Starting a new business

[Paperweight]

My samples have landed, got to love customs duties, ad valorem tax and VAT. Did not pay for the samples, but value is $100. All that comes to over R500 on duties, ouch and then another R250 to FedEx for admin.

Back to drawing board as I thought I would get away with around 16% import duties, now it is going to be 50%.

Also, can anyone comment on requirements for zero turnover companies to remain registered each year. Is it R100 to CIPC each year to submit zero turnover, or do you also have to get an accountant to perform an "independent review"/ mini audit as well? http://www.cipc.co.za/Help_files/HowTo_AR.pdf

From my understanding textiles have a 40% import VAT so unfortunately you were never going to get away with 16%. Hence why I often cry when the delivery man shows up to collect his riches. Can you not just raise the prices for the clothing? Of course depending on the quality of the clothing etc.

I would also do a lot of research on the import thing because there has to be a reason why small Chinese shops are selling jeans for R120. Then once you figure out the import secrets let me know so I can buy from China too