Often you will choose to buy items online that you cannot get in Australia, this includes snow gear, such as snowboards where there is very limited items in your home country. But once you have paid for the board, the shipping to Australia and the customs charges and duties, you have paid a fortune for the item.
The good news is that there are a number of shipping methods available which you need to be aware of and take into consideration, helping you find the most effective and affordable solution for you, you also need to understand the custom charges, so you can keep some of your budget back to pay for these charges. Without paying customs, you will not have the items delivered as planned.
If you are buying from the USA for example, then USPS may be the cheapest and easiest solution to meet your budget. USPS is the US postal service, while this may take longer than a highly recommended courier company, your charges will be significantly less. Shipping to Australia using this method usually takes approximately six to ten working days if you use a priority service.
Courier is often the preferred method, courier companies can ship to Australia within three to five working days. While they do cost more, you are guaranteed to the door delivery in a short period of time, ideal when you want the item quickly. You need to bear in mind that your courier company will not deliver the item until you have paid them the custom charges. Some courier companies will pay on your behalf to secure the item out of customs, this means you are still liable to pay the fee.
There are a few shipping to Australia companies that offer flat rate shipping. This is a great opportunity if you are working to a set budget. You can buy your snowboard with a chosen American address, the company then arranges shipping to your door within a few days at a set price, so you know what to pay without any unexpected surprises.
Surprisingly sea is still one of the top choices for shipping to Australia. While it is the longest and can take up to six weeks for delivery. This is the cheapest and most reliable form of shipping. Shipping is used by businesses and private individuals from shipping entire households to a few small items. Ensure when placing an online order that you know the best shipping solution offered, you may not realize they use sea, which could lead to disappointment when you wait weeks for delivery.
Delivery times do vary for each of the shipping methods to Australia. It’s advisable to see if shipping is offered by the company you purchased from or if you are responsible for arranging your own solution. Sometimes it is a better option if you can request to arrange your own shipping method, this way you are guaranteed to choose the solution that best suits your budget and requirements arranging for the item to be collected from the supplier and delivered to your door.
With your shipping to Australia method chosen, you now need to take a close look at customs to determine if you will be charged. Customs duties and taxes are usually payable over and above any shipping payment you choose.
Any items equal or less than AUS1,000 do not incur any charges, duties or taxes. Taxes, duties and charges are due on items over AUS1,000. You or your shipping company will be required to submit an import declaration with the item. Charges vary and prices can be calculated on the customs website.