Problems from customs

[jai04]

Hi to all, I'm fairly new to this forum and I haven't purchase from our tds yet, but I already decided my 1st td and my first rep, now my worries... customs. I'm from the Philippines and I've purchase online before, and the taxes were like 200%-400% of the product I've bought. No matter how low the value is, or even if you write it as a gift, it's still the same. If you try to send it back, it would get lost along the way and will never reach the seller. My options that i can think of are:
1. Go to China or Honkong and hope that a Td would be willing to see me to buy 3-5 watches from him/her
2. Find a friend who has an address in China and sent him the watch I bought in China and wait for him to go to Philippines.
3. Take the risk, buy online, then "pay" the customs (which is the usual route, but them seeing a rolex sub would make it a lot of "payments")

Any advise? Thank you for the insights

 

[carlton]

Why don't you ask your TD regarding your concerns? They are the best person to give you an answer as to what is the safest way and what will happen in case something happen.

 

[SUMIKITO]

Customs problems in the Phillipines........

Shipping anything to your country is like throwing it away in the garbage can. So forget that. ........... Meeting up with a dealer to buy some reps, even 4 dozen reps will never happen, too risky for them. Suicide, for them, if you ask me. So you can forget that............. Last but not least, buy the best Sub you can from a TD here like BKLM or TC. When it finally arrives and you have to pay the customs guys the pre-requisite "lagay", then do so. But tell them it's a freaking $125.00 watch ! And not $500 to $750 dollars as a super-rep would cost from those two great TDs. They will believe you! They are not as smart as you think they are. So $25.00 times 5 freaking inspectors is $125.00. And bring your $125.00 in change [loose small bills]. Makes them pity you. They like that! After all, they are all POS, right? They are the most corrupt govt. officials in your country, right? Their middle name is the "$" sign, right? Then you would have a really nice Rep, and would have paid those crooked pipers a lot less then what your watch is really worth! You will still be ahead! That, my dear sir, is the only way. Don't ask me why I know. Been there, done that, and that, and that. Good luck !! :cheers:

 

[jai04]

@ sUMIKITO: That, I think, is the only way to go, problem is, they are not really smart, so they might think my sub is a gen. You're right, they are the most corrupt officials here and you just can't get pass them whatever you do, unless you pay them. My friend ordered a rep watch and they charge it for a gen! Can you believe that? That's how crooked these scumbags are

 

[SUMIKITO]

Corrupt customs problems in the P.I. --------

Have it shipped with a leather strap that says "made in China". And the metal bracelet shipped in two parts, with little "made in China stickers" so 3 shipments, about 2 weeks apart. Pay for the extra shipping. You got to outsmart these guys. That's what most folks there do. They don't drive around with a Mercedes on a $1000.00 a month salary for nothing. Again, good luck.......... :facepalm: and be patient.

 

[jai04]

Alright, got to talk to some friends first and ask if they have someone in there. Thanks for the advise buddy. I can't believe that my problem is not the watch, not the TD, but the stupid scumbags in my country. Darn.

 

[jai04]

By the way guys, has anyone of you tried sending a watch in abu dhabi? how's the bureau of customs there?

 

[Luthier]

I would go to China. TD can ship to your hotel, or to your friend. Additionally, you can visit Watch Market, and buy some nice cheapies there.

 

[TimeWillTell]

Hi to all, I'm fairly new to this forum and I haven't purchase from our tds yet, but I already decided my 1st td and my first rep, now my worries... customs. I'm from the Philippines and I've purchase online before, and the taxes were like 200%-400% of the product I've bought. No matter how low the value is, or even if you write it as a gift, it's still the same. If you try to send it back, it would get lost along the way and will never reach the seller. My options that i can think of are:
1. Go to China or Honkong and hope that a Td would be willing to see me to buy 3-5 watches from him/her
2. Find a friend who has an address in China and sent him the watch I bought in China and wait for him to go to Philippines.
3. Take the risk, buy online, then "pay" the customs (which is the usual route, but them seeing a rolex sub would make it a lot of "payments")

Any advise? Thank you for the insights

you got PM!

I would go to China. TD can ship to your hotel, or to your friend. Additionally, you can visit Watch Market, and buy some nice cheapies there.

my staff will deliver to your hotel room..:thumbsup:

 

[jai04]

@ Luthier: Thanks a lot, that sounds like the best way to go
@ Timewilltell: Replied to your text message. Thanks a lot

 

[klase]

customs is always make trouble