If you do want to import pins from overseas to add solely to your existing collection then consider starting off by buying a few pins instead and opting for an LCL (less than a container load) option. Basically you are sharing container space off an existing container load of goods that an importer is bringing in at the time. It doesn't have to be sharing a pre-existing container of pins. This is how I first got into importing pins (and still do with the occasional "must have" titles) - my first lot of imported machines came in a container half filled with carpet rolls and it is only after completing this successfully a few times, that I have gone the full container load (FCL) solely of machines.
The benefit of an LCL is that you can offset the overall cost burden by splitting the associated landing charges/fees and taxes with the other party. Another advantage with this is that the other person sharing the container typically has no interest in pinballs so there can be no unforeseen disagreements over who had dibs on what pin when it lands and no arguments over what is an equitable distribution of the fees and charges - which is a good possibility of happening in a co-op import scenario with another collector.
LCL to start with to test the water first is my advice.
