Shipping an Empty Box to the US

[Dpark88]

Hey everyone!

While traveling for business in Dubai, I pulled a trigger and bought my first Rolex! A Gmt Master II Black and Blue, AKA Batman!!

anyways before I return home, I have to make another stop in Seoul Korea for business. I'm assuming if I carry my watch along with case and everything, I will get stopped at the Seoul Airport and they'll force me to pay the tax.

So I'm thinking of shipping an empty box to the US so I don't have to lug it around for rest of my trip and pay tax at every destination.

Has anyone tried shipping an empty box to the US through Fedex? Can you share your experiences?? did you have any trouble with the US Customs?? please let me know!!

DH

[Old Expat Beast]

I have sold and shipped several empty Rolex boxes to the USA by regular mail and never had a problem.

[c41006]

I don't think it would be an issue

[Lgear080]

You won't have any issue. Box it very well though. Can be a bumpy ride.

[x zombie]

Ship it or carry it, I don't think you'd have a problem either way. I'd keep all the paperwork, tags, warranty card with you but separate from the empty box. For all anyone knows, you purchased the watch at your home and brought the original box during travel for your watch to sleep at night.

[Micha]

Originally Posted by x zombie

Ship it or carry it, I don't think you'd have a problem either way. I'd keep all the paperwork, tags, warranty card with you but separate from the empty box. For all anyone knows, you purchased the watch at your home and brought the original box during travel for your watch to sleep at night.

x2... shipped empty boxes before...never a problem

[tomcorkery]

Dont think you need to pay for shipping. I have carried boxes in many countries. Just had a box from an iwc in my suitcase because i gifted it to my friend in the philippines. Went through korea also with no problems. Bags were searched in the Philippines as a random check and they didn't even comment on the box.

[travisb]

I shipped an empty box from Mexico into the US with the regular postal system. No issues.

[c.capt]

Chances are you will be fine, but since the box contains the Rolex logo which is what is protected under the law, they could seize it if they wanted to.

[mikhaelj]

Originally Posted by c.capt

Chances are you will be fine, but since the box contains the Rolex logo which is what is protected under the law, they could seize it if they wanted to.

And they can shove it where the sun doesn't shine if they do. Piece of $hit Rolex USA propaganda. What's to happens to us Americans living abroad and want to come back home with our 2++ pieces collection? And no i don't have family members to have each wear one and yes I would like to keep them as I paid full price from my hard earned money and bought ironically straight from Rolex. This US customs topic pisses me off!!!!


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[c.capt]

Originally Posted by mikhaelj

And they can shove it where the sun doesn't shine if they do. Piece of $hit Rolex USA propaganda. What's to happens to us Americans living abroad and want to come back home with our 2++ pieces collection? And no i don't have family members to have each wear one and yes I would like to keep them as I paid full price from my hard earned money and bought ironically straight from Rolex. This US customs topic pisses me off!!!!


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I agree with you, it is frustrating.

[dtwer]

I think you will find majority of the customs in eastern Asian countries quite relaxed toward the personal luxury items.

Unless you are carrying a suitcase full of Rolex, they are not going to even take a second look at your single Rolex box.

It's the culture thing; luxury and name brand things (at least the things that we consider luxury here) are much more commonplace there than here and the governments are not out to get you for it.

The only thing you should try NOT to bring is counterfeits: bags, watches, etc. Japanese customs, for example, will not hesitate to confiscate if they spot a fake designer bag.

[Rolex57]

Originally Posted by c.capt

Chances are you will be fine, but since the box contains the Rolex logo which is what is protected under the law, they could seize it if they wanted to.

Welcome to the new U.S.S.A. The only country that doesn't have it's priorities straight when it comes to an empty green box.

Ship it, you're fine. Keep the warrantee card with you in your wallet.

With regards to the the receipt, You can splurge on a $0.75 cent stamp and mail that home. If you can fax or scan and email a copy of the receipt to your computer, even better.

[ronin_ph]

I'm from Seoul. Since you are a foreigner, you should be ok, especially since you have an exit ticket. Worst case, you can leave the watch and/or box in quarantine with customs and pick it up in your way out. It's very safe and secure.

They are more concerned on the taxes, etc. for Korean nationals, who are notorious shoppers. They have a TV show dedicated to catching people smuggle in various luxury items through customs at the airport. Quite a good show. Koreans themselves aren't even allowed to buy something worth more than 3k at the duty free shop on the way out.


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[Afghanvet]

No worries... think you're fine!

[versatile1]

I once had a new Omega Planet Ocean sent through FedEx from the U.S. to Canada and all I received was an empty box
2 things you can take from that, there is a FedEx driver somewhere with a beautiful watch and as far as your question goes, the answer is that an empty box is more likely to make its destination then a watch itself
Don't worry, send the box