Tax man

[DNYR]

At the Airport, do they tax at will/on anything or just on electronics? Also, what about shipped Barrels... are they going to ran-sack my barrel?!

[islandthrift]

They do not tax your items at the airport unless you go over the amount of liquor or tobacco products, etc. you're allowed. The barrels, and anything else that is shipped, are what gets taxed. I have not heard of any incidents of packages or barrels missing any items. The wait until you are there to open packages and for the barrels, if you go, or you hire someone to go pick it up, they do not open them until then, too.

[FRNC]

They do not tax your items at the airport unless you go over the amount of liquor or tobacco products, etc. you're allowed. The barrels, and anything else that is shipped, are what gets taxed. I have not heard of any incidents of packages or barrels missing any items. The wait until you are there to open packages and for the barrels, if you go, or you hire someone to go pick it up, they do not open them until then, too.

In the top of the barrel / shipping crate place a large 'baggie" with a note with large font stating "Customs Officials". Inside the baggie place all sorts of goodies/treats ie; candy/snacks/cookies etc...see what happens. My kid was NEVER charged a tax for 8 shipments. Guess what we sent wasn't worth anything.

[islandthrift]

I had a friend that would do that with her packages and was usualy charged $5 EC ($1.88 US) or less!

[gimmeaknyfe]

Of all the shipments that I've received at the post office, I find that the male clerks are much more engaging than the female ones. Maybe it's because I'm female? Who knows.

In any case, to show you the difference in charges that I received, here are two from opposite sides of the spectrum:
- a 10lb shipment from one of my friends back at home that contained cookies, candies, snacks, etc. - $0.96ECD
- a 10lb shipment from another friend that contained the same amount of snacks and treats - $20ECD
The female clerks never even once smiled at me and were not very engaging, while the male clerks were much more friendly. That's just my experience anyway.

Point is, sometimes, it just depends on the custom official's mood and whether or not he/she likes you... and it never hurts to flash a smile and engage in some friendly conversation. :)

[liqu0rleadstocha0s]

that "customs officials" goddies idea isn't bad..i think i'll go ahead and try that.

[DNYR]

Wow... thanks for the great info!

[Dru]

The other thing that works is if the sender scans a lovely picture of your family &/or pet. When my kid opened the box she be going all teary eyed, "OMG...my little sister got so big" or "OMG...I miss my dog". The agents always got more engaging and gave her a softer/lower tax. We always did the goodie thing for the agent, too...even if it was a few packs of gum.

[DNYR]

So wait... what exactly did you guys put in the enclosed goodie bag?? Gum was mentioned, but what other kind of things would make them happy? -Thanks for your input!

[liqu0rleadstocha0s]

i'm thinking chocolates, cookies, porn, bubble gum, blow pops, tootsie rolls, etc.

[eyecon82]

lol...this is awesome....bribery at its best