|
|
Post by Jardin1918 on Oct 4, 2014 16:10:49 GMT
Hi everyone,
I'm looking to buy my first sword, but unsure as to which option is best - buy from a domestic vendor (GlobalGear/Warsword) or try an overseas one, such as KultOfAthena. I understand that I may be liable for paying GST on the import, but even with that and the postage costs, it still seems to be significantly cheaper than buying locally.
Has anyone in here in Australia bought a sword from an international seller recently? If so, were there any complications, hidden costs, difficulties with customs, etc.? How did it compare to buying one locally?
Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deepbluedave on Oct 4, 2014 21:59:23 GMT
Hey Jardin , as long as you are buying under $1000.00AUD you don't pay import fees but be aware some things like maces are banned and some states do require you to have a licence, KoA are your best bet as a lot of Aussies buy from them, postage can become expensive if the item you require is over 45"inches in length, personally I would use KoA over local importers every time as there mark up is huge.
|
|
Paul
Member
Senior Forumite
Posts: 1,771 
|
Post by Paul on Oct 4, 2014 22:02:03 GMT
Hi Jardin, Welcome to the forum. What part of Australia are you in? it makes a big difference. Ok GST will only be an issue if the total value of the goods has a deemed "value" of $1,000AUD or more, in which case 10% of this will be added + a fee of about $80. If you keep the purchase below say $800USD you shouldn't have any GST issues As for customs importing issues, so long as you are bringing in a "normal" sword you shouldn't have any issues. But you may have issues if you are <18y or have a criminal record. If like me you live in Victoria there are a few more requirements (regardless you better check your local state Police / Government rules). In Vic you have to be over 18, be a fit and proper person, either obtain a Licence from the commissioner or Join one of the local groups, see links and comply with the storage requirements. www.ballaratarms.com.au/swords-and-daggers.htmlwww.swordcollectorsguild.org.au/ ... wMember1-3 I haven't purchased from Warsword so I cannot comment but I have purchased from Global Gear. They offer pretty good service but are over priced, best you get onto their mailing list as they have regular 20% off sales, but even with the 20% off and the free postage will still cost a bit more than KoA even allowing for the international postage. Ive also found the KoA service to be excellent. Paul |
|
|
|
Post by Jardin1918 on Oct 4, 2014 23:36:47 GMT
Awesome, thanks Deepbluedave & Paul! Sorry, I forgot to mention my location was Coffs Harbour, NSW. I've been lurking on the forum a bit & done a fair bit of reading, but I just wanted to get a clear idea of what the best way to go was at the moment. I've registered with/subscribed to both Warsword and GlobalGear & got a 10% discount, but like you said - it's still pretty steep & doesn't have the choice that KoA offers. I had no idea about the AU$1000 threshold for GST - luckily it doesn't affect me at the moment, but it's good to know for future reference when I can afford to cover my walls with Albions (one day...) On a side note - does anyone know if Shumi Swords ( www.shumiswords.com) is still a viable option? Their European sword section is completely out of stock and doesn't list any prices. |
|
|
|
Post by Jardin1918 on Oct 4, 2014 23:58:11 GMT
Sorry, also forgot to say: I'm just looking to get a couple of basic, entry-level training blunts. Probably going to go with the Tinker Bastard or Longsword.
As for the customs issues, I'm 32 & have no criminal record, so I guess it shouldn't be too much of a hassle (knock on wood).
|
|
|
|
Post by Darius359au on Oct 5, 2014 2:02:03 GMT
Ive bought from these two Australian sites over the last few months esford is mainly deepeeka though ,bought a "sharp" Viking which I'm still working to put an edge on  www.esford.com/index.htm#Lawrence Ordinance has Windlass and Hanwei ,bought the Hanwei short bearded axe from them. www.lawranceordnance.com/index.php |
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Oct 5, 2014 2:29:07 GMT
Expect postage by USPS (US postal service) to cost about $80 au, anything over 42 inches will not be carried by USPS, other carriers are more expensive - KOA are good and will check your purchase before sending if you ask.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Oct 5, 2014 4:27:09 GMT
Hi Jardin,
I'm down in Canberra and no longer a dealer but I can maybe help you ship stuff over and sometimes get a better price too. Also consider putting a wanted message on here as some of us Aussies might have spare's, I have a few if you want to have a look send me a message.
