Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on November 15, 2010 at 11:19

I don't bel;ieve you would pay GST on this but you may need to pay Customs Duty, given the price. I would ring Customs and ask them (you don;t need to give your name). Secondly I would check with Dept Transport etc to make sure that it is legal to ride on our roads. I couldn't see why not, but you never know !

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Permalink Reply by Gemma K on November 15, 2010 at 12:27

Sam's right in that you can probably get something better locally. Or, even if you just get the frame which is in a smaller box, the shipping savings would be worth more than the difference of getting the parts locally.

Sam's wrong re the GST and duty though! If it's valued at over A$1000 (inlcuding the cost of post/courier) you can expect to pay import duty on cost of goods plus postage , then pay GST on the cost of goods plus post plus duty (eg they tax the tax).

I think bicycle frames have a duty of 5%, bicycle components have zero duty (there is no component manufacturing done here anymore). Whole bicycles might be at 5% too (I have never done it that myself though).

Depening on how the parcel arrives, the courier might do the importing for you (for a fee), or you can handle it through Australia Post. Whatever you do don't import clothing (inlcuding bicycle clothing) in with it, clothing has a much higher duty and the more different types of import that come in one package, the more complicated the importing is - to the point you'd need to get a broker.

Moral of the story is "Try to keep parcels under A$1000."
If you can't, don't be tempted to add in extra stuff to the parcel that adds duty (and import complication!) Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by hozozco on November 15, 2010 at 13:10

Thanks for the replies.

My understanding is that I would have to pay 10% GST, but no duty. I haven't phoned customs yet.

I'm not trying to avoid paying what is legally due. I like this quote "I like paying taxes, with them I buy civilisation!".

Anyway, I would appreciate any links to something better - I certainly haven't found it. Postage is $US 350 to UK so it would be similar to here. I would be surprised if it would be worth importing the frame and then getting it put together here, but I could be wrong!

Ditto for a custom build. If anyone

As for the rider, my daughter has a visual impairment and can't really be left to 'steer' (as she can't see where she's going) but I believe she would enjoy being at the front more.

I also live in Hallett Cove, so I need the full range of 'grannie gears' to be available.

Thanks

Simon

btw - Sam Powrie, I can't see any of your pictures.

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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on November 15, 2010 at 13:26

Phone Kevin Clarke of Clarke cycles on Kennsington Road. Tell him what you're looking at and why. He probably has more experience in special needs bikes than any other dealer in Adelaide.

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Permalink Reply by Shane Sody on November 15, 2010 at 13:33

I would suggest you read this blog:
http://700x23.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/buying-a-bike-mail-order-les...

and discussion of the blog on this forum:
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18138

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Permalink Reply by easytiger on November 15, 2010 at 17:59

I bought a bike from Colorado Cyclist 5 years ago, and they shipped it via UPS. It was shipped to Sydney, and then their agent in Australia then shipped it to Adelaide. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I think they paid the 10% GST and 5% sales tax, and cleared it through customs. They contacted me when it arrived, I went to Netley, paid the GST and Sales Tax, maybe signed a few forms, and took home a shiney new bike that had been fully built for me. But best to check that is the same procedure.

@Sam - Wayne Kotzur is a legend - he built my 531ST Touring bike frame.

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Permalink Reply by hozozco on November 15, 2010 at 19:42

Thanks to all the replies again.

Shane, I had read those articles and did find them useful.

Thanks Clive, I will follow up with Kevin Clarke later. I would be surprised if someone can custom make something cheaper - but I've been surprised before!

Cheers

Simon

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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on November 15, 2010 at 19:45

I doubt Kevin would build something for you, but he would probably know of somebody who would.

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Permalink Reply by Gus K on November 16, 2010 at 8:07

Simon, the makers of Buddy Bike sent me a message on Twitter offering to put you in contact with someone in Australia who has imported one from them. If you are interested in the communication send shelley@buddybike.com an email.

Cheers
Angus

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Permalink Reply by hozozco on November 16, 2010 at 8:56

Hi Angus

Thanks for the email address. I bet it's the same family that is in their 'stories' section. They used to live in Nairne. I managed to 'stalk' them through the internet and they have moved to Coffs Harbour - which is bit of a bugga!

Their daughter appears to have similar issues to mine...pity they moved!

Cheers

Simon

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Permalink Reply by Dahondude on November 16, 2010 at 9:39

Hi Simon

My brother just built up a road bike from imported frame and parts and (from what he has told me) it really was very painless. Everything under $1000 came in without duty or GST and the frame (which was worth more than $1000) he paid duty and GST on. My educated guess on shipping a whole bike (and based on looking at sites like Wiggle) is that you simply have to pay the seller the cost of the bike and shipping direct to your door, then pay the customs/duty once the box hits Australia and gets inspected by Customs. I dont think you need to involve an agent for clearing customs. The thing should arrive on your doorstep and just like any other bike will come with instructions on how to assemble. If you have a moderate amount of bike mechanical skills and a few simple tools it should be a doddle to put together and then you and your daughter can enjoy some excellent times on the bike!

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