Starting out on eBay but in NZ

This is my second posted topic which is basically about the same thing but I need help please! Is there anyone out there who can walk me through how to set up dropshipping etc. I am an ebay member but have only recently really got back into it and am trying to build up feedback however i am finding it hard as i am in new zealand. i have not sold anything on ebay yet just buying. any advice would be greatful especially from anyone in NZ who have been successful. cheers :P

Hi, I am also new to this. New Zealand is a fantastic place to live, I wouldnt live anywhere else. I have been looking at this site and what it has to offer to us for weeks now, my goodness what an eye opener. I dont have an ebay account but I am wanting to sell stuff on TM, same thing but on a much smaller scale. I am looking forward to making my millions (lol) there is sooooo much out there I dont know where to start.

Hey,
I am also a NZ based importer, and, like you guys am just starting out. I would recommend starting on something small like trademe.
Trademe is a small, but very concentrated market, it is an excellent stepping stone for first time importers.
I have to agree that Salehoo is an absolute godsent. I cannot believe there is so much money to be made from importing.

Although I don't have a huge amount of experience, I recomend starting small, perhaps with accessories, then building.
There are alot of sites that offer great bargains, but as far as accessories go, China is the best place to import from.

The shipping isn't the cheapest in the world, but the bargains more than make up for it.

I think I may have struck on something pretty good right now (forgive me if I don't tell you what it is), and my only advice would be to start small.

Dropshipping works well if the customer is prepared to wait a little while. The other down side is that you cannot inspect the product before it reaches the seller. If by chance it is broken, then you may find some unhappy customers.

Hope to keep in touch with all the New Zealand importers.

Snow in Wanaka is awesome right now!

Cheers,
Tom

Hey there...we should have our own little kiwi korner !LOL! I'm in the same boat and agree with tomaingeroy, start small to be on the safe side and look, search, constantly...find a product you think will do well research some more....happy....go for it! we all make mistakes, i have, i've only been buying off e-bay in the US some sell an some collect dust! play with your pricing an your wording and most importantly have fun with it,
P.S it may be to early in the piece to say but i have found cheaper products on e-bay as opposed to these wholesale suppliers...what about you guy's?

A kiwi corner would be great. I am pretty lame at starting things up, but would happily contribute to any posts placed.
I havn't really looked at Ebay all that much. The suppliers on Salehoo have been pretty good so far.
I will have a look tonight and get back to you all about it.

Cheers and hope to see a Kiwi corner soon.

Tom

Yeah i dont think i should really be talking to much regarding e-bay but its a struggle to find specifics through hear allso a lot of stuff i'm interested you gotta buy by the truck load.....any one out there found a good supplier an good asortment of goods that they have shipped to N.Z? be real interesting to hear other stories...every one must know the thing about keeping your overseas orders under $400 NZD aye? keep in touch people :)

Hi again sorry if this seems lame but whats up with keepin orders under 400?is this for customs? ive never ordered anything that big just because im not sure aout business numbers etc and what we can and cant do

I was told by someone to keep all orders under $400 inc shipping etc and they 'bypass' customs NZ so being a bit scepitical i checked it out with customs NZ an they reckon NO they will still get it??? so 2 differing opinions! but i will tell you this i have had approx 12-15 different orders from the states come in the last 2 months with total values of anywhere between $200-$380 NZD all soughts of parcel sizes, all sorts of weights and each an every one has came straight to my door....no worrys regarding excise tax...G.S.T etc .Anything over that i'm guessing gets checked out by customs an you gotta pay all the extras?

Cool. thanks for that bit of info. I have had small parcels sent and they have also bypassed customs aswell but never tried anything bigger. when i say small, i mean like $200 less. Ive also had a reasonable sized box aswell sent straight to my door. soo yeah. cheers

Hey,
I emailed customs, and they reckon anything under NZ$1000 gets in with nothing to pay except GST (12.5%).
But then you guys say that you have never paid anything (orders - NZ $300).

I am bringing in some goods that total (incl. shipping) costs NZ $130.00.

Do you think I will be fine?

