The Energon Pub

Right now, you can order from a japanese online store and once you pay for shipping, your golden. It will go through customs but then get released and make its way to your door.

This isn't the case with Canada, the UK and a bunch of other places, but the US doesnt have a tax on imports, yay!

However, one of the main policies of Donald Trump in making America great again is to discourage people form importing and taxing those that do. So an easy thing to do would be that everything that goes through customs gets taxed a percentage of the declared value. So if you are buying a Unite Warriors toy for 100$, they could tax you 10-20% and you would end up paying 10-20$ more. And thats if they dont charge you for their time it took to issue that fee (which they do in canada, its a 10$ flat rate).

And if you think you are safe because you'd order from BBTS or another US company, that wont be the case because importers will be heavily taxed too and any tax will present increase inorder to force people to buy local.

Mas any american toy collector realized this? Would you be ok paying 10-20% more for your takara items?

let me know, I am super curious.

Won't happen in a Republican Administration who is hoping to emulate the Reagan Economics phenomena. Fyi, thanks to the "Gipper", he removed (simple version) Democrat imposed controls on "advertisements" aka cartoons aimed at fleecing kid's parent's cash to buy stuff like toys(1980).............one of the beneficiaries of this policy is a certain unknown (back then) brand of transforming toys that were repackage for the American market aka in 1984......Transformers!

Here's where the taxing the rich hits us hard. Hasbro, if you tax them too high (corporate taxes) will either, move to a country (example Ireland) with lower corporate taxes to save a buck (to maximize their profit margins). Here's where Obamacare (also a tax according to the SCOTUS) also factors in (okay, nothing political guys)too.

If you impose too much taxes on the "capitalist" (Hasbro), in order to maximize profits, will move elsewhere. In order to avoid too much taxes ( like Obamacare) will also start laying off workers because that is also an added expense for them.

The misnomer that when you tax the 1%, the little guy won't be affected. Because they will be! Why? Because the "1%" like Hasbro will in turn pass the added costs down to the consumer meaning.......US.

So, based on the voodoo economics (according to GW I) of the "Giper", get rid of the tax, leave more money in the pockets of the capitalist and consumer. More money in our pockets means we'll be spending more on consumer goods, for the capitalist, more money for R and D which leads to more products which we the consumer will keep on buying and the cycle never ends.

The government on the other hand must make sure loopholes for tax cheats be closed so they too can spend it on infrastructure and defense.

Since Hasbro toys are built in the exact same factories as Takara, they'd also be considered imports, thus would have their prices increased as well, just you wouldn't be paying it directly, but you'd instead see in an increased retail price to make up for Hasbro's additional costs when they pay the tax.

Further, while I don't really want to get into it, as man, wow, I really don't think this is the place for a political discussion, I'm not seeing why you think this is (only) a concern for Mr. Trump (or at least only named him). Bernie Sanders is and has in the past been openly against various free trade agreements that have helped keep import costs down. Hillary on the other had appears to have flip flopped all over the place on the issue.

Optimum Supreme wrote:Since Hasbro toys are built in the exact same factories as Takara, they'd also be considered imports, thus would have their prices increased as well, just you wouldn't be paying it directly, but you'd instead see in an increased retail price to make up for Hasbro's additional costs when they pay the tax.

Further, while I don't really want to get into it, as man, wow, I really don't think this is the place for a political discussion, I'm not seeing why you think this is (only) a concern for Mr. Trump (or at least only named him). Bernie Sanders is and has in the past been openly against various free trade agreements that have helped keep import costs down. Hillary on the other had appears to have flip flopped all over the place on the issue.

Trump is the more talked about leader so I leaded with him but this discussion can be had about any leader wanting to impose taxes on imports. I thought it was interesting since the states still doesnt have a tax on imports, unlike most first world countries. And it could definitely change collector's attitudes and decisions to buy takara over hasbro.

And hasbro toys are NOT import since importing means that you are purchasing from overseas. Hasbro doesnt. There is no money given overseas for the product. For the labour, yes, but not the the product. It is theirs and they are an american company. So their product is not an import. They might get a penalty for seeking labour outside the states, but the toys would not be taxed coming into the states since there is no transaction involved. That is not an import.

Case in point, BBTS buys from hasbro directly, which is an american company, there would be no tax. BBTS buys from a japanese wholesaler, who's company is japanese and thus it becomes an import and is subject to tax.

And any consumer buying a takara product will be charged a fee when it comes into the states. I was wondering if everyone had through this through when considered voting (for whoever they may vote for) or if it didnt matter at all even if they are collectors.

While I'm not even going to get started about Trump...or any other politician for that matter, I'll hafta say that even if a tax was put on imports, I would still use TakTom products as my main buys.

Sure I would get even pickier than I already am with my purchases, and start buying less stuff, but I'll always go with what I think is the superior product, and 9 out of 10 times for me it's TakTom's product and imported.

