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I am considering buying a secondhand lens from the states. I was wondering if it is over $1000 will i be slapped with GST or duty eventough it is a secondhand lens? What is the threshold these day. Has anyone had any experience?

Thanks

In my opinion, if it is over AU$1,000, you will get hit with GST and Customs fees. The fact that it is secondhand should make no difference, especially since GST was never paid on the original item.

The Threshold is AU$1,000.

Andrew's post is correct. If you are purchasing from a private seller I would explain the $1k limit to them. If it is a US based company selling the s/h lens I would just factor in the GST.

Thanks ATJ and Glen.

Its a private seller, so i will explain it.

Buying stuff from overseas sellers can certainly have it's drawcards - mainly financial. But there are drawbacks too - can you trust the supplier to send the goods? Will they be as described/expected? Will I get charged extra by customs? What are your realistic options if things go wrong?

Buying from a company that others you know have bought from can reduce the risk of the goods not turning up. Many overseas suppliers also declare a lower value of the goods on the customs declaration to something below the gst threshold; how that sits with your conscience you is up to you. But what does that mean if the goods go missing in the mail? How reliable are your suppliers deliveries? What insurance applies?

Yup, buying overseas come down to trade-offs and risk minimisation. I doubt buying second hand from overseas would ever fit within my comfort levels unless it was from my brother - and even then I'd be cautious.

Your money - your choice. But know the risks before deciding, then live with your choice.

There are always risks in life. What will determine whether or not to go with is how comfortable you are taking them

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

I bought a 16-35mm mk II from Phils last year. It was waaaaaay cheap and seems to be to good to be true. But at approx $1400 I figured I can risk it. Been happy ever since

devilla101 wrote:There are always risks in life. What will determine whether or not to go with is how comfortable you are taking them

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

I bought a 16-35mm mk II from Phils last year. It was waaaaaay cheap and seems to be to good to be true. But at approx $1400 I figured I can risk it. Been happy ever since

What's Phils?

Ah crap sorry dude, Phils = Philippines.

Normally I wouldn't buy lenses over there but this was too good to pass up