you if it's coming via them in NZ (DHL seem to do this) it's about $150 on top of your GST and customs fees, let alone the time it takes to clear customs, has to be REALLY worth your time to import a guitar IMHO...

Oh and Ed is an awesome resource on advice on such matters, I owe him some beers!

[Kloppsta]

Naaaah.

You don't.

If you explain to them that it's for private use, they will issue you the invoice and you just pay it and they release the guitar.

I've cleared lots of guitars over $1000 through customs this way.

Don't use a broker either. I did that once or twice when I first imported guitars and it's a pointless step that just costs you more money.

+1 this has been my experience too, importing guitars and things like axe fx etc. (over $1k NZD) into the country. Goods arrive, i get a letter, i call them, pay the GST/Import duties and it gets released. Never had to use a broker. Also depends where you are buying it from? Is it EBay?

[Kiwiaxe]

Buying from Ebay, but via Youshop because the seller wouldn't ship outside the US.

I've "past participle of get" away in the past buying something over $1k and when I spoke to them I explained it was for personal use (fortunately the customs guy I spoke to was a DJ in his spare time, so he had some sympathy I think) and they just hit me with GST/bullshit charges so maybe I just try that and hope quietly.

[Dharmajester]

The only time I had to get a license client code etc was when exporting a $4500 item. The numerous items I've imported have come as described in the posts above... Do check the customs gst amount prior to paying though as they can get overenthusiastic and will remedy when reasoned with..

[Kloppsta]

Buying from Ebay, but via Youshop because the seller wouldn't ship outside the US.

I've "past participle of get" away in the past buying something over $1k and when I spoke to them I explained it was for personal use (fortunately the customs guy I spoke to was a DJ in his spare time, so he had some sympathy I think) and they just hit me with GST/bullshit charges so maybe I just try that and hope quietly.

sweet. are you an Airpoints member? if yes, dont forget to add your membership number to your YouShop profile before you complete the transaction. that way you'll earn some Airpoints from the whole deal

[handsoffmatt]

Ok I know I'm going to get hit with customs and GST shit etc.

But the guitar is over $1000 - do I need an import license or does that not apply for private use?

Customs website is useless.

May I ask what the guitar is? Any chance I can help you?

[StrummersOfThunder]

ive bought in at least 3 guitars over $1000, just waited flour the customs letter, paid my fees and waited for delivery. no broker,no client number, no phone calls.

[Conway]

just waited for the customs letter, paid my fees and waited for delivery. no broker,no client number, no phone calls.

This... Or go out to the Customs office by the airport, pay the invoice and then drive around the corner to NZ Post and collect the package. Saves a couple of days.

Also, use your home address for delivery rather than office address - they process private stuff faster than commercial, and there is no presumption of the goods being for commercial purposes, which can happen if you use a business delivery address.