Cheers,
Tom

Hi there Tom
I think you should be all good. Ive got this thing in my head that its when the size of the item is big that customs may take interest in it. Its its small and looks like a personal parcel, then they may be alright. I also think that it depends on whether or not the person posting the item has cleared it as a gift or as a resale type thing. the parcels i had posted from the states had a clearance sticker on it and ticked as a gift. just my thoughts anyways, but i think you would be alright.
let us know!

Hi guys i've had parcels upto $380NZD... some upto 5kg...an a couple in boxes about 1mtr square with out any problems just straight to our door so i would be curious to hear if any ones parcells were 'intercepted' by customs and why especially if they were under $400 NZD...any other usefull bits of info out there specifically for us Kiwis getting stuff sent to NZ????...cheer's

Suprised that goods are getting straight to the door. As I understand it some items are duty free (still have to pay GST). It is based on the value of the goods and nothing to do with weight or quantity, as might have been expected.

Does anyone know the benefit of becoming GST registered apart from the fact that you can later claim this component back?

Thanks.

toffee.

That was me, sorry. Forgot to login!

Evening guy's....i'm G.S.T registered and at this stage i'm not claiming or adding G.S.T to any thing i sell which is fine because at this stage i am well under the 'threshhold' as far as earning from Trade Me/Zillion etc. Apart from claiming back your G.S.T on item's sold i dont think there would be much more else you could claim...not sure maybe postage, travel, customs charges etc....one thing i have found is being G.S.T registered you obviously have to have a registered business which quite a few companys i have dealt with insist on...makes it easier to get wholesale access etc

One more thing where do i go to put a picture up next to my name like toffee's???

Hey! Just letting you guys know, that my shipment arrived from DHgate, and it came straight to my door. Didn't pay a cent.
However, this may be due to the $5 USD declared value that the seller put on the invoice, a little cheeky, but it may have saved me from paying extra, so thanks to him.

Cheers,
Tom

Good stuff mate...cheeky???? i dont think so, i find that 9 times outta 10 most people i deal with suggest to me or just send at a lower value with out me sayin a word so yeah its all good...i dont ask them to but i do let them know how 'gratefull' i am! see no evil hear no evil LOL

Abe123,
Absolutely, when I get the chance, I will thank the trader.

Cheers,
Tom

One more thing where do i go to put a picture up next to my name like toffee's???

Hi,
After logging in go to 'Profile' and towards the bottom of the screen you will see the Avatar Control Panel. Just 'browse' your machine for the photo you want to upload and don't forget to hit 'submit'.

Any problems, please let me know by PM or on the board.

Kind Rgds.

toffee.

Hey guys, Sorry i havent been around,

As for the customs things its pure luck that you have had some parcels come through without being charged.

I use to get 1-2 parcels a week and they do note down how many you recieved to which address and they will pick up on this then you will be charged with taxes and stuff.... just something to be aware of.

It doesnt matter the size and price of the parcel its all very random with the way they do these things at the moment, Ive had some parcels come through at 500NZD and not been charged and had some come through at 50NZD and been charged.

Just something to keep in mind at the moment.

Nic

Nic,

Thanks for that, it is good to know for future reference. Perhaps I should start getting things sent to friends?

Cheers,
Tom

Good thinking! THats pretty stink huh but i suppose customs knows all the tricks!
THanks OTNIC and congrats for winnng the mp3 player you clever person you!!

Yeah i suppose they would have to keep an eye on them in some way, but so far so good i've had 12 in the last 1.5 months from only 3 difffering suppliers with out any problems...so far..lucky package number 13 is due any day now so we shall see what happens!! any kiwis here sell on Trade Me? any tips n' tricks... my user name there is the same as here not for self promo just lookin for helpfull advice....i'm off to get a pic for my name...later
let us know your T/M zillion user names if yall like

my user name on trademe and zillion are the same as well. no tips to give, in fact, i have to find another item to sell. I was considering both what you have the bling bling and the zippos. will still be looking at those too. looks like your doing well. what are your profit margins like???
in all honesty, the small things ive sold, ie jewelry and playboy blings and watches are the only things that ive profited from. the cloting , at a loss. any tips for me too!!!

