Ordered an item from AliExpress yesterday evening, paid specifically for DHL ($29 extra) versus FedEx ($74 extra)
They posted it today... via FedEx
Not complaining - it’s due to arrive Monday. And the entire item plus courier post came to $93 - a not insignificant $43 cheaper than a well known Aussie retail outlet and they aren’t including postage.
Why would you buy any astro gear in Australia markups are atrocious if you can stand a wait more often than not its cheaper even including freight to buy OS and some items you just can't get here. I've only found one local retailer that has comparable prices with OS suppliers and that is Andrews
Ordered a Lumicon OIII and a paracorr while I was at it, from the states. Saved $200 over buying here, and the equivalent filters I wanted are backordered here to boot.
I have a package coming from TS in Germany, it is coming via UPS. I expect it in a week, with no customs issues based on previous dealing with UPS on inbound.
ZWO EAF Advanced focuser. Focuser, hand control and temperature probe. USD 249 with free postage via DHL. Ordered on 23rd September from ZWO, arrived today (Sunday delivery) so 4 days from order to delivery from China.
Waited 6 months for gear from China, arrived last Friday. Wife waiting for package from the US ordered in July tracking says arrived in Sydney August but that’s were the tracking ends.
My package from TS left Germany last Wednesday evening, it arrived at my door this morning (Monday), less than five days. Thank you UPS for your great service. It actually arrived in Australia last Friday but had to wait for customs clearance.
Back in July I ordered a copy of Luna Cognita direct from Springer. However, after 2 months it is still not here so I emailed Springer about the whereabouts of my books. I was told that the shipping company they use is not shipping to Australia because of covid. Basically their email said "we are very sorry, we are unable to fulfill your order at this time". There is no time frame on when shipping will resume , just, and I quote - "when the situation allows".
They've had my money for over 2 months, I had to follow up, only to be told that they are not shipping complete with no ETA. In other words, tough noogies.
Any suggestions on where to go from here guys? I'm thinking of asking for a refund.
Order form ADM shipping via USPS last update on tracking 9th Sept as far as I can tell it hasn't even left the US yet, I think COVId has become the excuse for mediocrity and complacency in some circles