Cheers!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jardin1918 on Oct 5, 2014 17:29:05 GMT
Thanks guys. I checked out Esford & the Lawrance Ordnance sites, but couldn't find anything I was after (at least, nothing in stock). The 42" rule kind of screws me over a bit, as I'm looking for a longsword - almost none of these are under 42". The Tinker Bastard is 42", so they might be able to squeeze it in. I'm currently asking KoA for a quote on the shipping.
Stromlo_Swords_USA - Cheers, I'd be interested to see what you've got kicking around. I'll send you a message.
|
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Oct 6, 2014 3:46:20 GMT
Ps. Rob's a great guy  |
|
Scott
Member
Posts: 1,680
|
Post by Scott on Oct 6, 2014 4:58:19 GMT
Going through a reshipping service can get around the 42" problem, may not be cheap still but cheaper than the alternative.
Have you looked at any sites in the UK or Europe? The sword will cost more, even after removing VAT, but postage should be cheaper and depending on what the exchange rate is doing it might be a better option.
|
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Oct 6, 2014 6:20:35 GMT
In addition check with other Aussies to see if anyone else is is about to buy something from the same vendor, combining shipping can reduce the overall costs.  |
|
|
|
Post by Jardin1918 on Oct 7, 2014 13:38:36 GMT
I checked a few in the UK, but not Europe. The main UK one I looked at was theknightshop.co.uk, but it turned out to not much cheaper than ordering locally after the currency conversion (for the stuff I looked at, at least).
The combined shipping sounds like a good idea. Does the forum already have some kind thread dedicated to this?
|
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Oct 7, 2014 14:06:18 GMT
Not really a thread as such but putting a potential purchase in the Cafe - like this one viewtopic.php?f=17&t=22894will sometimes bring results. |
|
|
|
Post by shaggybear32 on Oct 9, 2014 6:18:01 GMT
what counts as a normal sword?
|
|
|
|
Post by pokey on Oct 9, 2014 8:20:00 GMT
over 40cm i think is the safety zone
no sword canes, or other hidden blades
it has to be hard to conceal in other words
|
|
|
|
Post by Jommy on Jun 22, 2015 9:58:50 GMT
Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy my first sword, but unsure as to which option is best - buy from a domestic vendor (GlobalGear/Warsword) or try an overseas one, such as KultOfAthena. I understand that I may be liable for paying GST on the import, but even with that and the postage costs, it still seems to be significantly cheaper than buying locally. Has anyone in here in Australia bought a sword from an international seller recently? If so, were there any complications, hidden costs, difficulties with customs, etc.? How did it compare to buying one locally? Thanks in advance. |
|
|
|
Post by Jommy on Jun 22, 2015 10:04:02 GMT
Hey guys, Im wanting to buy a sword to start a collection in historical accurate swords in Brisbane, I have heard of warsword and esford for they have shops here where I can look and feel the sword I want. I was wondering if anyone out there can give me advice on who has better quality for price and if there are any others stores I don't no about. Thanks
|
|
Scott
Member
Posts: 1,680
|
Post by Scott on Jun 22, 2015 13:56:10 GMT
What time period or culture are you looking at?
If historical accuracy is what you're after I'd suggest starting by buying some books to get a good idea of what you should be looking for. As far as the shops you mention go, I'm not sure what warsword stocks, but esford sells deepeeka. Their Roman swords are supposed to be all right, but their medieval swords aren't great.
|
|
|
|
Post by johnwalter on Jun 22, 2015 14:19:31 GMT
I just sold and shipped a sword to one of Hans Fricke senseis students in Sydney.I have no idea what charges he had to pay,but I could ask.
|
|