Hi im from NZ also and am trying to make an extra few bucks. I have not imported anything as such yet but have been buying and selling on Trademe for a while. mcpd is my username and if you want a decent second hand or new ipod then look me up and you will probably find one. I am looking to broaden my horizons and import something from overseas. Could someone suggest any good selling things?

Cheers

Hi P
Welcome to our 'kiwi' forum. youve come to the right place to help you with what you want to do. check out the sites that salehoo has given. Also, for us kiwis, check out dhgate and also Link hidden: Login to view. Ive been buying from here a lately. I make a night each month to buy a couple of items for awesome prices! (i do this to combine the shipping)
SOme handy little tips
Find out what your looking at importing and check the market where you will be selling the items to make sure that it will be profitable for you.
Remember when importing, take into consideration the shipping costs as its really high and can almost not be worth importing. also check out ebay wholesalers aswell. Ebay has just changed their shipping cost rules so the costs now have to be legite rather then the high, unbelievable costs they had.
As youve probably read throughout this forum, join up with paypal. safe and i reckon the only way kiwis should pay internationally.
remember the customs info that yourve read throughout this forum.
of course you already knew this P but just thought i might throw this out cause i havent visited for a while!

Good luck!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hi thanks for that tumtum1. I have been looking on ebay to get some things wholesale as they can sometimes be very cheap. But instead of buying from overseas (as i am still not really comfortabel with(nearly been scammed too many times)) i know that there is a ebay new zealand website but i do not know how to limit the search to just NZ sellers. Could someone please help me out here.

Thanks guys

Hi P an others, have'nt really had a good chance to look around e-bay NZ but i definately love e-bay US i've actually found thing's cheaper in the long run than allot of wholesalers...mind you that's only for the item's i'm selling i'm sure it would'nt work for everything.I personally at this stage wont bring in any more bling i just seem to have problems with it...it allway's get's bought but i allway's have trouble getting payment, not on zippo's or anything just Bing for some strange reason!!!! Allot of what i sell would be better suited to the market type scene say in south Auckland an that could be my next avenue.One small bit of info regarding trade me etc that i've learnt in the last little while....IT'S A GAMBLE! one week i could sell a specific zippo at for example a buy now of $60 an then the same lighter at $30 S=R will sit there for weeks! WEIRD allso advertise the best you can i even write my user name etc on the dust on the back of my car! and it's worked at least twice that i know of, it stir's peoples curiousity an they gotta know what your selling....oh yeah an the dust is free

Hi guys

Wow, I didn't know there were some many New Zealanders on here! I'm also in NZ. I sell on TradeMe as well, and I've been having a bit of luck lately so it all seems to be working out.

I joined Link hidden: Login to view because they have helpful advice specifically targeted for TradeMe, as well as a few New Zealand wholesalers.

I too have found that sometimes Ebay is cheaper than buying through wholesalers, depending on what you're looking for.

I've found the most success so far in finding products that are rare - so many of the items on TradeMe like cellphones and stuff are such a saturated market. Becase New Zealand is so small, it's not too hard to find stuff that is popular overseas but we don't have here. It can be a bit of a gamble guessing what's going to be popular here as well, but that's my strategy. (No specifics of course :) )

I'm pretty new to this whole thing, so any tips are welcome, but go NZ! We rock! :)

Also, I was wondering.. a few of you say that you use zillion?

Do you have much success there? I've stuck to TradeMe because it's where I go.. but I have though about trying zillion.

Any comments?

Hi There

Was jaust woundering if anyone could tell me where to buy cheap dvd's and ps2 games etc that can be sold in nz with that veiwing classification sticker thing on them.

thanks for any help offered

drena

Using places like trademe, zillion and buyme are all good but im finding there are so many items of the same thing and its too compeditive in a way. The easiest way ive found is word of mouth and setting up a website.

My business is currently on hold but im being asked almost on a daily basis as to when i will get new stuff in. People like to support who they know more than just random people.

Keep that in mind :)

im from new zealand but have been in the states for a year.wish i was still there and know what i know now id make a killing on trade me and zillion.good to see some kiwis.

One of my best wholesalers was found through Ebay, asking questions on auctions.

I ask one of the sellers who I thought looked reliable, and had cheap items if he did wholesale and he said Yes.

