Hey guys I got a message from an Oculus fella. Sure we all know its USD now and I can come to terms with the price. But I'm still not 100% sure about the GST thing and didn't really get a solid answer here. Palmers tweet says extra money is for local tax, this guys says regulatory fees. Do you think its a possibility it could be shipped with GST paid sticker or something? I just highly doubt it, based on past experience.
[–]to TheTwistgibber sent 1 day ago
Hi can you confirm is $699 for NZ is in USD? Also is NZ GST included and paid for?
[–]from TheTwistgibber sent 48 minutes ago
Yes, it is in USD. The price is inclusive of all regulatory fees.
GST: 156.49 NZD 156.49 NZD GST on freight 31.12 NZD Total 187.61 NZD Entry fees* 49.24 NZD Amount due 236.85 NZD
*Entry fees: Once the threshold of $60 of duty and/or GST payable is reached, then a Customs import entry transaction fee (IETF) of NZ$29.26 (GST inclusive) is payable. Please note that the $60 threshold does not apply to tobacco and alcohol products. Entry fees are collected on these two regardless of the amount. A Ministry for Primary Industries biosecurity system entry levy (MPI Levy) of $19.98 (GST inclusive) is also collected by Customs. The total fees equal NZ$49.24 (GST inclusive)
This is all way to complicated for me just to buy a toy for me games.
Could someone from Oculus PLEASE just let me know that either: -Yes, all GST is covered and it will be shipped and delivered to my door. -No, I will have to get my shipment from customs after paying GST and fees. -Sorry, we really don't know.
So that I can put my mind to rest and just look forward to April..
We'll see, I don't believe that is the case, but if it is...I'll be disappointed but I was still expecting to pay it anyway. I've always been expecting the Rift to be in the $700US range. That's the price of a good video card.
I cannot understand why Oculus is putting themselves at such risk. A quick browse through the ATO and consumer law sections have come up with a few interesting quotes.
"Consumers are also likely to be misled if the displayed price is not expressed in Australian dollars. For example, a business that has United States and Australian operations must ensure that the goods it sells in Australia are priced in Australian dollars." Failure to adhere to this law may result in being compelled to sell at the indicated price in AUD.
"Any Australian GST registered legal entity must provide a tax invoice clearly displaying the amount of GST collected. Failure to provide a correct tax invoice whilst collecting GST may constitute a breach of Australian taxation laws."
"Goods imported to Australia with value being $1000.00 or less do not attract GST or duties. Collecting GST or duties at sale for good under $1000.00 may constitute a breach of Australian taxation and customs law."
"Goods sold into Australia that attract GST must be clearly marked as duties paid with amounts paid in AUD or converted to AUD using the following formula extract The Commissioner has determined that you can convert foreign currency into Australian currency by using the following formula. Consideration expressed in a foreign currency * (1/ your particular exchange rate on the conversion day)."
No matter which way you look at it Oculus is in breach of one or more AU taxation and consumer laws, worse the consumer may be liable for any duties that are actually incurred. On a positive note as there is an AU company entity, they may be directed to complete the sale at the price indicated on the website as an AUD price. If not, at least full refunds shouldn't be too hard to get.
The CEO told Aussies to take it or lodge a complain to the ACCC? I think that's exactly what should occur, I'm sure the taxman would be keen to see whats going on here too.
[–]TheTwistgibberCustomer Support, Oculus VR 3 points 4 hours ago "The price you are shown included GST and all regulatory fees. I will check if you will receive an invoice prior to payment (right before shipping). It will definitely be included on the one when charged."
Thats something at least assuming they mean a tax invoice. However, they are still charging GST in USD, thats not on. Also, if as we are assuming here the unit is locally distributed why is shipping $130USD when it is being sent via the cheapest AusPost service?
Can Oculus please confirm if the unit is being directly imported to consumers in AU?
"Aus21" wrote: Thats something at least assuming they mean a tax invoice. However, they are still charging GST in USD, thats not on. Also, if as we are assuming here the unit is locally distributed why is shipping $130USD when it is being sent via the cheapest AusPost service?
Can Oculus please confirm if the unit is being directly imported to consumers in AU?
This is getting extremely monotonous. They are being shipped to Aus and then resent to you again, hence why they take GST in the first place. They are charging you in USD so they are calculating the GST component on top of the USD figure and giving you another USD figure.
It makes no difference to the final amount what currency the GST calculated in. When they take your money you might see it in the invoice. As conversion rates change daily you are not likely to see any AUD amount until they actually charge your card. Certainly not months in advance.
Touchy thread ~ but at this rate it almost seems like it would've been better just to not ship to this country. Not to offend, but the taxes, shipping, and every thing else seems to make the price there really crazy and frustration to its population. So far everything seems right, but so many people fighting that they have to pay this stuff... I just don't get it. This happen last year... you think people would've read those post? Meh ~ Anyways, I hope it works out for the people that REALLY want it.
