Anyone had any experience with shipping items (kites) from Germany to the US namely South Carolina? I am interested in a kite, and don't know where to start as far as getting 'customs cost. I asked the seller about the cost, and his/her reply was

Quote:

the shipping costs are 45€, the costoms tax are not in Germany and I am not sure about this costs. You can check it an then deside if it is interesting for you or not! I send with dhl and they will require the tax from you.

45€ is about $62.00 but the other cost I am not sure about. Any feedback or direction would be appreciated greatly.

thanks

Sorry, I only have had the call come from the customs on the Jerry's side. Every Christmas they look at the wrapping paper and say, well I guess your daughter can open it first. Try and have the shop declare it as a gift. You could also argue that you paid dem Krauts a 19% sales tax, if it gets held up.

Here's an outside the box idea:
send it to me, I'll fly it (or not if you'd prefer a more stay in the box solution) and send it to you as something I borrowed from you... Is returning property taxable?

The kite is in Germany and I am wanting to get it shipped to South Carolina. Maybe I missed something in the translation, but I don't know if sending it from Germany to someone else in Germany then to South Carolina will be cheaper. Sounds like it may cost more...

I would have to ask the seller if he would ship it to you, then you ship it to me, but where would the 'gift' fit in all of this?

I am just not quite understanding it...maybe elucidating a little more will help.

thanks

You may or may not pay duties when the kite arrives in the US - you won't have to pay the seller.

Should be able to figure it out on the USPS homepage...?

All the stuff I've sent to the US, I've never had anyone mention they paid import or customs duties. I pay them randomly here - got an $800 kite, no fees; got $100 worth of parts, had to pay $7.

I think the Euro buddies mention it because they ALWAYS get screwed over with customs and duties...

I think its a case of a German thinking everyone else acts like them. I was kinda joking about poaching your new kite, btw.

I would just have it sent and hope you don't get an invite to the customs office.

@Kamikuza thanks for the suggestion. I have submitted this to the DHL carriers for information and a quote.

@Suds after thuds I knew you were just joking about 'test driving' the kite. I must admit "poaching" the kite now worries me... its a kite bro.. not a deer.

cheers

Never mind all that... What kite is it..? :bird:

You will not have to pay tax if it is a purchase from a private individual - only if you buy it from a retailer. As others have mentioned get the seller to label it as a gift.

It is a private purchase flysurfer. :p

Any opinions on the flysurfer? lol

sorry

WOW this all sounds like too much greed from the liars . . .

First there is unknown "customs" and they might/not (not that they will/not) charge a fee that could be 180% of the cost of the item, then there is a broker who sticks his nose into it for a buck (again ?%) and then, there's the shipping fee itself. Then once all that is over, I could get a letter in the mail for more $ from someone I have no business with.. hmmmm

I must say, Now I am re-thinking the offer. . .


thanks