O/seas sellers may be charged GST on sales

[misterforgetfulsbooks]

http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au/story/308836/online-shopping-targeted-in-proposed-gst-changes/?cs=7

Do you think it is a good idea?

[digital*ghost]

I htink you'll find that it's the buyers who will pay the GST, as they do now for purchases of $1000+ value.

It was almost inevitable, IMO, and probably good news for some Australian sellers if it does get implemented - at least, it will lessen the gap between buying OS or locally.

[wickedfezplayer]

I also think it will be the buyers that will be charged. I think it is inevitable that this will happen, I just don't know how they will be able to implement it without it costing more to collect the money then raised.

I do think it will be fair if they can sort it out.

[*mrgrizz*]

i didn't read the article.

i didn't know the ATO had overseas offices.

how are they going to force a overseas seller to collect then pay GST like every australian company??

[phorum_junkie*]

It is the person importing the goods from overseas who will pay the tax, plus a fee to collect it too if it works the same way as here in the UK.

It means if you buy anything from overseas costing more than $30 (including postage if the same as here) then you will have to pay the tax and collection fee before the item will be delivered to you.

It will make a big difference to those sellers who import goods from Asia and keep their consignments under the $1,000 threshold.

The idea is not just to raise revenue but to discourage people from importing cheaper and undercutting Aussie produced goods.

Ssounds good on the surface but will mean a big hike in shop prices for anything that is not made in Aus.

[gem-boy-g]

suppose it's fair enough on items already available here otherwise eventually we will have no shops but unavailable items should be exempt.

[phorum_junkie*]

And just how will you police that one gem boy? I buy something from the US worth Au$40 and the seller puts sweets on the customs declaration. Who pays for them to open the packet and see if that particular brand of candy is available on the domestic market.

[jensmanchester-australia]

Ssounds good on the surface but will mean a big hike in shop prices for anything that is not made in Aus.

PJ - I would think that for most of the B&M stores it is not going to make their prices any higher. The majority of B&M stores already pay GST plus all the other Government Charges if they import goods.

The only ones it will affect are those who import goods which have a total value under $1000.00.

[licoricebabyandfabmama]

Yea I read the article in the paper,  was going to do a post on it too, but was too lazy lol.

I think it sucks.     Australia already charges way too much for everything they sell in my opinion. And...  Im sure Im going to cop it big time for this opinion too.    I should have the right to order from overseas and pay less.     Sorry im originally from North America so I guess Im used to much lower prices,  I realize it costs more to import to Australia and I guess thats one of the reasons everything is so expensive but Im sick of paying 3 bux for a can of coke  and I think we reserve the right to save a few bux and order from overseas.    Ive said it before and Ill say it again if the bricks and mortar stores want our money,   improve the customer service ( which I find shocking when i walk into stores in Aus.)     Anyway Im sure even if they start charging tax on OS purchases it will still be cheaper to order from overseas.    Personally Ive looked into suppliers In australia and with what they want to charge me for wholesale  I would barely be able to compete on Ebay even against the Australian sellers, then throw the shipping on top of that,   its crazy.

[not_an_eloi]

if the bricks and mortar stores want our money,   improve the customer service

bought a benchtop bake/toast/grill oven from the gd gize, thing shorted out after a couple of months of use.

couldn't locate the receipt, contacted the store, couldn't 'ave got a more helpful attitude.

they took it back, no worries, the replacement 'ad a problem with the timer functionality,  took it back, no worries, no arguments, no hassle with packin' the thing up, postin' it back, then wait.   

good customer service, in my view, never 'ad a problem with that mob.      it's not all bad in B & M world., it's not always better online, from o/s.