As we are permanent residence and do not travel to the US, we often import goods. We have developed a 100% legal and insured way to import most goods
like: Auto parts, fishing gear, computers, electronics, tools, books, DVD's, etc.
We can do this for 20% to 50% over the US cost. This includes the 16% import tax, insurance, postage and handling, and is delivered to local Estafeta
Office.
The main variable is the delivery cost as heavy or large volume items obviously cost more.
Not every item someone may want is 16% import tax, but most are...clothes and shoes for example can carry taxes up to 533% and books on the other hand
are free.
As some may know my husband is a cabinetmaker and needs tools regularly. He is appalled by the cost of tools here in Loreto, some cost 2-3 times there
US cost. We now import all tools.
Another example: We needed a new laptop computer, we ordered it through Amazon for $419. Delivered here to the Loreto Estafeta office cost an
additional $108, which equates to about 26%.
Anyway we are looking into the possibility of making this into a small business and would like your help to determine if there is a need.
Thanks to all!
[Edited on 6-25-2011 by Mariz]oladulce - 6-25-2011 at 08:45 AM
We've only been here full time for 1.5 yrs, but I can think of at least 3 times where we really needed something from the US and would have
paid just about anything to have it delivered (or considered flying up to get it).
Some things can wait til our next trip North or small items can be sent to a neighbor who comes and goes frequently so It's hard to say how often I'd
use your services. I'd have to factor in the cost of fuel to drive to Loreto to pick up an item (unless something can be delivered to an office in
Constitucion, if there is one).
If you could help me figure out how to get our US mail down here from our forwarding service when we need our new vehicle registrations tags, new
bank cards, etc I'd pay for that service.willyAirstream - 6-25-2011 at 09:06 AM
Quote:
If you could help me figure out how to get our US mail down here from our forwarding service when we need our new vehicle registrations tags, new bank
cards, etc I'd pay for that service.
me too.BajaBlanca - 6-25-2011 at 09:08 AM
me three.Mariz - 6-25-2011 at 09:34 AM
We absolutely can provide mail delivery service to your local Estafeta office once a month or more often depending on your needs.
All imported items including mail could be delivered to your local or closest Estafeta office also.
It is also great for magazine subscriptions...there is no import tax on personal mail, just the postage and handling. I will get the exact cost, but
it should be less than $30 per month for your US mail, magazines, catalogs, etc.
There is an additional fee if it goes over a certain weight per month. I have the info, I'll dig it up and post it ASAP
Thanks so much for the input!oladulce - 6-25-2011 at 11:18 AM
Good to know Mariz. As far as mail, for me a monthly account wouldn't be necessary but 2 or 3 times per year I can't wait for the next neighbor
driving down to bring my mail.
What's the largest item you have had shipped down using this method so far? Similar to UPS delivery limits or smaller?
Hope this works out for you because it could be very handy. We'll be under construction for at least a year and I'm sure things will pop up during
that time that we forgot to get, can find cheaper with more choices from the US, or would just prefer to have US quality.JESSE - 6-25-2011 at 11:27 AM
The Tax in Baja is 11%Mariz - 6-25-2011 at 11:34 AM
The largest item we have done so far is about 75lbs. I'll find out if there is an air freight limit.
We also have connections with a ground freight hauler out of San Diego that can import and deliver almost anything. We can do this very economically
also.
We hope there is enough interest also...we know there is a need, we need to see if it is enough to justify opening an official Mexican business.
Thanks againMariz - 6-25-2011 at 11:39 AM
JESSE,
I'm not sure but you may be confusing 11% IVA, for the 16% Aduana (import Tax)toneart - 6-25-2011 at 11:44 AM
I too would be interested. Let us know when you are set up and how it would work; frequency, mail vs larger items, costs, etc.
What is an "Estafeta Office"? I have never heard that word, but I have never received mail or imported anything other than what I have brought down in
my vehicle.
Would Mulege be on your route?Mariz - 6-25-2011 at 12:03 PM
Estafeta is the Fedex or DHL of Mexico.
Mulege should not be a problem.
