Buying a vape kit internationally

[Trono]

hi there guys, I'm new on here and didn't really know where else I could post this question.

I'm currently trying to get my first vape kit and found something that I wanna get from either vapordna or elementalvape.

Just got to reading their international shipping policies and it said they wont take responsibility for it being confiscated from your countries customs and so on and so on.

My main question here is if I do get it from these sites, due to lockdown, will it be seized or will I get it delivered to me safely (note: the items only include the actual kit...mod, tank, coils...no batteries that can be sourced locally.)

Also looking for advice on the procedure to get here safely and reliably, via things like myUs or just get it shipped directly from their sites, etc.

Thanks.

 

[Rob Fisher]

@Trono I get a shipment from overseas a couple of times a month... never have a problem unless I try to undervalue items... sometimes it gets through fine but other times they ask for invoices etc and they will fine you. VaporDNA always put the correct value so you should be fine! Just remember you pay Vat and documentation when it arrives! Use DHL. Forget trying normal post as it will take forever!

 

[M.Adhir]

Use DHL - postal service is a nightmare and that was before lockdown already. If you go DHL you will generally have your parcel in hand with a week or so.
Postal service via registered mail you're looking at 8 weeks minimum. There are also bottlenecks at JIMC which is where your parcel ends up when it arrives in the country - it then goes to customs clearing, back to JIMC, then gets dispatched.
Depending on what postal route you go- sometimes you get the parcel in hand and sometimes you get a slip to go collect from your nearest post office (assuming they get that right as well - we've had parcels go to wrong provinces before).

I've never has a parcel via DHL seized before but have been asked for invoices etc as proof before they finalize duties.
Work on exchange rate plus say R1 per dollar extra when working out ballpark price before checkout.
Budget 20% of your purchase price in the event you get asked to pay duties/ customs - this % varies but 20% is a safe assumption - my last 2 parcels were around 19%
Budget another R100 or so for documentation fees if you have to pay customs via DHL.

VaporDNA doesnt offer free shipping to SA anymore via DHL (used to be offered for purchases over $200 a while back).
Expect shipping via DHL to cost between $50 and $80, depending on your parcel size/ weight etc.

Simple answer- that kit should really be something you want, as its likely going cost you at least R1000 in DHL shipping/ duties/ etc over and above purchase cost.

 

[RayDeny]

I third the two above, DHL for the win. Declare the correct value and item and you will be sweet. I’ve received a couple of International vape mails during lockdown with zero issue. If the vender dose not give DHL as a option, use MyUS if in the states or forward2me if from the UK.

 

[LeislB]

Are the items not available locally?

 

[blujeenz]

Are the items not available locally?

@Trono
I'd also like to know what the 1st vape kit is that needs to be imported, just nosy.

 

[Aasif cape vape]

Are the items not available locally?

Also wondering about this.

@Trono are you set on getting that specific kit or are you under the impression that you’re not allowed to buy vape items in SA due to the lockdown?

If it’s the latter then I’ll be the bearer of good news, you are allowed to buy vape kits during lockdown (you’re buying it for medicinal CBD usage )

 

[Trono]

Thanks for the advice, looks like DHL for the win here .

@Aasif cape vape @blujeenz, For you guys that wanna know which kit I'm looking at, its the smoant naboo starter kit. I didnt really find it anywhere locally.

 

[LeislB]

https://vaping-mad.co.za/product/open-item-smoant-naboo~id.302

Mod available, but not the full kit

 

[incredible_hullk]

Dhl for the win... if you value your sanity don’t ever use fedex

FedEx is sapo all dressed up ... they are useless

don’t answer their phones , emails

I have a package cleared a week ago and they can’t get me an invoice