DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
As would I as the Echo is $89.99 shipped to NY if you have a Prime account.
However, Amazon clearly state, not shipped to South Africa, so NY tax (I don't think) can be claimed back.
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However, Amazon clearly state, not shipped to South Africa, so NY tax (I don't think) can be claimed back.
What are the us aramex addresses? There are still a few states that don't levy sales tax for out of state purchases.
Alaska
Delaware
Oregon
Montana
New Hampshire
There is only 1, NY
Then you gonna have to pay the piper as amazon has to collect state sales tax.
It’s in New York, so I’m assuming I would get with VAT/GST in the US. Is there anyway around this?
If I had to import from the UK I would face the same issue? Is it possible to not have it charged as it will be onward exported by aramex or alternatively claim the VAT back?
Thing is you are shipping to a us address, amazon has no clue or interest in what happens after it's delivered. It's only 4% and I don't think you can claim it back.
DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201955270
All I can say is there is no harm in trying...
Apparently you can request a refund through your Amazon account.
All I can say is there is no harm in trying...
Apparently you can request a refund through your Amazon account.
Agreed, Amazon has no clue. I was just wondering if there is some way of claiming it back. My question was largely theoretical, I could be importing something from a country with a 20% VAT rate
Will look into it, but again, they will still see it primarily as shipped to a local address. They’re unaware that it is forwarded on. Will give it a try though at some point
DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
They must surely know it is a shipping forwarding address. Problem is - the Echo and Dot are not shipped here by Amazon, so they can, and most probably will, tell you to go jump.
Even as a tourist visiting ny you won't be able to claim tax back unlike countries that use vat.
Tinuva
The Magician
South Africa was recently enabled to be set as a location for the Echo devices on https://echo.amazon.com/ - So maybe, the shipping restrictions could fall away at some point.
Also, I have successfully claimed back vat from an echo shipped to NY.
Also, I have successfully claimed back vat from an echo shipped to NY.
DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
Thanks for the tip on location. Now she tells me weather and traffic! Yay.
Will also be claiming back tax...
DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
Now you will be walking around for the next couple of days saying; "Alexa what is the weather?"
Thanks for this.
AirWolf
Honorary Master
Do you use the phone number listed on each address or your actual contact number?
What happens if store calls the local number and looks for you?
What happens if store calls the local number and looks for you?
DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
You use the Aramex phone numbers at the bottom of each countries address.
If the seller phones, they ain't gonna get you, but if paying with a card you would have listed your billing address as South Africa, so they should see you're non-resident.
If an eBay purchase, the seller can contact you via the eBay message system.
I know this is the hardware forum, but I will post this for interests sake and shipping + import duties price via AGS information
Suede leather boots $149
NY STATE TAX $5.96
QUEENS COUNTY TAX $7.26
Shipping R500
Duties R1000
Ordered 17/12/2018
Delivered 16/12/2018
Still cheaper and super quality than available locally
Suede leather boots $149
NY STATE TAX $5.96
QUEENS COUNTY TAX $7.26
Shipping R500
Duties R1000
Ordered 17/12/2018
Delivered 16/12/2018
Still cheaper and super quality than available locally
DeeinSouthAfrica
Expert Member
However, a similar item would be available locally, that's why you paid so much duty.
A loose and fast rule is like this - no duty on items not made locally (like computers). Duty will always be high on items that compete with local products.
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