[Request] Guide on importing phones to SA

J

jnvdh06

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There seems to be a lot of threads talking about guys importing phones etc...

Now my question is that someone who has the knowledge and have imported phones before will please write a step by step guide regarding how to import regarding shipping, customs and general tips on ordering etc etc.

I think it would really be appreciated by the forum if someone can give some guidelines regarding this. I think a lot of people want to order from overseas but are afraid they lose their shipment or there are a lot of added costs.
 
Step 1) Find an online shop that ships to South Africa
Step 2) Buy it.
Step 3) If online shop doesn't already include custom duties/shipping, pay the custom duties (if any). They notify you of this on delivery
Step 4) Profit.

Tip: Don't pet burning dogs.
 
Make use of sellers that use escrow payment systems. That way, if the nice guys at the PO decide they like your new phone and don't deliver it, then you get your money back.

Also look out for local online retailers that sell imported phones. Cost a bit more but you are dealing locally.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
Make use of sellers that use escrow payment systems. That way, if the nice guys at the PO decide they like your new phone and don't deliver it, then you get your money back.

Also look out for local online retailers that sell imported phones. Cost a bit more but you are dealing locally.
Click to expand...

i.e. Orange SA online store.
 
Never buy phones from Abroad, they simply Grey imports and if you plan on reselling you will have very unhappy clients when they find out they need to send the device to China Ect for repairs ect. Local purchases is the best way especially with electronic devices. Hope this helps, if you would like to know which local suppliers stock wholesale mobile phones at the cheapest prices in SA, drop me a inbox im more than happy to help you as i have been down this path already.
 
Is there anyone who can give me an idea how to go about paying the necessary duties if I wanna import a phone for personal use. Also if I want to purchase additional phones for my kids. I understand it's a luxury item and 15% is added. What else is added as well.
 
Nerdcrowd said:
Never buy phones from Abroad, they simply Grey imports and if you plan on reselling you will have very unhappy clients when they find out they need to send the device to China Ect for repairs ect.
Click to expand...
We buy phones from abroad because you can get a better spec phone for half the SA rip off price. These phones are generally of good build and seldom break down (make specific). I change my phone every year and spend about R3000. None of the phones I bought developed hardware problems in the first year. I am hard on my phone, work out doors most of the time (dairy farmer) and my phone is never clean. I tend to buy the "hardened" phones like the Doogee DG700 (current) and T5 (my next phone). If the phone breaks it would most certainly be from excessive abuse which would not be covered by warrantee anyway. You obviously take a risk purchasing from overseas.

If you are reselling them, in theory, you fall under the CPA and have to declare it as a grey import. If you are buying from someone locally and the item is a drop shipment, then you are just paying a middleman to do nothing. Rather just purchase it directly from China.

As far as duties: Phone is dispatched from China. Courier company here will contact you for any duties to be paid. There may not be any.
 
Hey guys, I wanna import a phone, looking at maybe the xiaomi redmi note 4x. I'm just worried about the frequency and bands etc. I use Telkom mobile. Please see attached pics. How do I know if this phone will work? What do I have to look at. Don't wanna import a phone that won't work. It does say it is unlocked for worldwide use but still a bit worried...

Please see pictures for phone frequencies etc...

Thanks
2232054fe93f1e0696bab1dcc5107917.jpg
 
ooogz said:
Hey guys, I wanna import a phone, looking at maybe the xiaomi redmi note 4x. I'm just worried about the frequency and bands etc. I use Telkom mobile. Please see attached pics. How do I know if this phone will work? What do I have to look at. Don't wanna import a phone that won't work. It does say it is unlocked for worldwide use but still a bit worried...

Please see pictures for phone frequencies etc...

Thanks
2232054fe93f1e0696bab1dcc5107917.jpg
Click to expand...

https://willmyphonework.net
 
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