Paging Aussie Mark

[Rhys]

Hey, you gave me an answer to a question a little while ago about importing basses to Australia in particular.

Now that i have ordered my Bongo 4 HH piezo, and it should be coming pretty soon, who should i mention the tax concession on bass guitars to?

The posting company (UPS), The Dealer (Bass Central), or when the bass actually arrives?

And another question, does the shipping fee ($240) usually include custom clearing charges and so forth, and arrive at my doorstep, or will i have to go to the post office and pay custom clearing fees?

Thanks in advance

 

[Aussie Mark]

Rhys, answering each question in order -

1. Phone or email UPS, quoting your tracking number, and double check with them that when they process the customs documentation that they are aware it is a solid body electric bass guitar (0% duty). If you still have the tax concession number I mentioned before, give that to them as well. They like it when the customer knows all that detail, saves them a few minutes looking it up.

2. The UPS shipping fee paid by the shipper does not include customs/broking fees, which are around AUD$40. UPS looks after all the customs stuff on your behalf, so the post office is not involved at all. 10% GST is payable on the total of the purchase price plus shipping cost.

3. UPS will contact you (although it's advisable for you to contact them first, since they probably don't have your phone number) and let you know the total amount payable for fees and GST. You give them your credit card details over the phone, and they'll deliver the bass the next day.

 

[johans]

hey aussie mark

just wondering
what are the most commonly used basses in aussie
what kinda of brands etc ...

do you heard of Dr Lab? or sumthing about the amp?
it's aussie right ..

 

[Aussie Mark]

hey aussie mark

just wondering
what are the most commonly used basses in aussie
what kinda of brands etc ...

do you heard of Dr Lab? or sumthing about the amp?
it's aussie right ..

Most commonly used basses in Australia? Same as everywhere else in the world - Fender, Musicman, G&L, Ibanez, Warwick. We have electricity and running water as well.

Labsystems are an Australian manufacturer of bass gear ... http://www.labsystems.com.au/

 

[Rhys]

Thanks!!!

Very informative.
By the way, what state are you based in?

 

[Aussie Mark]

Rhys, I'm in Adelaide. How about you?

 

[Suckbird]

WHAT?!
I live in sweden and i'm going to buy a sterling later of this year, and the duty is 25% of shippnig and the bass price, so you mean i can get it for 0% duty?!

 

[Aussie Mark]

WHAT?!
I live in sweden and i'm going to buy a sterling later of this year, and the duty is 25% of shippnig and the bass price, so you mean i can get it for 0% duty?!

All we pay is 10% Goods and Services Tax, which applies to any goods sold in Australia. The reason there is no additional import duty is that there is no significant Australian manufacturer of electric bass guitars, so there is no domestic industry to protect from imports.

 

[Suckbird]

pah, lucky australians. The import duty made me mad, i thought i could get my bass pretty soon but when i saw the high import duty then my dreams broke. I will have to wait to november before i can afford one, and then it's 3-4 months build time.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

>>>Rhys, I'm in Adelaide. How about you?

Actually....I think Rhys and I would be pretty close to each other...prob about 20 minute drive....never met the fine gentleman though