What to Budget: Donation, Shipping & Customs
Joining TZLA Club typically involves three components:
- Lifetime membership donation to join TZLA: $11,111 USD
- Shipping (separate from the membership donation): typically $250–$900 USD (varies by location)
- Customs and import charges (paid to your government or carrier, if any): typically $0–$150 USD (varies by country)
The Three Cost Components
1) Lifetime Membership Donation: $11,111 USD
This one-time donation grants you lifetime membership at the TZLA Club. The minimum donation is $11,111 USD, regardless of your location or donation method.
What this includes:
- Membership benefits and included equipment package (provided as part of membership)
- Complete application kit (bulbs, safety pedal, all cables)
- Lifetime access to private member group (Telegram)
- Ongoing support from resident experts (2,000+ hours experience)
- Assembly and operation video training
- Access to treatment protocols and research
- Future updates and discoveries shared with members
- One-year Member Benefit Protection package on main components
2) Shipping Costs: $250–$900 (typical)
Shipping is handled via DHL private courier, and costs vary based on your location. Each machine is custom-built after you join, then shipped from Mexico.
What affects shipping costs (common factors):
- Destination country and remote-area surcharges
- Carrier routing and service level
- Address completeness (especially phone number and postal code)
For more information on shipping estimates, please visit our article on Shipping Estimates.
3) Customs and Import Charges: typically $0–$150
Customs and import charges depend on your country’s rules and the carrier’s assessment at the border. Many members report low or zero charges, but this is not guaranteed.
Member-reported examples (not a guarantee):
Country/Region | Typical Customs Charge | Notes |
USA | $0 | Below de minimis threshold ($800) |
Canada | $0–$30 | Varies by assessment |
UK | $0–$50 | Varies by assessment |
EU countries | $30–$100 | VAT may apply (varies by country) |
Australia | $0–$80 | Varies by assessment |
Most other countries | $0–$150 | Member reports often fall in the $0–$50 range |
Important: You are responsible for any customs or import duties charged by your country. These fees are paid directly to customs or the courier upon delivery, not to TZLA.
Donation Methods & Related Charges
Cryptocurrency (commonly used by members) — No Additional Fees
Accepted cryptocurrencies:
- USDT/USDC (ERC-20)
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Monero (XMR)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Ethereum (ETH)
Why many members choose crypto:
- No additional processing fees
- Fast confirmation (often same day, sometimes near-instant)
- Private and secure
- Less bank friction or delays
- Network fees typically $5–$20 (set by the network)
New to crypto? We provide step-by-step guidance. Many members learn the process quickly and avoid extra wire-related fees.
Bank Wire Transfer (Available, Not Recommended) — 5% Processing Fee
Additional fee: 5% service fee via third-party processor
Total donation via wire example: • Membership: USD 11,111 • Shipping: USD 450 + Wire Transfer Fee 5% = Total USD 12,139
Why the fee?
Bank wire transfers may require a third-party processor to manage compliance and banking coordination.
Wire transfer challenges:
- Banks often flag or refuse large transfer amounts, which can delay donations
- Additional $15–$50 bank wire fee from your bank
- 1–3 business days of processing time
- More complex documentation, and potentially unnecessary explanations required for your bank to release your own funds
Recommendation: If you have never used cryptocurrency, many members still prefer learning it because it often reduces friction and avoids wire-related fees. We will guide you through every step.
What prospective members get wrong about the donation
⚠️ Common misconception: "The $11,111 donation is all I need to plan for."
Reality: The membership donation covers lifetime membership. Shipping ($250–$900) and potential customs/import charges (typically $0–$150) are separate, vary by location, and a 5% processing fee applies if you choose a bank wire transfer.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. The three items outlined above (donation + shipping + customs/import charges) represent the typical total out-of-pocket costs.
What’s NOT an additional cost:
- Member group access (lifetime, included)
- Expert support and guidance (lifetime, included)
- Assembly training videos (included)
- Treatment protocols (included)
- Future research and updates (included)
- First-year Member Benefit Protection package coverage (included)
Ongoing costs you should budget for:
- Replacement lightbulbs (consumable): $15–$30 per set every 1–3 months (not covered by Member Benefit Protection package)
That’s it. No monthly fees, no subscriptions, no surprise charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a discount or negotiate the donation amount?
No. The donation amount is fixed at $11,111 for all members worldwide. Each machine is hand-crafted, and the membership structure does not allow for discounts or negotiations.
Does the membership donation amount ever change?
No. It stays the same year-round for everyone.
Can I split the donation into multiple donations?
No. The full donation must be received before your machine enters production, and join as a TZLA Club Member. However, you can save over time until you have the full amount ready.
What if I can only have half now?
We understand financial constraints are real. We recommend waiting until you have the full donation saved. We will be here when you’re ready.
Is the donation tax-deductible?
No. TZLA operates as a Private Membership Association, not as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are not tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for your records, but it should not be used for tax deduction purposes.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
No. Donations are non-refundable as stated in the Private Membership Agreement. Each machine is custom-built after your donation, and membership is for life. Please ensure you are fully committed before donating.
Do customs or import charges ever exceed $150?
They can, depending on your country’s rules and how the package is assessed. Member reports often fall in the $0–$150 range, but charges are not guaranteed and can vary.
What if my bank won’t send an international wire?
This is common. You may need to find a bank that can send one. If you need help, the team can help you find alternatives. This is one reason many members prefer cryptocurrency.
How much do replacement bulbs cost long-term?
Lightbulbs (the consumable component) cost approximately $15–$30 per set and last 1–3 months with regular use. Many members budget $60–$120 per year for replacements.
Related Resources
- Which cryptocurrencies do you accept? — Complete guide to donation options
- I don’t know anything about crypto, can you help? — Beginner’s guide to cryptocurrency
- Shipping Estimates — Detailed shipping information by region