Thanks for the interest.Bob and Susan - 6-25-2011 at 01:26 PM
mulege does not have a fedex or dhl officemonoloco - 6-25-2011 at 01:34 PM
As far as I know, any of the logistics companies offer this same service, I know that the one I use, ACV will deliver small packages from the states
very reasonably in a matter of a few days, I have used them for everything from small parts to loads of lumber. How is this service any different from
the other logistics companies operating down here?Mariz - 6-25-2011 at 02:08 PM
I wasn't very clear...Estafeta is LIKE, Fedex or DHL. There is an Estafeda office in Mulege.
The short answer as to differences is, I don't know. I don't know what service you are using or how the work. If you care to explain that would be
great. We are investigating the potential needs and then if there is enough interest we will finalize the plan and present it. That's what this thread
is all about.
Even if there are others out there, they are not marketing very well as far I can tell and as my husband says "one reason things are so expensive here
is lack of competition". Hopefully we will be able to do it better and cheaper and offer an alternative.
Thanks Againmonoloco - 6-25-2011 at 02:42 PM
Most of the logistics companies have an office in San Diego or Chula Vista, you have your package sent to them and they deliver it to you in Mexico,
you can call them a head of time and they will give you a quote. It's really very simple. I use ACV Logistics, but there must be at least a dozen that
operate in Baja and Baja Sur.ncampion - 6-25-2011 at 05:16 PM
It would be great to have items purchased on eBay or other online service shipped directly to Loreto. I need my eBay fix........Bob and Susan - 6-25-2011 at 06:12 PM
i think you need to spend some time at the border
freight forwarders are everywhere
they accept things in the usa
pay the import
accept them in mexico
and ship to your city
this business is in place
what is needed is a service that takes mail across the border and delivers it to each city...legally
up and down baja in a timely manner
this has been tried in the past and failedMariz - 6-25-2011 at 06:33 PM
Did you just advise us to spend time at the border...don't you like us!
Thanks for the advice. We are giving it a serious look. If we can't do it better we won't do it.
Also, all our packages are air freighted and all have arrived undamaged through Estafeta...I'd hate to have to argue with some truck driver over a
damaged item, or worse not accept it. We are able to inspect all boxes and refuse anything damaged inside their office.
I'll update you on the mail issue this week, I need to gather a little more info.
Thanks to all for the advice and keep it coming!BajaBlanca - 6-25-2011 at 06:40 PM
I think this could be fantastic ... We would not be using it regularly but 2 or 3 times a year, but if it really works and is not too expensive, I am
SURE we would use it more and more, and for other stuff besides the mail.
ebay ebay ebay for sure !!!!oladulce - 6-26-2011 at 10:54 AM
We're 85 miles to the nearest junction with Hwy #1 and 110 miles to the nearest big town, Constitucion. We had a shipping quandary just this week.
We have to switch to Hughes Net and ordered a new system from a dealer in Todos Santos. He arranged the shipping and importation from the US, but
there was no way for us to coordinate to receive the package off the truck as it passes by us on it's way to Cabo. Heck, we're willing to drive out to
the highway and stand there with a sign if that's what it took but there was no way to know when the truck would be passing through. So the dealer
worked it out so the truck will make a stop in Todos Santos and he'll a put the system on the bus and send it back a couple hundred miles North to
Constitucion where we'll pick it up at BajaPack. We'll see how it works out.
Prior to moving down we obtained a few estimates from shipping companies and ACV was one of them. To move our belongings they would ship it all in a
big truck , again bound for Cabo, and then transfer the load to a smaller truck and bring it 360 miles back North- retracing the route the truck had
just taken. Of course this added greatly to the expense and we opted to move the stuff ourselves.
These are my only Baja Shipping experiences so far and maybe there are freight companies that would deliver directly to us now that more of the road
is paved.
For smaller items especially, we wouldn't need the expense of door to door delivery. It would be easy to drive in to Insurgentes/Constitucion when a
package arrives but we currently don't have anywhere in town that could receive something if we arranged the trucking ourselves which is why Mariz's
idea is intriguing since there is an Estafeta office in Cd. C.
