We have an opportunity to do some projects on one of the Caribbean islands. I am wondering about the logistics of getting tools, wire and equipment to the site. Also, work permits etc. Has anyone here done something like this and if so could you give me some insight into how you did it ?

Thanks

if you are working with a local contractor, use them find someone on-island to arrange work permits. They may have someone dedicated to just that. The logistics of that all really is a full-time job, but the benefit is that everything should be above-board so you can go through customs fairly quickly and take your tools down and back as needed.

Shipping can add days, weeks, or months. One time we had advance replacement parts shipped from manufacturer that arrived in two days. But other times we wouldn't even book travel until getting confirmation from contractor that shipments had arrived. Again, send as much possible utilizing an on-island contact / through GC.

The other way is to just fly in without the advance work and take your chances. But the customs guys are good at their job. If you don't have enough extra cash for them, they are usually kind enough to drive you to a local ATM.

Also be sure to know terms of receiving and receiving inspection. We did a large, and then a huge, home theater in Saudi Arabia and the mirror for a rear projection (about ten feet across) came in with condensation marks on it. Our guy ordered another, same result. Finally he ordered two more and somehow one was okay.

Brute spending solved that problem so we never saw the actual problem: we were shipping early to have all parts on site when we arrived, but the mirror had to be inspected at the airport within three days after receipt for the manufacturer to assume any charges for damages. And we arrived at least two weeks later. Our shipping guy never read that paragraph so we just lucked out.

I will take you up on the offer to fly down. I have flown with my tools enough it's just second nature. although it's been since summer of 2020 that I have flown but doubt anything has changed, other than going somewhere different.

yes, we have done jobs all over the world.

This is how we see it. We did not invent equipment or cables and I am sure all of that can be bought "locally" shipped there from China as it is done from here. the reason our clients are willing to spend the money to bring us there isn't because they can't buy them there but because of our knowledge. The client is used to dealing with us and is used to the job we do and that experience is what he is looking for and is willing to pay a premium on. In such jobs we see ourselves more like consultant/ project managers/advisor. We try and find a good local firm (that could be a builder like Peter said or even an AV firm) to "partner" with on the project. We do the plans (with some input of our our local partner since sometimes equipment and regulation can be different) we let them take care of cables and equipment (they know are used to getting that stuff locally we are not) we ship our tools before hand (makes traveling a lot easier) then we do the installations together. If in the future there is an issue (stuff brake, people want upgrades...) there is also good local help.

Thanks. That's good information

Ps. Forgot to mention this before but for tools it is useful to go a bit overzealous with the customs documentation (like include serial numbers...) It is not as much about bringing them there (which I guess it can help as well) but bringing them back, you don't want the customs official asking you for proof that you had them before and you are not importing them and they want to charge tax & duties.

If your project is in the Cayman Islands i know a top notch installer that you should connect with. He can help you navigate the red tape and be a great set of boots on the ground.

Same with the Bahamas. A Miami based dealer who does work in the Bahamas.

Working on a project there now. Local company is doing all the work, we are going to customize, commission and help finish.

Shipping takes a long time. Shipped two pallets and they made it to Miami quickly and we were told a ship goes out every week and they would be on the next one. Took multiple phone calls and emails and about 4-5 weeks to get it on a ship.

Depends on where you go but travel can be expensive, way more than you might realize. Just booked a trip for next month. Lodging alone is the price of a new truck. Could have book on another island cheaper but then limited on time on site to the boat schedule.

Another thing to consider is everyone works on “island time”, slower, much less urgency. Don’t expect things to be done on a timely manor or that things will be as far along as you are lead to believe. My trip next month was supposed to happen in April, even as late as February they were telling us the house would be done in April.