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Question about shipping cost.

863 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by crowie, Mar 14, 2020

crowie

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2020 (Edited by Moderator)

G'day all,
My question is concerning the high cost of shipping goods from the USA back to Australia.

While the range of goods and the prices in the USA are great, especially for someone who gives many of the toys I make away, shipping is a killer.

The Aussie Dollar is only getting about US$0.65 at present but it's still worthwhile purchasing in the USA if I can find/get a good cheap, even slower shipping alternative.

The particular case in question is wooden toy wheels from Woodwork Ltd in Texas whom I've purchased from in the past when the exchange rate was better.
Unit price and bulk prices are great BUT the shipping makes the deal unacceptable.

Could I please have some assistance suggestions to help my Aussie dollar go further with purchases from the USA.

Thank you for all and any advice and help.

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robscastle

· #2 · Mar 10, 2020

Morning Crowie,

I feel your pain, its not an isolated situation going 1 way either I shipped a parcel to the USA and it was abut $70 AUD from memory.

But you may be interested in knowing there are/were some ways to avoid excessive costs.

lets see what the coffee cups reveal.

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recycle1943

· #3 · Mar 10, 2020 (Edited by Moderator)

Here's what I found on line

First-Class Package International Service
Affordable Lightweight Shipping
First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®) is an economical way to send lightweight packages to more than 190 countries. Packages can weigh up to 4 lbs but must not be more than $400 in value. Other restrictions may apply based on the destination country. First-Class Package International includes Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation® International (E-USPS DELCON INTL®) when you ship online to select destinations. Prices start at $12.25.
Weight, Size, & Shape Requirements
Maximum weight is 64 oz (4 lbs).
Maximum combined length, height, and width is 36 inches (42 inches for rolls/tubes).
Some countries have specific prohibitions and restrictions.

our Post Office is closed right now but I can get a firm cost in the AM
Another thing - Woodwork LTD in Texas seems to offer free shipping with orders over $75US. So $75 in wheels and assorted other project items may or may not be a lot of wheels, I don't know but if we can do some paypal stuff I could order from here, have it shipped to me free and turn around and ship to you for about $15US
btw - 4 lbs sems to be an awful lot of wheels

????

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Dutchy

· #4 · Mar 10, 2020 (Edited by Moderator)

For me the same problem Peter. That is why a couple of weeks ago I asked if someone would sell me one of his T and J drawings. And the € = 1.10 USD. I can remember that I ordered for $ 45 at T and J and when I got it it was almost $ 100. The $ 55 was for shipping, handling and TAX. That is why I sometimes my LJ buddies ask to sent me some stuff out of the USA. This helps me to bypass the TAX duties, which are 21% + €10-15 handling.

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Grumpy

· #5 · Mar 10, 2020

Pete, there is a way around this. Australia post provides a service from the usa. You have your own US address & they post it from there. You have to pay Australia post for the delivery but there is no charge for the US address.
Heres a link; it's called 'Shop Mate'
.
https://id.auspost.com.au/csso/login?authn_try_count=0&contextType=external&username=string&contextValue=%2Foam&password=sercure_string&challenge_url=https%3A%2F%2Fid.auspost.com.au%2Fcsso%2Flogin&ssoCookie=Secure&request_id=-1182798464046218364&locale=en_US&resource_url=https%253A%252F%252Fid.auspost.com.au%252Fcsso%252Fcustomer%252Fmyaccount%252Fdetails

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icemanhank

· #6 · Mar 10, 2020

Good thread mate thanks

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FrenchGoattoys

· #7 · Mar 12, 2020

Pete, I too use Ltd from time to time. I also use local wood stores and hobby shops. Ergo my question is can yo not buy them from a local shop? Sorry for a such a dumb question.

Regards

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FrenchGoattoys

· #8 · Mar 12, 2020

What about Amazon Prime. They offer free shipping on a lot of products. Although there is a yearly fee, I save tons on shipping.

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crowie

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 14, 2020

Pete, I too use Ltd from time to time. I also use local wood stores and hobby shops. Ergo my question is can yo not buy them from a local shop? Sorry for a such a dumb question.

Regards

- FrenchGoattoys

What about Amazon Prime. They offer free shipping on a lot of products. Although there is a yearly fee, I save tons on shipping.

- FrenchGoattoys

G'Day Ken,
The local stores want nearly A$3 each for the duel 2" treated wheels which is over 3 times the cost from Woodworks after our poor exchange rate issue.

Amazon Prime from memory don't do free international shipping but I'll look into it again thank you.

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