[Pib]

I had posted this in another thread. I will include it in this one since I will keep it bookmarked for future references:

"It seems that you already figured out how the system works. It's corrupt, it stinks, it ___ (add epithet of your choice here). Having agreed on that, let's move on to solutions, after being in the business for a few years I think I could give you one of two pieces of advice. As lhtown wisely told you it all comes down to getting a good customs broker. Here is how to do it:

Talk to other businessmen importing the same products that you do. Ask them about what broker they use, how long they've used them and if they are happy with the job. Of course nobody will be 100% happy, but you get my point.

Decide which way you want to go. The easy/cheapest way out is to play by the "rules of the house". There are loopholes in the system, a good broker can find a few for you. Some perfectly legal, some require bending a few rules.

Meet with a few brokers, tell them to give you an estimate of what you will be paying in taxes. Give them as much information as possible. They are after all the defense, not the prosecution.

Select a broker the same way you would select a lawyer for a criminal case (sorry that I make it sound like that). If you decide to work with a reputable firm you will have the advantage of years of experience and the guarantee that comes with a firm that has money to lose if they mess. On the other hand a firm usually has a name to look after, sometimes they will not do some "dirty tricks" that could save you big bucks, sometimes it's better to find yourself a broker, not a firm.

Don't take your broker's word for granted, after all it's your money anyways. I suggest that for the first shipments you accompany him (but don't interfere) to see how things go at the port and how much money "exchange hands" in the process. There is always a "handling fee" that corresponds to that. It can ammount to some big money, so you would like to know if he is really "paying" it or if he just wants to make some extra money by charging you more. If you don't speak Spanish or look "too gringo" get someone you trust do this. It's better if you look like someone that is "just accompanying" your broker.

Decide which will be a priority for you: cost or time. Putting too much pressure on your broker to get things out fast will lead to you paying more. Plan ahead for those delays."