How much should i charge and importing wood

[Stephen]

Hi i am a beginner knife maker just starting to sell knives.
How do other people work out the sell price of their knives???
At the moment i am just doubling material costs.
I should be charging an hourly rate but i need the practice.
For examples of what i have done
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~deviant/
I am also thinking to exporting some of the wood(gidgee) to the states but the regualations may make it too much of a hassle
any one know how hard it is to bring in 10 pounds or so of wood from Australia (non endangered species) to the States???
Stephen

 

[Michael Bennett]

I have no knowledge of import/export laws, but these guys might:

From US Customs at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm

Importing Into the United States

Publication No 0000-0502 is a highly technical 86-page book providing extensive details on the topics covered in this pamphlet. Aimed at those contemplating commercial importing, it also contains sample forms, lists of quotas and other restrictions on a variety of generic merchandise (fibers, fabric, metals, foodstuffs, vehicles, etc.) of interest to commercial importers. One free copy can be obtained from U.S. Customs. Additional copies can be obtained from the Government Printing Office at $9 each; $11.25 for foreign mailing. This publication is available in both English and Spanish. It is also available on the U.S. Customs website at www.customs.gov.

Mike

 

[peter nap]

I can't say about importing as a business but the people I deal with send small amounts that can go in a fedex letter package. Customs very rarely opens these.