When you’re planning to install new blinds in your home or office, the idea of importing might initially seem like a savvy move—after all, who doesn’t love the promise of lower prices? But before you hit “buy” on that overseas order, it’s important to dig a little deeper. Total Look Blinds is here to help you unpack the hidden costs that often come with imported blinds, revealing why buying locally made is not just a patriotic choice, but the smartest one for Kiwis.
One of the most significant and often overlooked aspects of importing blinds is the additional cost of shipping and customs. These expenses can quickly escalate, turning what appeared to be a cost-effective option into a financial headache.
Many Kiwis don’t know this, but when you import blinds into New Zealand, particularly if they’re valued over NZ$1,000, you’re immediately hit with a Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the entire value of the blinds. Often people try to bulk buy blinds for their homes or larger spaces to ‘save on shipping’ and are shocked when they’re hit with that 15%. Don’t forget, this is in addition to any customs duties that may apply, which vary depending on the country of origin and the specific trade agreements New Zealand has with that country. These duties and taxes are unavoidable and can significantly inflate the final cost of your purchase.
Shipping costs for imported blinds can be another major expense. Unlike domestic shipping, which is often straightforward and predictable, international shipping can be complex and costly. The price varies depending on the size, weight, and destination of the blinds. Even if the seller offers ‘free shipping,’ this usually only covers the transportation cost from their warehouse to the port and it often requires a very high minimum purchase amount. Additional fees for customs clearance, handling, and delivery within New Zealand are typically your responsibility and can quickly add up.
And let’s not forget about the fluctuating exchange rates. When you’re purchasing from overseas, you’re at the mercy of the foreign exchange market. A slight dip in the New Zealand dollar could mean you’re paying more than you initially budgeted. What seemed like a fixed cost can shift dramatically, leaving you with an unpredictable—and often unwelcome—final price tag.
When it comes to importing blinds, one of the biggest hidden costs isn’t just about money—it’s about your time. Unlike locally made blinds, which can often be delivered within a week, imported blinds might take weeks, or even months, to reach your doorstep. This extended waiting period can throw a wrench into your plans, especially if you’re working on a tight schedule for a home renovation, preparing a rental property for new tenants, or upgrading a business space. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to encounter issues such as:
Global supply chains are notoriously unpredictable. Delays can occur for a multitude of reasons, many of which are beyond your control. Weather events, port congestion, and customs hold-ups can all contribute to significant delays. These disruptions can be frustrating and costly, especially if they cause a domino effect that delays other aspects of your project or renovation.
We all know how strict New Zealand’s biosecurity laws are - and it makes sense. We have a delicate ecosystem that can easily be thrown off balance. This means that goods are subject to rigorous inspections, particularly if they originate from countries with different manufacturing standards. These inspections can add additional days, or even weeks, to your delivery timeline, leaving you in limbo.
At the end of the day, buying blinds from an overseas supplier means placing a significant amount of trust in a company that’s thousands of kilometres away. This distance isn't just a geographical inconvenience; it can also lead to significant issues with quality control, leaving you with blinds that are far from what you expected.
One of the most common risks with imported blinds is the use of substandard materials. In most cases, the ‘you get what you pay for’ saying rings true. For example, blinds designed for different climates may not hold up in New Zealand’s unique weather conditions, leading to problems like warping, fading, or even breaking down far sooner than you’d anticipated. The blinds might look great online, but once they’re installed, you could quickly discover that they weren’t built to last.
If your blinds arrive damaged or simply don’t meet your expectations, the distance between you and the supplier can make resolving these issues a real hassle. Returning products internationally can be both time-consuming and costly, assuming the supplier even accepts returns. Forget about a replacement option - you’re looking at a minimum waiting time of a few months. In many cases, you might find yourself stuck with a subpar product, with little to no recourse to fix the situation.
When it comes to dressing your windows, the choice is clear. NZ-made blinds offer unmatched quality, faster delivery, and the peace of mind that comes from supporting other Kiwis. Why take a gamble with overseas options when you can trust in local expertise? Our range of NZ-made blinds ensures you get the best in durability, design, and service—without the hidden costs or long waits. Explore our collection at Total Look Blinds today and contact us for a free quote and measure. Discover the difference that local quality and care can make.