Robogeek1973 wrote:While I'm not even going to get started about Trump...or any other politician for that matter, I'll hafta say that even if a tax was put on imports, I would still use TakTom products as my main buys.

Sure I would get even pickier than I already am with my purchases, and start buying less stuff, but I'll always go with what I think is the superior product, and 9 out of 10 times for me it's TakTom's product and imported.

Thats cool. I am currently living with this tax since I am in Canada and I havent stopped buying Takara. I am picky, sure, but like you I havent let this tax get in my way of getting the best version of the toys I want.

Again. Emphasis on the difference between the two parties in the US. Republicans (in principle of the "Gipper"), no tax but it's up to you to make money.

Democrats will promise the moon (i.e. free education and canceling "student" loans fix the "income distribution law" (fyi, there is none as if you impose such, that is tantamount to COMMUNISM))but it has a price...your take home pay WILL be further reduced because they will tax (pay roll tax for example)you to death.

Regardless whether you pay for the toy or not, what matters is your take HOME pay. Less taxes means more take home pay (i.e. disposable income). More disposable income=more plastic crack aka our wallet draining hobbies.

Short answer: It doesn't matter. If Trump is elected, I'm moving to Canada.

Cobotron wrote:Short answer: It doesn't matter. If Trump is elected, I'm moving to Canada.

So much this....

The UK Customs often charge a holding fee on top of the VAT. When I import from the USA - I have to consider the often very high P&P, plus the chance I'll get charge VAT + holding fees.

Sometimes its just not worth actually buying the figure.

Amelie wrote:The UK Customs often charge a holding fee on top of the VAT. When I import from the USA - I have to consider the often very high P&P, plus the chance I'll get charge VAT + holding fees.

Sometimes its just not worth actually buying the figure.

Yeah, hence why I asked the question. I doubt many american collectors are aware of how a change in government policy (which is bound to happen if any of the principle leading candidates are elected) might drastically change their buying habits.

Robogeek1973 wrote:

Cobotron wrote:Short answer: It doesn't matter. If Trump is elected, I'm moving to Canada.

So much this....

Have a question, is that phrase the in thing? You know, "going to Canada". I don't think it's just as easy to immigrate there. You need to provide a lot of "income ability" aka show money first so you won't be a burden on the Canadian "cradle to grave" socialist system.

Also, you mean to say willing to renounce US citizenship? Or is dual citizenship allowed?

And, as Kanrabat and wj88 mentioned, Canadian taxes are waaaaaaaaaay out there.Not to mention sucky distribution for Transformer products

fenrir72 wrote:sucky distribution

Image pilfered from WJ88's TF hunt forum

fenrir72 wrote:

Robogeek1973 wrote:

Cobotron wrote:Short answer: It doesn't matter. If Trump is elected, I'm moving to Canada.

So much this....

Have a question, is that phrase the in thing? You know, "going to Canada". I don't think it's just as easy to immigrate there. You need to provide a lot of "income ability" aka show money first so you won't be a burden on the Canadian "cradle to grave" socialist system.

Also, you mean to say willing to renounce US citizenship? Or is dual citizenship allowed?

And, as Kanrabat and wj88 mentioned, Canadian taxes are waaaaaaaaaay out there.Not to mention sucky distribution for Transformer products

Just to elaborate and give the right info:

1. You can have dual citizenship. You would still be a citizen of the US at first (and maybe always). You would first get a work visa, then apply for permanent residency, and eventually (if you want to vote) be a canadian citizen. I have no clue at what point in all this the benefits kick in. Taxes are higher regardless. If you come to Quebec, sales tax is 15% and that is the same as the tax on imports. However, you would be coming at a time when our dollar is cheap and thus goods would appear ridiculously cheap to you. Until your US money runs out and you are stuck with your canadian salary.

2. History wise, Canada has the STRONGEST TF distribution of all time. We got all of the G1 toys the US got plus the G1.5 stuff such as the turbomasters and predators. In more recent memory, we also got the Prime First Edition Figures first and at large (not retailer exclusive). We also got the last line of Prime Construct Bots and Beast Hunter Commander Class toys (like Prime Bludgeon). And as of right now, the states has no brick and mortar retailer carrying the Platinum G1 Dinobots, but they have been available for over half a year at TRU in Canada.

The only thing we havent gotten from Hasbro recently is:
Platinum Blaster and Perceptor
Arcee/Chromia Wave
Gen Brainstorm
Gen Ruination line

william-james88 wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:

Robogeek1973 wrote:

Cobotron wrote:Short answer: It doesn't matter. If Trump is elected, I'm moving to Canada.

So much this....

Have a question, is that phrase the in thing? You know, "going to Canada". I don't think it's just as easy to immigrate there. You need to provide a lot of "income ability" aka show money first so you won't be a burden on the Canadian "cradle to grave" socialist system.

Also, you mean to say willing to renounce US citizenship? Or is dual citizenship allowed?

