tirerack - anybody used them?

[SMBCJ]

Timely and interesting thread as I'm about to get 4 new BFG AT's in 265/70 16.
Best price I've been quoted so far in Perth is $355ea f&b (total AU$1420) compared to an estimated cost from tire rack (US$212 plus est $589 shipping then to be fitted and balanced locally at $?? say $20ea?? = $1537 give or take some for the exchange rate, bank fees, etc.) and I can't really see the point of ordering mine from the US.

IMHO we should shop around to get the best price and support local business if we can.

BTW I do order some Jeep stuff from the states as it's sometimes half the local price (Adj LCA's for instance) but my tyres/tires don't seem to be.

[bikemat]

Unless the rules have changed since I checked the government website, it's 15% duty that must be paid. Sending in 2 separate lots doesn't make a difference, they add them together (perhaps you'd manage to slip through anyway though). It was also the value of goods + shipping, not just goods. So long as you're prepared for extra costs.

[briteway]

Yep, I was under the same impression.

[JeepCrazy]

Originally Posted by bikemat

Unless the rules have changed since I checked the government website, it's 15% duty that must be paid. Sending in 2 separate lots doesn't make a difference, they add them together (perhaps you'd manage to slip through anyway though). It was also the value of goods + shipping, not just goods. So long as you're prepared for extra costs.

Here is what's on the customs website:

Personal or private use imports

All imported goods are subject to assessment for duty, GST and other taxes and charges even if you imported those goods for your own use. If the goods you imported have a value over $1,000 you will need to lodge an import declaration and pay any duty, GST or other taxes and charges that may apply.

Lodging and finalising an import declaration means the goods are ‘entered for home consumption’. The term ‘entered for home consumption‘, used by Customs and Border Protection, means goods were declared and cleared from Customs control in accordance with Customs law for delivery within Australia.

One parcel for one importer

If a parcel (one consignment) addressed to you contains goods or other packages that were imported for other people (such as your friends or relatives) and the parcel has a declared or assessed value exceeding A$1,000 you will need to lodge an import declaration and pay the duty, taxes and charges. Customs law does not permit a parcel to be split or broken down into separate packages for assessment, even when those other packages were imported for other people.

I got AEV Pintler coming my way this week and the declared value is 9999.95USD (less in AUD), delivery is to my workplace (which is one of Australias car manufacturers). There is no duty on automotive parts coming from the US as per free trade agreement.

I keep you posted on the outcome.

[briteway]

Originally Posted by JeepCrazy

I got AEV Pintler coming my way this week and the declared value is 9999.95USD (less in AUD), delivery is to my workplace (which is one of Australias car manufacturers). There is no duty on automotive parts coming from the US as per free trade agreement.

I keep you posted on the outcome.

Yes please, keep us posted of the outcome. Didn't know about the auto parts and FTA.

[allteng]

Originally Posted by asp_777

$820 is cheap! what make and size are you talking about?

BF Goodrich All Terrains - 265/75/16 - be here Friday via Fedex

[pmac]

I am looking at a set of Bridgestone Dueler A/T D694's 245/65/17's. Quoted $309 each from Jax, or $1236, including fitting, balancing and disposal of old tyres.

Tirerak website has D695's (which look pretty close) at $168 each, or $672. Add $500 shipping, plus $100 to fit, balance and dispose, that's $1272, so pretty much the same. I will get a proper quote though.

As there could also be an issue with an insurance claim if the assessor is pedantic and notices that the tyre (D695) isn't available in Australia, and disallows the claim, then it's definitely not worth it.

Pity I swapped my 16's for 17 inch wheels. 16's are much cheaper - $245 x 4 = $980.

Anyone want to swap some 17 inch wheels for 16's??