I know postage adds cost, but this is ridiculous

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

I thought I might have a go at getting the hard copy manual for Maxim, so I could look through it without having to go to the computer. Cost $US 60--not too bad. Add postage $US90, total $150. I guess I won't be getting it.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Madness!!

[Ric]

$90 for postage.

Is it hand delivered?

[AstralTraveller (David)]

I've been stung this by this at work a few times. The worst was a supplier who wanted about $300-400 to import 200mL of multi-element standard for our ICP-MS (that was for transport - the standard itself was only about $150). They tried to bull us about AQIS and dangerous goods (it is in dilute nitric acid) but we found we could get a courier to do it for <$100.

It seems that there are a few reason postage is so high:

- some companies don't like dealing with foreigners and so inflate prices to discourage you.

- other companies don't use couriers, only the US postal service and its overseas rates are very high

- some don't know the cost so they just guess - and make very sure they cover the cost.

Sometimes we have found it cheaper to get a courier to collect the item from the company rather than them arranging anything.

In you case however it is probably cheapest to get the manual printed (I assume it is a pdf file) and bound locally. The bookshop on campus will do that plastic binding quite cheap and I imagine places like Officeworks would also do the work.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

I think that a lot of US suppliers assume that you want the "I need it tomorrow by international same-day courier" option by default, that's all. Same with OPT and Anacortes. If you email them they usually sort you out a better express air rate by US Mail. Way cheaper and usually more reliable to boot!