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Shipping a TV

Hi All,

Electronics is Colombia are very expensive. If I have my friend in California ship a plasma tv to me in Bogota, will I get hit with any import taxes, or any other charges?

A plasma that costs $4000 in California costs almost $6500 or more here!

I can't imagine shipping costing more than a few hundred dollars, but I could be mistaken. Any suggestions?

Robert

By Outtahere on Nov 19, 2004, 10:40 in Friendly Talkzone.

Lionheart says on Nov 19, 2004, 11:21:

Skybox in Miami Several individuals and companies in Latin America and the Caribbean I know use this service for shipping. You sign up with them for a small fee ($45 per year) and you get a P.O.Box number with them in Miami, FL. I have sent electronic equipment through them to several countries. They were always cheaper than any DHL/FedEx/UPS comparison.

I did a quick calculation on a 100kg box sent to Bogota, they ask for $366 for shipping, no customs for electronics and communications. I did another test declaring something else and they added customs then.

I think they bypass customs often by repacking and declaring stuff as used and as presents. I sent computers to Trinidad and Chile and the recipients paid no customs. I was told in advance not to use original packaging.

They also offer to do the shopping for you in the USA, the prices look ok, they use a lowest price search engine. The web site is in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I give them 2 thimbs up.

http://www.skyboxusa.net/eng/default.asp

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kernow62 says on Nov 19, 2004, 15:02:

shipping plasma TVs is not as simple as shipping other TVs, be sure to read the instructions about keeping the TV right side up. Also take out insurance just in case the shipper does not take care.

I wish I hadn't purchased a plasma TV, by projection TV blows it away, it was nice at first but after two years the picture has dimmed quite a bit.

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