In a couple of months we'll have to start working on how we'll get 28 windows, a couple sliders and a couple of pre-hung entry doors from So Cal to
here. Do we transport ourselves and learn how to work with an import broker or would having the load imported and shipped directly to us be cost
feasible? Do we even want to have something like windows delivered on a truck ? It's all new to me.
How about presription meds, too?
bajadave1 - 6-26-2011 at 11:41 AM
We used to use MBE, but they quit doing meds. That would be very good for us and probably many others as well. We live in Los Barriles, BCS.
DaveMariz - 7-19-2011 at 06:41 AM
I wanted to give you all an update.
We will be offering mail service very soon!
We have been working out the details and still have some paperwork to finish, but it won't take much longer.
I think anyone needing their US mail forwarded here to Baja will be very happy with the new service and the price we will be able to offer it for.
We will be handling packages as well.
Bajadave1, unfortunately medications and cosmetics require special permits that we do not have available at this time (and we may never) but we are
looking into it and will stay on it.
I believe we will be up and ready next month, so watch for the announcement.
We are still looking for comments and suggestions.
Thanks
Marimcfez - 7-19-2011 at 11:20 AM
Okay...here's a new one to me........ I must ask.
Why are cosmetics to require special permits? Are are talking lipstick and blush...and such?Mulegena - 7-19-2011 at 11:46 AM
Mexican Aduana -- an anecdote:
acquaintance with a legal Mexican business license imported business-related items including books and first-aid kits. After 3 weeks and many phone
calls, the shipment was located in Guadalajara. A week and many phone calls later it was determined all was held up because the first-aid kits
contained a few tiny little packets of isopropyl alcohol, completely sealed mind you. Apparently, this derailed the whole lot. It took a month of
negotiations for them to agree to discard the questionable items and send the rest!!
I think this new mail/package service will be a great, great help down here, and I'm looking forward to using it regularly. Thanks.Mariz - 7-19-2011 at 01:09 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Okay...here's a new one to me........ I must ask.
Why are cosmetics to require special permits? Are are talking lipstick and blush...and such?
Mexican Customs require a permit from the Health Department in order to import this types of articles. The company that we work with does not have it
and does not plan to get it. We are looking into other options.Bob and Susan - 7-19-2011 at 03:06 PM
you do relize...
every package the Mexican Aduana is supposed to open
let's say an ebay item is shipped
what are your plans to pay the customs fee
when it crosses
will you take it back
pay the fee in advance for the customer
how would you collect if the tax is higher
than the customer wants to pay
risky business
you won't know the contents
aren't you worried what people are shipping
the BEST way to ship drugs in the USA is by USPS
did you know that
drugs are shipped EVERYDAY
the post office cant open 1st class mail
unless they have a search warrant
(there are exceptions for lower class mail)
Mexican Aduana is supposed to open it all too
"just in case"
what are your plans if the worst happens
again risky businessMariz - 7-19-2011 at 04:40 PM
Yes, every package is inspected by the company we work with and reported to the Aduanas office.
We will check into USED items.
As far as new items go...each item needs to be accompanied by some sort of receipt. (some of our ordered items are missing a receipt or paperwork and
we are notified and just provide the online order form or webpage, we never had a real problem with this) We can provide an estimated import tax and
shipping before you purchase. If you proceed with the purchase, and once it is received at your mail address (assigned by us) in the US, it will be
processed and we will notify you of the actual cost so that you can pay for the shipping and taxes. If you are unhappy with the tax or shipping cost
you may have it returned to place of purchase or sent to a friend in the US, for a nominal fee.
Soon we will post or send everyone interested a list of permitted items and Aduanas tax rates.
As far as what is sent to someone, it is inspected in the US and any issues will be the problem of the sender or recipient. My advise to anyone
interested in importing drugs would be "Just say no!"
The entire system is run by professional companies and must meet all legal requirements...there is no "cheating" or "hiding" things. This is 100%
above board. It is safe, secure and reliable. We have been using this service for more than 3 years for mail and packages, including computers, tools,
DVD and many other items and thus far not a single issue other than one time we ordered several pairs of $5 sandals for the girls. The tax, because
they were made in China, was an unbelievable 533%. We were notified, refused the importation and had them sent to a friend in the US for a small fee.
It's all new to me.