my container arrived today - what a day.

[judgeboz]

It would be interesting to know for this particular purchase what the average cost worked out to for the 16 machines purchased.  If you do not want to disclose, totally understandable.

I have never imported (as I am just starting out), but have been tempted to look at what would be involved in bringing a few in from America.  I realise that is probably a whole different approach (ie. one or two pins) versus bringing in a container.  From what I have read on the forum, there are obviously risks and unkowns when doing it for the first time, and it probably can get costly per machine when bringing in only a few.

Thanks.

find a good freight forwarding company and they can handle it all for u (and you'll learn alot to). Email me and I'll send you the details of the freight forwarding guy I used when I got some one off pins from the US and NZ last year.

[pinnies4me]

Exciting stuff, looking forward to the pics!!

[MartyJ]

 

Well done!  Awesome to see and great looking pins.

Would love to do it one day myself!

[Strangeways]

How long is a piece of string ?

There are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration. The Euro has been jumping around a fair bit so pricing on a container can change 2 - 3 cents overnight. That can affect your budget if you are close to your limit.

Fumigate or not to fumigate ? There's $1000 that you will need to have up your sleeve. Hopefully your shipper fills out the Declaration of Fumigation correctly.

Customs - a Law unto themselves. At random you may have an inspection, or even an X-Ray - That stuffs up your transport

Delays - ALWAYS happen - whether it be the shipping company, missed connection in Asia, wharfie strike or Somali Pirates

Admin mistakes - Tick the wrong box on the Port of Destination - Suddenly your container has been emptied and customs want to see it, when it should be on a truck on its way to your place

Fees - There's a "fee" for everything. Customs, AQIS, Shipping company, shipping agent, customs agent, the guy that punches the staple into your folder.

Tariffs - Now there's a tariff for "Coin Operated" machines - this exempts you from 5% - 10% Duty, but you WILL pay GST on the Commercial Invoice

Freight Forwader (or customs agent) - Choose one VERY carefully. Speak to people that are in the industry, or ask here. The bigger companies will NOT want a bar of you. They deal mainly with industry. I use a smaller company that specialise in moving personal effects. PM for more details.

Don't be fooled into thinking it is an easy task - I looks awesome to see the guys open the container and roll out the machines - I got "goosebumps" watching their faces. But I know the "what if" question would have given John a couple of sleepless nights. I know my Father lost a container of videos in the Sea of Japan in the early 80's.

It is a huge risk, but nothing beats a container full of pins. I salute all those that have, and those thinking of taking the plunge. Be aware of the risks and follow your instints. Ask questions and don't assume..

[Caveoftreasures]

Just looked at all the photos John (Boz) and all the machines look to be in excellent condition. 

You would have had Damo pointing out a million things if they had of come any other way.lol (say hello to Damo for me  )

That batch of pinballs, is one of the BEST condition containers I have seen opened in a long time.

Are all the machines pre-sold or do u have machines available for sale. The T2 and the Getaways look real nice.

Brett 

[judgeboz]

I must admit the machine are in good condition overall. I paid a bit more but got what I wanted (for now). Yes Damo personally inspected all the pins (and he being very anal about condition was happy too). Now the fun part - shopping them out. Ive had expression of interest in a few machine but prefer to get them all working and cleaned up first.

[wonder]

How long is a piece of string ?

There are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration. The Euro has been jumping around a fair bit so pricing on a container can change 2 - 3 cents overnight. That can affect your budget if you are close to your limit.

Fumigate or not to fumigate ? There's $1000 that you will need to have up your sleeve. Hopefully your shipper fills out the Declaration of Fumigation correctly.

Customs - a Law unto themselves. At random you may have an inspection, or even an X-Ray - That stuffs up your transport

Delays - ALWAYS happen - whether it be the shipping company, missed connection in Asia, wharfie strike or Somali Pirates

Admin mistakes - Tick the wrong box on the Port of Destination - Suddenly your container has been emptied and customs want to see it, when it should be on a truck on its way to your place

Fees - There's a "fee" for everything. Customs, AQIS, Shipping company, shipping agent, customs agent, the guy that punches the staple into your folder.

Tariffs - Now there's a tariff for "Coin Operated" machines - this exempts you from 5% - 10% Duty, but you WILL pay GST on the Commercial Invoice

Freight Forwader (or customs agent) - Choose one VERY carefully. Speak to people that are in the industry, or ask here. The bigger companies will NOT want a bar of you. They deal mainly with industry. I use a smaller company that specialise in moving personal effects. PM for more details.

Don't be fooled into thinking it is an easy task - I looks awesome to see the guys open the container and roll out the machines - I got "goosebumps" watching their faces. But I know the "what if" question would have given John a couple of sleepless nights. I know my Father lost a container of videos in the Sea of Japan in the early 80's.

It is a huge risk, but nothing beats a container full of pins. I salute all those that have, and those thinking of taking the plunge. Be aware of the risks and follow your instints. Ask questions and don't assume..

There one fee that i didnt see on you list was

i touch it also fee.

Never seen so many fees,but a great way to lean what going on.The next lot will be a lot easyer.