Car queries: what to ask your importer

If you have ever tried to import a vehicle to Australia then believe us - we feel your pain! Bringing in a vehicle Down Under can look exactly like something off Border Security, with customs agents scrutinising every last detail regarding your stunning new ride.

To be fair, they’re just doing their jobs, but this can make the process of delivery difficult for an import novice, especially when you add the mountains of paperwork that you have to go through to finally get it to your home.

If all this sounds a bit frustrating for you then we understand, the customs process can be tedious, but that’s why brokers exist on your behalf - we are here to make the process an absolute breeze so that you don’t have to worry about any of this!

But to enlist the best personal car import to Australia you need the best team in your corner. But how do you find that team? How do you select the squad that’s going to help you find the best deal on your vehicle whilst making it easier to clear customs and head right for your garage?

Simply ask them a few questions running along the lines of:

1. How long have you been in the brokerage industry?

When you work in international vehicle brokering for a long time, you build up a lot of contacts whilst gaining priceless experience. Therefore, the first thing you want to know is how long the broker has been working in the industry?

After all, you want to be able to go with a team who is going to have access to a range of resources including international vehicles list, auction houses and vendors, not to mention the experience that has had them see it all in this industry.

The more experience they have the easier it will be for them to handle frustrating issues Australian customs might want to throw your way.

2. Do you have access to vehicles across the globe

There are many fantastic vehicle markets across the world, with Japan and the United States being the very start of what is a wonderful global industry with plenty of incredible options to choose from.

As such, you always have access to a broker who has a network of vendors across the globe. For example, you might be looking for a 2000s Skyline, in which case you will need a broker who has plenty of access to Japan’s market and so on!

3. How long will the process take?

An experienced broker should be able to give you a pretty good idea of how long the importing process will take. Of course, this industry can throw a few curve balls, the likes of which can delay or even speed up the process, but a good broker should have a general idea of how long it will take them to get your awesome new car straight to your garage.

4. When can we get started?

Because you obviously don’t want to wait months on end for the importing process to begin - you want to get your new vehicle ASAP! So, if the potential broker is a bit iffy about when they can begin work on your behalf, it might be likely that they have taken on too many clients to give you the full personal experience and one that will result in the very best vehicle coming straight to your home and ready to drive!