How to order from dell US for non US citizens

[Ikuto]

Would a 17", 6,5kg, $3000+ laptop be considered a gift at customs? Don't they scan these packages so they know what's in it?
I have heard this with DVD's and games but such a big package is a different ballgame. But then again, if you don't fire you'll certainly miss!

If you put the Laptop under 1000 Dollars on sending off if it breaks during its shipment you'll only get 1000 Dollars back as they Insure it for what you declare its worth. Usally for every 2000 Dollars Australian customs charge 375 Dollars. So with a 3000 + Laptop it would be around 450 - 500 Dollars tax.

[mfractal]

If you put the Laptop under 1000 Dollars on sending off if it breaks during its shipment you'll only get 1000 Dollars back as they Insure it for what you declare its worth. Usally for every 2000 Dollars Australian customs charge 375 Dollars. So with a 3000 + Laptop it would be around 450 - 500 Dollars tax.

that's about the same in Israel.. 17% off 3000 that's a little more than 500$.

[Kyoka Suigetsu]

If somebody who wants to take risk(as I did), just declare 201$ as laptop repair fee, and precise that the laptop is returning to your country. With fedex or ups it is really rare that your package is lost. I did it and I payed only 58€ for a 4500$ M17x.

But if, I said if, your package is lost or the plane crashed. You will receive only 201$ as insurance refund. Painful, isn't it?

[mfractal]

in my case, i don't want to take this risk as i am going to report the taxes as my business expense (it is then deducted from my business taxes) so i really don't pay anything for it.

[Wattos]

If somebody who wants to take risk(as I did), just declare 201$ as laptop repair fee, and precise that the laptop is returning to your country. With fedex or ups it is really rare that your package is lost. I did it and I payed only 58€ for a 4500$ M17x.

But if, I said if, your package is lost or the plane crashed. You will receive only 201$ as insurance refund. Painful, isn't it?

Note, this does NOT work in all countries. Some countries will ask you for proof that the laptop was shipped outside of the country first. This is the case in Switzerland

[mfractal]

I think that if customs open the package they will see it is new and nor repair.

[SillyHoney]

You guys can ask the reseller to reduce the list price and mark the item as gift at the same time. It will help reducing tax by a lot. For example: You bought a $3,500 M17x but the reseller will write down only $2,000 in the invoice and mark it as a gift.

[The_Moo™]

i have done that with small things i ship to the UK and never had issues

[Ikuto]

You guys can ask the reseller to reduce the list price and mark the item as gift at the same time. It will help reducing tax by a lot. For example: You bought a $3,500 M17x but the reseller will write down only $2,000 in the invoice and mark it as a gift.

It still comes down to the fact that if he shipped it it would only be insured for 2,000 not what its worth meaning if it broke during the postal you'd lose 1,500 Dollars.

[jsteng]

I'd like to know which USA States have the lowest Sales Tax rates?

this way, we can choose the cheapest ones to where they can forward it.