Post: #1

Is anyone on this shit? Living in Colombia you could obviously make a killing importing a buncha digital cameras or whatnot and reselling them well under Colombian value, well over American value.

What're the chances of having a checked bag full of this shit searched though? I mean, usually the whole process of getting into the country occurs before you have collected your checked baggage, then when you get to that conveyer belt you're pretty much home free.

But it can't just be that easy...

Post: #2

(04-26-2011 07:31 PM)Sonsowey Wrote:  What're the chances of having a checked bag full of this shit searched though?

In countries where the goods are priced significantly higher than in neighborhood country I'd estimate the chance as quite high. I'd suspect Colombian customs to check the luggage routinely at least to combat the drug trade.

Quote:I mean, usually the whole process of getting into the country occurs before you have collected your checked baggage, then when you get to that conveyer belt you're pretty much home free.

Then you have to pass the customs. In Russia, for example, the customs routinely runs your luggage through the screening machine, so there is a chance.

However you're missing the more important consequences of smuggling - what kind of penalties you may face if they do search you and find a bag full of undeclared electronics. Don't assume that they'll just confiscate it, and let you go - there are typically penalties beyond that. In the best case you'll pay a fine (which may be quite large), leave the country and will not be able to come back in a year or so. There may be other consequences as well - for example you might be detained until the court hearing or until you pay the fine, and you may be denied entry to the country permanently.

Post: #3

You need to already have a buyer and a price negotiated prior to do this arbitrage. I use to run plasma from Cali to Philippines for a healthy profit. Might work for cell phones.

Post: #4

Sonsowey,

"But it can't just be that easy..."

It never is.

For instance, who are you going to sell them to?

How? On the street?

To a friend? How many is he going to buy? One?

Are you going to sell them to a small time electronics store? When you arrive, are they going to negotiate the hell out of you? Heist you?

Small time smuggling operations are high risk, low reward.

Manila -

"I use to run plasma from Cali to Philippines for a healthy profit. "

Cali, Colombia? or California?

Blood plasma? Or Plasma TV's?

Post: #5

gmanifesto,

As per topic, i meant plasma screen tvs. I had a friend working for best buy in California who had employee discount. The price in the Philippines for hot electronic items when I did this arbitrage two years ago was 40% more. New technologies are always more expensive there especially when distributors aren't set up yet; however, in time the prices equalize.

Another old arbitrage I knew from Philippines to California was cell phones, which was strongest before the dawn of the smart phones. Some filipinos still run this game. Droid most probably now.

Best practices include being friends with stewardesses and pilots to have a healthy flow of goods to target country.

Should work for Colombia.

Post: #6

If you set up a few regular contacts you could take some pre-orders before you come here, I could definitely be in the market for some electronics. Maybe if guys just post that they're heading to Colombia and anyone who is interested could contact them and work out a deal beforehand.

Post: #7

I am absolutely doing this. I've got a contact in Medellin right now who I'm pretty confident can set up the presale. If you can just hedge some sales against cost of the trip, I'd be happy just to come close to paying for a quarter of my expenses.

Post: #8

So I looked up a few sites and one of them says you can bring a value of up to 1500usd in personal effects and the rest is taxed at %15. Apparently they have "books" that show the various values. It even uses the example of if you were to bring a 2000usd computer you would have to pay 15% on 500usd.

That said this is assuming you get chosen to be searched which does seem unlikely oddswise.

Other things of note; With the various fees and taxes it seems that electronics are marked up from FOB at a rate between %80-%120. If you have what might be considered a high value item, I would venture to guess that minimum you would make and %80 profit. I'm thinking of bringing and Ipad, Iphone, and a Ipod (maybe 2) for the first time. 1500 x .8 = 1200 Not a bad deal just to go to Colombia.

Post: #9

So you are going to buy the items in the US then transport them to columbia where you will sell them to someone?

Post: #10

(04-30-2011 04:10 PM)kickboxer Wrote:  So you are going to buy the items in the US then transport them to columbia where you will sell them to someone?

yep thats the plan

Post: #11

Here´s a tip for you hustlers. I don´t know how it is in Colombia but in Brazil and other places the shifts are lighter in the mornings, so if you´re concerned about them doing bag checks, make sure your connecting flights and big city landings are before 10 am when they are unlikely to have the extra staff to scan baggage.

Post: #12

So one of the best things to re sell is womens clothing . There is good money in it because they dont get many of the trendy clothing from the US in Colombia and it is a great way to meet chicks as well. Just hit up all the spring and summer clearence sales in the US and you could pretty much double the price of the goods . Pack 1 big bag of clothing and your all set .

Post: #13

You should also consider the possibility of your electronics not being in your bag anymore by the time it's on the carousal. Don't know what the situation is like in SA, but in Africa and the Caribean you should never even consider packing anything valueable or easily converted into cash in your checked luggage. Theft by baggage handlers is endemic. Maybe you could consider a couple of the latest smartphones that have been recently released in the US, but aren't available in Colombia yet, and stick a few (without all the packaging) in your carry on luggage.

Post: #14

isn't it easier to ship them through fedex, ups, or some other service like that ?