The Customs agents and their intelligence capabilities know more about your travels than you might think.
The normal Q they ask is "What are you bringing back from Mexico"
I see a couple of ways to handle this.....you can either say "some trinkets" or say "some decorative items for our home" Both of which is not lying.
CBP takes a very dim view of lies and that alone will get you in more trouble than you can imagine.
Or you can be very upfront and state you have some items that you intend on reselling as part of an ongoing business. Do not volunteer information beyond what is asked of you.
Having a receipt for these items would be helpful and if not, declare the total value of what you paid. These border agents have seen it all before....they know the price of some Talavera tile items and Mexican blankets.
After the deduction of what is allowed in value terms, the duty you may pay is far and away a better choice than trying to fool those agents.
They have heard every story before and can spot a shaky story a mile down the road.
If you go in knowing you're on the up and up and plan to declare those goods, it will save you untold grief worrying if your going to get caught, as you approach the line.
