Importing Question??? - Page 1

I have imported several dogs into the U.S.  and have never used a broker when the dog hits american soil to clear customs, but i am hearing from people these out rageous broker fees to clear customs? Who all here is well versed on this particular subject? I would like to know what the fees should be? And better question yet how do you become a broker? I don't get why a broker is needed to walk papers around for a fee when the actual person importing the dog can walk them over just fine.

The answer is MONEY, MONEY,MONEY. I paid $295 for two dogs into Chicago about a month ago. Be carefull because they will hit you for more money if the plaine comes in after 4:oopm because they have to pay their employee OVERTIME!!!!!!

I imported a dog into Chicago in Feburary.  I used no broker, just drove to the airport piicked up the paperwork - went to customs got everything signed returned to the airport and took my dog home.  Do you need a broker if you cannot pick the dog up directly from the airport? 

i imported a dog from germany a few weeks ago,  and had no problem geting her my self, i did go through chicago too, i dont think you should have any problems.....

Yes like i said i to have imported several several dogs myself...and "never" used a broker... was just trying to figere out the skinny on the broker game...im hearing everything from $100-$300 that people are being charged.  Anyone know the requirements to become a broker?

Custom Broker is a valuable service. If you import more then 5 dogs you will eventually be asked by US Customs to use broker. There is no way around it.
Under 5 dogs if you have direct flt from Europe like in Chicago or LAX then you can handle the US Customs procedures yourself at those destinations.
If it is not direct flt then the dog must be processed at the port of entry. That used to be done by the airlines as a courtesy. but no more.  When we ship the dog to our customers then we can fax them the documents from Europe and they can process these  at  their detonation with US Customs there and fax it to the airline at the port  of entry. Needless to say you need to have a airlines phone number and someone must look at the fax machine:)  Dog then can continue to the final destination. There is some timing involved. US customs will not process the dog until it is on US soil or in US Jurisdiction. That is the time for you to process the dog. and fax it quickly to the airline at the port of entry. If you miss this dog will get stuck.
If you use broker HE /SHE WILL take care of it for you. This service costs around $150 -$175  with reputable broker. I am using excellent broker Elen Chance.404 766 0207. You need to open account with any broker.
If you use importer like me then I can take care of it . You do not need to open an account.
Prager Hans
http://www.alpinek9.com

Sorry but i dont value a service for which anyone with common sense can carry out on thier own.

One in May 2009 and one in February 2010.  I was not told to use a broker and picked them up myself.  Previous imports were 4 and 5 years ago, did not use a broker then either.

I to have always been successful perhaps lucky to not use a broker either...was just trying to fig out the broker madness. Money money money = broker in my opinion

I imported one three years ago and one twp years ago...A broker was never even brought up. I filled out my own paperwork and paid Customs the $30 fee and went home.
My last two imports were not direct flights and I was told I  had to use a broker. One was in Novv. and one was in Feb. The other problem was that the Customs office is closed when that particular flight arrives. The pup that came in Nov happened to arrive on an evening that the Customs agents were going to be there anyway at 10 pm, shortly after the flight arrived, so they let me come in and fill out the papers for the $30. The second was a bit more complicated, but I was still able to wiggle out of having to use a broker.

Now I have another import coming in July, and I have a feeling there's NO WAY I will get away with not using one. So I am just going to go ahead and do it. 
Hans thank you for listing the broker's number and name. I will use them as they are much cheaper than the one who was refered to me the last few times. About $100 cheaper too! 
Stacy

Edit to delete question that was already clearly answered...ooops