Cheapest shipping from US

[Chippy (Nick)]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get a scope shipped over from the US. In the past I have ordered a few small things (adapters and such) but nothing this large.

I'm looking for info on the cheapest method/company for arranging the shipping. USPS and UPS are the obvious ones, but even then there might be a few tricks to get the cheapest price (there are so many options).

Any info from those of you who have done this would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Hi Chippy,

I use Vpostasia - http://www.vpostasia.com/ for a number of moderate size parcels I import. Can be used for single items. Although I do not suggest personal importation as there is usually warranty issue to deal with.

If you have warranty issues sorted Vpost has worked well for me. The only thing that can be a bit of a problem is the proceedure. The invoice has to be faxed to them before they locate the parcel and bill you for delivery. Cause a bit of a problem my first time. Really good if your supplier free posts to US address's

Very simple you are given a US based shipping address name and number and address. They bulk deliver all items to Australia then locally distribute.

[Chippy (Nick)]

Thanks for the info Malcolm. I'm not sure if I can use vPost in my case though. I'm buying a 2nd hand scope privately on ebay, not through a regular "merchant" as vPost refers to. I could get the seller to ship the item internally in the US to the vPost depot, but that will defeat the purpose to some extent, as I will be paying for two lots of shipping. Excellent idea for when the seller provides free US shipping though. Thanks again for the suggestion, and please correct me if I have this wrong...

Any other suggestions?

[gbeal]

I just request USPS Air, and put up with what it costs. Be aware though that there is a maximum insurance value of US$990 (IIRC), and a size/weight limit.
Gary

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I echo what Gary says...USPS (United States Postal Service) will likely be the most cost effective, depending on size of the item.

Do know that at a certain size package the shipping cost is no longer based on weight but on volume...

Some other time I'll tell the tale of my $800 dollar Stellar Seat!!!

I am sure you can go on their website and do an estimate.

Also beware of valuation for GST and any other fees that might be payable to handlers/expediters...

[Chippy (Nick)]

Searching around and trying to find my own answer to this question I came across https://www.ipsparcel.com/

They use a combination of DHL, FEDEX and GLS to get the cheapest rates. Still looking into it, but seems I might save a bit with them over USPS/UPS.

Anyone had experience with IPS?

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

That sound like the same service as VpostAsia. I may look at it myself. I found out that VpostAsia also cater for smaller item and have the same delivery method.

It would be interesting if they have a simpler method.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I hven't used my VpostAsia account in a long time so i decided to check it. Still available but also found that i can now receive deliveries from Japan and Europe, way to go. I have seperate address's for each of the countries.

BTW not much difference in quote price 5" x 5" x 5" - 10lb Vpost - $101.58, IPS - $102.13. Vpost have 10% discount for payPal.

[snowyskiesau]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

BTW not much difference in quote price 5" x 5" x 5" - 10lb Vpost - $101.58, IPS - $102.13. Vpost have 10% discount for payPal.

I've been getting parts (tools) from various suppliers in the US and as long as it fits in a USPS standard size package and weighs less than 20lbs, it costs $US42. Service is typically less than 7 working days.

The largest size standard package is 346mm x 301mm x 86mm. Not big enought for a scope I know, but you could fit quite a few astro goodies in a package that size.

Biggest problem I've found is that some suppliers will not use USPS. They offer very good rates for UPS or Fedex for local delivery so for international freight, you're stuck with the same carrier. I do have the name and address of someone who will receive stuff from the courier and repackage for USPS parcel size. I haven't used him yet.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I found the same with USPS not available by the seller, this is the reason for opening the Vpost account.

[Chippy (Nick)]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

That sound like the same service as VpostAsia. I may look at it myself. I found out that VpostAsia also cater for smaller item and have the same delivery method.

It would be interesting if they have a simpler method.

IPS do door to door (which is what I need). I don't think vPost do, which is why I couldn't use them.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

They are door to door, have already used them on a couple of occasions.