GST Aliexpress

[garymck]

Hi,
I'm about to make an astro purchase on Aliexpress that is over $1000 (from a trusted seller I have used before). Ali does not add GST to this sort of purchase (only does if under $1000), wondering what sort of fees and charges other than GST I might get hit with. Will be shipped via UPS. Anyone have any experience with what they charge for clearence?
TIA
Gary

[ronson]

Hi Gary,
With Aliexpress, GST is automatically added during the checkout process regardless of the amount.

In terms of any additional costs, the seller would be placed best to answer this question.

I personally have never been charged anything extra than what I paid to Aliexpress, though I have never bought anything above $400-500.

For expensive stuff, and piece of mind, I'd rather buy locally so I am protected by the Australian Consumer Law.

[Leo.G]

GST has been added automatically for some time regardless of the amount I believe (Thanks Mr Harvey) though some sellers slip it up to 15% on cheaper items which I didn't know where to complain about it. As mentioned, they were very cheap items so I really couldn't be bothered fussing about it, on something dearer I'd have complained till the end of time.
The few things I have paid higher amounts for the seller has been able to explain/outline added extra costs though customs could hit you with an import duty (or whatever they call it) the seller may not be able to predict.


In saying that I have purchased quite a lot of stuff through them and only once got trimmer wick instead of what was ordered and received a full refund.


Good luck!

[garymck]

It seems that they don't charge GST on items over $1000. There is no line item for it when you checkout like there is on under $1000 items. Apparently you pay it on these larger purchases when it hits Australia and before delivery....(unless the item is from an Australian warehouse)
cheers
Gary

[Leo.G]

That's interesting, thanks!
I wonder why that is or "that's the Australian governments problem"?

[TrevorW]

Why the apply GST to items I've purchased but how does the Federal Govt ensure they get that money and why would it not apply to items over $1000- Aliexpress prices have recently become very varied and inflated to the extent sometimes you are better of buying locally :)

[garymck]

It seems that The GST on over $1000 items is collected by the deliverer, eg UPS, hence why I originally asked what they charge here for customs clearance....In this case if the Fee in addition to GST charged by UPS is excessive, it would make a local purchase OK.

[TrevorW]

I find it interesting that the ATO makes them collect GST but have no way of enforcing any undertakings from them, or auditing their activity statements, as they are outside the jurisdiction of Australia. The ATO/ Customs are just letting them rip more than 10% off Australian customers and put it in their own pocket.

[Leo.G]

Thanks again Mr Harvey!


Guess where I never shop?


As I mentioned previously, I've purchased some low priced items from Aliexpress and had between 15% and 20% GST added but had no idea of how to refute it and since they were extremely cheap items I ignored it (but I'll never forget and always double check anything pricier).

[pmrid]

Interesting observations here about shopping local. I will from now on.

I recently bought a cheap laptop from Alizexpress. What arrived was a cheap plastic case for some sort of tablet - a bit of rubbish. I then went looking for reviews of that seller and was horrified to learn literally hundreds of reviews reporting similar.

AliExpress are obviously aware and permit that seller to use their platform. It says a lot about their business model.

[wasyoungonce]

I buy from aliexpress...things that are not used in repairs....except I did change to STM32, T12 soldering stations, irons and cartridges from Quicko. They are excellent. I have only once got duds I got my money back. Researching sellers is important...Fluke; Rigol; Siglent; Uni-T; Quicko; are sold aliexpress stores......very reliable.




But....their prices have risen and are becoming as much as as reputable places like Mouser, Emona, Digikey. I usually buy from these as E14 and RS have become graveyards for slow delivery. I'm sad to report stock levels from all electronic supply houses have dropped to bare minimum to non existent and prices have shot up.


There is a huge shortage of electronic parts world wide...basic things like common sockets. Luckily I have pretty much all I need already on hand but am shocked at the rapid disappearance and cost increases of what should be common easy to obtain parts!


As for GST......its pure "cream" for the aliexpress stores. The Gov depts at the time knew this, so did JH. How I loathe him and his influence

[Leo.G]

Anything under $20 I don't fuss about with too much on the feedback unless there are a lot of one star reviews for any particular item (junk). Anything over $50 and I check everything.
I'm sorry to hear you got caught out in this, apparently it's a big thing in the phone market too, people receiving a sealed box from China and eBay (not just Aliexpress) with an iPhone or latest Samsung in it and it turns out to be a replica iPhone or Samsung case and old internals which are outdated, that's if they bother with the internals.


I have seen negative feedback on items claiming not as described or the item ordered where the seller has demanded to see the opening video to prove he didn't or did make a mistake. Now out of habit I grab my phone and record myself opening every package as I slice the parcel open with a razor blade and remove the contents.


I have been pleasantly surprised on occasions where I've purchased an item off a seller with no customer reviews and received exactly what I wanted in great quality.
There's the other issue, often I receive the emails and think an item is cheap but when I go to the store it's not a ball-head or whatever, it's a cheap mount plate but listed as a ball-head (or whatever) in the email. Then there's the colour selection which doesn't change the colour, it is where you pick the exact item you want out of variations. Though it doesn't matter how many times in the past I've explained this to people wanting an alloy mobile phone to telescope adapter yet they neglected selecting the right one and bought and received the plastic. It's something you need to look out for. Cases for items too, an item seems like a bargain and you receive an empty case not exactly listed as such, there's a lot of that on there too.