My inulgence is very particular costume jewellry (& sometimes gold) which come up from time to time overseas, usually the US. For the more expensive I've always managed/ been carefull to stay under $1000.
Can anyone tell me if Etsy ore Ruby Lane will be affected the same? Will they be collectng the GST ore will they escape it?
I would say you need to ask on those sites. There may be a few members here who are also on those sites and will know.
I think you will find that they have 2 choices.....to follow the ebay model and collect the GST or to do what Amazon has done and refuse to collect it.
Etsy hasn't announced anything as yet, AFAIK, but I will be very surprised if they don't follow suit with eBay.
No idea about the other site, though.
The GST won't be applicable to all sales from all international sites, though. If they are a standalone site, they're only required to collect it if their Aus turnover is $75k or more, and your purchase is under $1k. If it's over $1k, tax and duties will be payable the usual way.
I know some wholesalers have decided not to bother, which actually decreases the number of items that will be available from Aussie sellers, sadly, so I can only presume some retailers will stop selling here as well.
I can't blame them, really. It's an imposition and cost that traditionally is borne by the importer.
Some cant be bothered as it is.