He is now my #1 USA wholesaler and I use him for tonnes of stuff, a really trusted associate, his company are always looking for ways to keep the costs down and profits up!

Something to think about, ask the sellers questions!

Cheers,
Tom

hi tumtum1

How much are the custom fees to bring into nz, is it really high, i wanna get a watch, ive been looking at bidz.com cheers.

Auhyzal,

Customs is a funny one. I have brought in several packages and have never been charged customs duties. However, my friend brought in a box of second hand clothes from America and got charged almost as much as the cost of the clothes themselves. He had never brought in anything else before.

I think it is purely luck of the draw. Obviously if you bring in a package a week and it is very large customs will get onto you pretty quick and start to charge, but otherwise just do it in small quantities if you can (something that seems to go against the whole idea of wholesaling).

Also it might be worth getting packages sent to other members of your family or friends just in case.

Cheers,
Tom

Guys,

Just another tip for those who are wary of customs charges. We (importers) are allowed to import goods from China for absolutely NOTHING!

New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, so we get charged no fees for importing or exporting products to or from China (other than freight costs obviously).

For a more detailed look at what the customs charges are,go to Link hidden: Login to view link. If you just ask your supplier to write 'Gift', or 'personal use' on the box, then most items will get in without being charged a thing. Just a handy tip.

Note the above page is for personal importers. Those who are importing huge amounts of items should look at the Commercial importers page.

Cheers and hope it helps.

Tom

Hi everyone 8)
I joined salehoo & wholesalehub for the wicked information & advise, and to hopefully track down good wholesalers, haven't used one off this site yet, but am very much studying them all & doing background checks e.t.c.
I recently did my first big direct import (from Aussie of all places :lol: but Kiwi's own the company :wink: ), and found the experience absolutly fast & smooth with no probs. I got hammered with custom fee & GST charges on entry tho, but thats as expected.
Next mission is importing grillz & bling from USA direct, :P under $400 :P I too was told customs will usually let it pass thru if under this threshold...yeh right tee o, we'll see if Helen's crew waiver fees!.
Most of the products I sell online are imported, I have used commercial importers or local suppliers who import, I found most wholesale NZ Made products quite disappointing, either not very good quality or damm expensive (almost retail prices), but alas haven't given up, I'm always on the lookout for NZ Made products.
I also shop on Trademe & have found my bling supplier on there, took advise from another poster & just by simply asking if they wholesale, have found a few good NZ suppliers this way.

Digging up an old thread... I did lots of research and finally found a great supplier. My first carton weighed 9kg and came straight to the door. My second parcel is real small and Im still waiting for it to be delivered as its been delayed at customs (boohoo).

I rang DHL up and they say its because there was paperwork missing and that it will be delivered soon. I contacted the supplier and they said they ALWAYS put the relevant documents (invoices) etc on it. The items arent illegal btw incase youre wondering. So I dont know whats gonna happen, am really hoping I dont get charged but if I do oh well. But man, I wish I could import lots of items without delays like you all have.

Selling these items on trademe and Im doing really well (considering 6 months later and selling lots of products for the first time lol)

Hows all your businesses going?

Hi all.. i am so happy to see some kiwi on this forum and i am new to this.. i have problem looking for jobs after massey becos of my eye sight is very bad. almost cant see.. but however i haven't give up yet and think i can do some trading and earn extra dollars by buy low and sell high in different market.

however i am a chinese.. yes NZ citizen since 1989. i luv NZ . yeah. and i know AB will win da rugby world cup this year lol

anyway i am going back to china for a visit of my hometown and cousin etc.. and i know i have some frens are working on the factory, well i have a cousin own a clothing factory producing jeans etc. well when i go back at the end of this year i will definitely talk about it with them and see if i can import them and eell it on trademe or zillion :)

keep in touch guys.. see u soon.

Oh great, a whole bunch of Kiwis!
I've been working my way through the maze of info and trying to sift out what works for NZers.The conditions are a bit different for us down here. Just started trading on ebay Aus. Its different from Trademe - more complicated, but a real buzz when you get people worldwide competing for your auction.I'm about to start listing with a dropshipper and its taken me a couple of months to get a grip on ebay selling. Being patient and methodical is the hardest for me.

