importing a frame from u.s.a

[ben1973]

hi
im considering ordering a frame from the u.s, and im wondering if any body has experience of this?
the frame is retailing at $1099us over here its $2700aus
would i be hit by taxes/expenses wiping out savings from ordering o/s
how would the frame need to be shipped, ive hear i can be charges if a package doesnt fit into certain size requirements.
thanks in advance for any advice
ben

[bighitter]

there is a very high chance that you will get hit up for gst and customs tax, if so this is 15% ontop of the declared price + postage.
The frame may need to be sent via fedex,UPS, DHL or any of the other major couriers as Australia has a limit of 105cm but if your lucky it may be acepted and come via usps which will be alot cheaper.
Factoring in 200US for shipping and inc. tax it would come in at around ca. $1900-2000AU

[Cruz]

If it is a downhill or full sus frame then get them to pull it apart and either make 2 packages out of (better option to get by Oz import duty etc) it or make one smaller to fit into the normal freight charges.

Just bought one last year from the USA and my h/t snuck in by 1cm after taking off the deraileur hangar. Price change would have been $120 out to $435 otherwise.

To give you an idea of the size allowable, most large size h/t frames will not fit into the standard sizing (cheap) package.