shipping stuff from US

[traveller]

Hi all, first post, newbie, etc...
Just wondering if anyone has any info re shipping stuff from the US to Aust, you know, with the strong Aus$ etc. I know about $1000 limit.
Specifically, I want to know if anyone found a good freight company that will do reasonable rates from US to Aust for large bulky items. Thinking of buying some stuff and have them put into a large Pelican case, but USPS seems only want to deliver items that ath 42 inches long or 79 inches length plus girth. A Pelican case is much larger than that, so USPS wants to charge me over $500 for the service.
Any suggestions?
Cheers

[traveller]

Ok, so it was discussed previously, (and I just located the Search function)
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=44717
:thumbsup:

[Jules76]

That other thread is a bit old and I think it's probably better to answer your question directly.

Go check out PriceUSA https://www.priceusa.com.au/.

I've used them twice to import large items which the seller either wouldn't ship overseas (Amazon.com) or the store wanted an outrageous UPS shipping charge (OPT Corp). I'll explain below.

First instance I purchased my Celestron 8SE which was on sale at Amazon.com for $950 (so it was under the $1000 limit). Shipping came to around $275 by UPS Expedited so all up my Celestron 8SE cost me around $1225. Try getting that price in Australia. :thumbsup:

Second instance I just received was a Sirius Technologies soft carrying case for my Celestron 8SE. USPS wouldn't touch it because it was too big (I don't remember the dimensions but it came to around 70lbs volumetric weight) and they quoted me $450 by UPS!!!! The item itself was only $220!! I knew that was crap as the entire telescope package cost less to send from my previous experience with PriceUSA. So I got onto them and was quoted $245 sent UPS Expedited. :thumbsup:

From my two experiences, fantastic service. Definately going to keep using them again in the future.

[traveller]

Thanks Jules76,
I too just purchased a 8SE on Eb#y with a Celestron hardcase, one year old. I managed to use IPS Parcel and the online quote is US$333 cobmined for the case with scope inside and the tripod and accessoried in another box. I SHOULD get it landed here in Oz for A$1235 ($912 for the scope only, so I squeeze in under the magic $1000 mark). The Price USA website seems to be a freight forwarding company, but definitely worth keeping in mind for my next purchase.
cheers.

[naskies]

Hi Bo,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the $1000 limit includes ] shipping and insurance costs :( That said, I do know of people who have had packages slightly above the limit get through without GST. Good luck!

http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.aspx?doc=/content/13193.htm

[traveller]

Thanks Dave, will see if the package can arrive without tripping the GSTapo warning system :lol:.
Even if it does, it will add about $200-250 to the final bill, which is still considerably cheaper than local purchase. The last time I checked, the hard case itself retails for around $800.
Bo

[casstony]

In deciding whether or not GST applies only the price of the goods is considered. If the price exceeds $1000 then shipping costs are added before the GST calculation is done.

[naskies]

Aah! I wasn't aware of the distinction - thanks for the correction (and sorry for the misinformation) :)

In case anyone else is interested... here's the relevant page on the Customs website:

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5549.asp

[traveller]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. Will update once I get hand dirty hands on those packages.

[blindman]

Hi,
I can help for shipping - see www.movingyourworld.com.au
cheers Nev

[traveller]

A quick update on my 8SE purchase, currently in transit somewhere between Southern US and the Pacific. According to FedEx tracking, I should get my dirty hands on it by end of next week.
Just need to get a few extras now with the savings made...