HI everyone,
im from nz too. these are my first few days as a member of salehoo and i am just biting at the bit to get my little business venture up and running. i am wanting to import fabulous maternity wear to nz and sell it through trademe, and eventually, through my own website.
scary stuff. i know nothing about it all and am just gearing to do a few months of research and all that. i am wanting to import from US but the whole process os so scary. Does anyone know how much i am looking at to have stuff delivered here from the states?
any way. if anyone knows of any wholesalers or manufacturers that you think i would be interested in then please pass it on.
good to see so many on here.
x
vanessa

HI everyone,
im from nz too. these are my first few days as a member of salehoo and i am just biting at the bit to get my little business venture up and running. i am wanting to import fabulous maternity wear to nz and sell it through trademe, and eventually, through my own website.
scary stuff. i know nothing about it all and am just gearing to do a few months of research and all that. i am wanting to import from US but the whole process os so scary. Does anyone know how much i am looking at to have stuff delivered here from the states?
any way. if anyone knows of any wholesalers or manufacturers that you think i would be interested in then please pass it on.
good to see so many on here.
x
vanessa

Hey vanessa.
if u plan to import from US to NZ or from oversea. u should have check the NZ custom site and see the stuff u import need to pay GST.. this is really gonna affect ur profit. here is the site for it. took me quite long to found it so here u go.

Link hidden: Login to view

secondly u should spend some time try to read from this forum. u might found the suppliers from the list on salehoo. but as well as from the forum here..
after u found a supplier. do some background checking or ask in this forum.. some nice member here will help ya find out if they are legit or not.
well i am a new member too so nice to meet u. need any help .. just ask i will try to help if i can.
see ya

Gee, thanks a lot.
ive decided to just slow right down and do all the research properly. i really want this whole thing to work so thanks for your advice, i can tell i will be needing a whole lot more in the weeks to come.
nice to meet you too.
vanessa :shock:

Hi All,

I'm from NZ Tooo!!!! what a small world! I've been a member of Salehoo for almost a few weeks, and I have found it great. Well worth the money, got me started in this importing business which I love.

I've also discovered with the customs BE CAREFUL not to let it go over $400. I had one shipment for $376 no problems, next one (i didn't know this then) was $413, ended up costing me an additional $180!!! it depends what you bring in. Check the customs website
Link hidden: Login to view
this will give you an idea of what costs more than just GST and admin costs.

Re: Trademe, I have been a long time seller/buyer. But I have found selling my goods to friends and people from work the sales have been double, the costs are alot cheaper. I think TM is abit of a rip off now.

Lets all stay in touch! if I can help any one out there please let me know!

Julz

Hi All,

I'm from NZ Tooo!!!! what a small world! I've been a member of Salehoo for almost a few weeks, and I have found it great. Well worth the money, got me started in this importing business which I love.

I've also discovered with the customs BE CAREFUL not to let it go over $400. I had one shipment for $376 no problems, next one (i didn't know this then) was $413, ended up costing me an additional $180!!! it depends what you bring in. Check the customs website
Link hidden: Login to view
this will give you an idea of what costs more than just GST and admin costs.

Re: Trademe, I have been a long time seller/buyer. But I have found selling my goods to friends and people from work the sales have been double, the costs are alot cheaper. I think TM is abit of a rip off now.

Lets all stay in touch! if I can help any one out there please let me know!

Julz

Hi

Sorry to bring a all thread up but im really new to this industry/scene and im from NZ aswell.
i was wondering whether when you buy things online do you guys pick it up from the post shop or do most wholesalers send it straight to your house? how do they charge custom fees do they tell u straight away or send you mail?

julz777: is that customs fee chart only for purchases over $400?

are Link hidden: Login to view and Link hidden: Login to view legiT?

Sorry for my IGNORANCE and thanks in advance guys!

Jay

Hi,
I thought I would be the only one from NZ but yaay! :P to see so many of us here. I have just signed in Salehoo and trying to figure out how it works. Please can anyone advice me as to how this works.
Do I have to sign up with a dropshipper for the products that I am interested in and upload them on my website?
Or do I need to buy them first and then sell them.

What is the difference between dropshippers and wholesalers?

Thanks in advance for your help. :D