And, as Kanrabat and wj88 mentioned, Canadian taxes are waaaaaaaaaay out there.Not to mention sucky distribution for Transformer products

Just to elaborate and give the right info:

1. You can have dual citizenship. You would still be a citizen of the US at first (and maybe always). You would first get a work visa, then apply for permanent residency, and eventually (if you want to vote) be a canadian citizen. I have no clue at what point in all this the benefits kick in. Taxes are higher regardless. If you come to Quebec, sales tax is 15% and that is the same as the tax on imports. However, you would be coming at a time when our dollar is cheap and thus goods would appear ridiculously cheap to you. Until your US money runs out and you are stuck with your canadian salary.

2. History wise, Canada has the STRONGEST TF distribution of all time. We got all of the G1 toys the US got plus the G1.5 stuff such as the turbomasters and predators. In more recent memory, we also got the Prime First Edition Figures first and at large (not retailer exclusive). We also got the last line of Prime Construct Bots and Beast Hunter Commander Class toys (like Prime Bludgeon). And as of right now, the states has no brick and mortar retailer carrying the Platinum G1 Dinobots, but they have been available for over half a year at TRU in Canada.

The only thing we havent gotten from Hasbro recently is:
Platinum Blaster and Perceptor
Arcee/Chromia Wave
Gen Brainstorm
Gen Ruination line

But I always hear Kanrabat mad at how hard it is to find TFs (he's Canadian right?) that it is easier to import from the US or others (Japan). Maybe it's a regional thing?

On gaining citizenship etc, yes, you need to bring oodles of moolah (ability to pay etc so you won't be a burden to the system) before you can get/earn immigrant status. No money, no can stay. (simplified version)

fenrir72 wrote:But I always hear Kanrabat mad at how hard it is to find TFs (he's Canadian right?) that it is easier to import from the US or others (Japan). Maybe it's a regional thing?

He's just louder when he's angry. The only toys he had to buy recently that he couldn't have gotten locally were the few I listed. In general because we have fewer retailers, exclusives are less divided and thus distribution is overall better than in the states. We are currently up to date with every line, nationally at least. I don't think the state's had that platinum planet of junk pack yet at retail, we do.

william-james88 wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:But I always hear Kanrabat mad at how hard it is to find TFs (he's Canadian right?) that it is easier to import from the US or others (Japan). Maybe it's a regional thing?

He's just louder when he's angry. The only toys he had to buy recently that he couldn't have gotten locally were the few I listed. In general because we have fewer retailers, exclusives are less divided and thus distribution is overall better than in the states. We are currently up to date with every line, nationally at least. I don't think the state's had that platinum planet of junk pack yet at retail, we do.

Hyperbole?

Tariffs aren't happening.

Not only is it simply never going to make it through a divided government, but it's intensely bad policy in our current economic climate.

Besides, the question isn't even ripe. If you were seeing real proposals beginning with things like vehicles, food, or major electronics, then perhaps the question might arise as to how far down the product chain we would go.

Would I be ok with it? No. It's a dumb idea. Am I worried in the slightest? No. Everyone who isn't a bombastic candidate for office knows it's a dumb idea.

Counterpunch wrote:Tariffs aren't happening.

Not only is it simply never going to make it through a divided government, but it's intensely bad policy in our current economic climate.

Besides, the question isn't even ripe. If you were seeing real proposals beginning with things like vehicles, food, or major electronics, then perhaps the question might arise as to how far down the product chain we would go.

Would I be ok with it? No. It's a dumb idea. Am I worried in the slightest? No. Everyone who isn't a bombastic candidate for office knows it's a dumb idea.

This. So much this. Not to mention that if elected, neither Trump or Sanders Will ever get a single thing past congress, which is very public in their hatred of both men.

Basically, Americans aren't worried because we have learned not to take election promises seriously.

The UK Governments are full of annoying ideas.
Since Places like the Channel Islands were selling DVD's with no VAT on them they lowered the merchandise disregard to a paltry £15.00 (from the already Pathetic £18.00).

That puts a big charge on anything more than a single deluxe.
It's not the duty that is the expensive bit it's the extortionate Parcel Customs Clearing fee.

Oh an isn't their supposed to be taxes payable on goods imported to the U.S. that cost over $100.00 ?

So if you bought a one of those Maketoys Not-Metroplex's for example you "should" expect to be charged for it on delivery.

The rate at which the gift rate was supposed to be set was a multiple of the rate of a 2nd class stamp so the rate for imported parcel gift exclusion by that rule should be £60.00 which is pretty much the same as America is "supposed" to have.

The crazy thing is there was talk of removing the import clearance fee and tax entirely as a consequence of a deal between the EU & USA - but that soon got kicked into the long grass.

But yeah Import clearance fee's are a pain in the backside for a collector in the UK for sure - even more so with 20% VAT as well coming into play when buying from the importer stores making toys hyper expensive regardless of if you import them yourself or buy from a local re-seller.

Shame really.