importing electronics

MR.C

MR.C

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Was wondering that since the rand is strong atm and I'm looking to buy a Home Theatre Receiver, would it be a cheaper option to buy online from overseas and does anyone recommend any sites ?

The UK and US has so many great deals on new and demo equipment but is it worth it in the end ?

Thanks in advance.
 
I have been wondering this myself since we aren't feeling the benefits of the strong rand locally when it comes to electronics.

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I ordered lenses from B&H in the US end of last month, dunno if they'd ship big electronic stuff, but you could always try. Oh, and don't forget about customs/handling fees when it comes to total price.

The lenses arrived on Wednesday.
 
How much do you pay customs etc? Is it like 100% or so? I have heard SA has 100% import tax on some things

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BLo_0p said:
How much do you pay customs etc? Is it like 100% or so? I have heard SA has 100% import tax on some things
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I don't think it's near 100%. I think it's 14% of (Item + 10% of Item). I could be wrong though.
 
Randhir said:
I don't think it's near 100%. I think it's 14% of (Item + 10% of Item). I could be wrong though.
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That's for lenses and computer equipment - you may have to pay a bit more for camera bodies (extra 8%) and audio equipment.(? %)).
 
Where is a good online store that exports (to SA) for a reasonable price?

Also is it better to have them send it via FedEx/UPS or have it posted?

Thanks
 
import duties on electronics are about 25% + 14% vat , so maybe a bit expensive if you add in the shipping costs etc.
 
From what I've read, ebay or Amazon add in a certain percentage of customs into your shipping costs.

Does anyone know about alibaba.com ? They've got resellers from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. and you can buy single items and trade quantities also.

And who are the reputable dealers in the US and UK ?
 
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I recently imported a projector and only had to pay VAT. I bought new from eBay using a highly rated seller. It was sent via USPS, which is cheaper, but tracking requires a bit more effort and you have to deal with customs yourself. Using something like DHL, UPS etc. gives you seamless tracking and they generally take care of customs for you.
 
Also check out www.take2.co.za ... they sell Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk stuff, probably a bit more expensive, but no hidden costs ... they handle the complete importing process for you. They also carry the risk for damge to the item.
 
TYR said:
Also check out www.take2.co.za ... they sell Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk stuff, probably a bit more expensive, but no hidden costs ... they handle the complete importing process for you. They also carry the risk for damge to the item.
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To back this up, I ordered the Yamaha RX-V665BL and complementing speaker set from Take2 in October 2010...total set me back just over R5.5k and the performance is absolutely awesome! Only thing to factor in is that you need to purchase a Step-up/down transformer to cater for the voltage differences, I purchased a 500w model for about R399
 
McGuywer said:
No concrete information regarding custom costs.....
Click to expand...

You will only be charged VAT at 14% and no duty. Certain items has duty especially cosmetics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, etc. Electronic items will only have VAT which you will either pay the post office or to the courier company.

I imported some security cameras from eBay last month and was only charged VAT which I paid at the post office when I collect the package.

You can contact SARS and they will tell you if there is any duty payable and what the percentage is based on the decription of the product that you will be importing. VAT is always payable at 14%
 
I recenty bought 2 e-readers from the US (because for some reason they are very rare and INSANELY expensive in SA) you have to pay VAT, but mine was much less than 14% for some reason.
 
Friend of mine just got charged exactly 14% VAT on 110% of the value of the drives plus a R12 clearance fee...
 
Anyone know what sort of prices you would have to pay on say sports equipment, I want to buy some golf balls from an online store if possible. Also How much does a Kindle cost including vat and delivery?
 
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