shipping
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 51
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shipping
Hi guys
I have a problem over here in Australia, the cost of parts are so expensive compared to the states. I don't mind paying a little extra but not to the point of 100% mark up on prices.
Can anyone or does anyone know how to get parts sent from the usa to Australia as cheap as possible.
Cheers
I have a problem over here in Australia, the cost of parts are so expensive compared to the states. I don't mind paying a little extra but not to the point of 100% mark up on prices.
Can anyone or does anyone know how to get parts sent from the usa to Australia as cheap as possible.
Cheers
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Depends where you are at, Australia is a big place of course. You might try befriending US military personnel if there's a base or something nearby? They should be able to mail parcels and things reasonably.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
What is a killer on overseas shipping is when you order from multiple vendors, and each puts their small amount of parts (physical size) in its own box. I've found it's easy enough to consolidate several small boxes from multiple vendors into one larger box. The smallest USPS Flat Rate box holds almost nothing and costs $28 to AU. USPS Large Flat Rate boxes hold a bunch (6 Small boxes will easily fit) and cost about $80 to AU. So if you can get someone stateside to consolidate orders, you'll save a bunch.
The problem with that is that you still have to pay shipping from the vendor to the consolidator. Some vendors are brutal, I think they make as much from shipping as the parts. (I just paid $10 to ship $10 of bolts 500 miles, even tho they'd have fit inside a $5 Flat Rate box). Other vendors are reasonable if you order enough. It pays to shop around.
The problem with that is that you still have to pay shipping from the vendor to the consolidator. Some vendors are brutal, I think they make as much from shipping as the parts. (I just paid $10 to ship $10 of bolts 500 miles, even tho they'd have fit inside a $5 Flat Rate box). Other vendors are reasonable if you order enough. It pays to shop around.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
I have come in contact with a number of folks, or should I say blokes, from Oz who have commissioned Sea Train containers in Long Beach, CA to haul parts down under. They hire the shipping company to ship the entire container for a flat fee and then they spend a couple of weeks touring SoCal buying up parts that interest them to fill the container. This may be too large a scale for your needs but if you were to find someone who was doing this to get parts to your area then maybe you could piggy back on his load.
I just FedEx'd a computer monitor from San Diego to Seattle and it cost over $25...when I bought the monitor the vendor shipped it FREE. I think that vendors get a super deal on shipping and this leaves the rest of us to pick up the tab.
I just FedEx'd a computer monitor from San Diego to Seattle and it cost over $25...when I bought the monitor the vendor shipped it FREE. I think that vendors get a super deal on shipping and this leaves the rest of us to pick up the tab.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,867
Likes: 3,100
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I've sold parts to people in Australia a few times. I don't remember the first part I sold but it wasn't worth a hole lot. I was wondering how the buyer could afford to have this parts shipped. The guy told me he belonged to club that did exactly like Charlie said, the club member got together and purchased the use of a shipping container. One member a complete car, they blocked the frame up so it couldn't compress the suspension and literally filled every inch of space under, over, front and back, in the interior, including the engine compartment and trunk with parts the club members bought here. I saw a video somewhere that showed someone doing just this. It was amazing how they utilized the space.
Check with car clubs in Australia to see if any are planing on doing something like this. I'd bet you could find one that would help you out.
Check with car clubs in Australia to see if any are planing on doing something like this. I'd bet you could find one that would help you out.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: the island of Kauai
I just ordered four fiberglass fenders from bebops, which on the east coast of the US all the way out to Hawaii. Cost about $540 in shipping. that's about 50 percent the cost of the parts. That is still in the United States (according to most vendors) but it still had to be barged over. The very nice and helpful ladies that work at bebops worked out all the logistics to get it from shipper to shipper for the best price. You could give them a try.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 11
From: Crossville, Tn
I hadn't noticed this post over the weekend, but came here this morning to seek advice about International shipping. I have a fellow in Switzerland that wants a fan hub assembly that I have. It weighs just about 4 lbs and the USPS rate is about $70 or about $90 flat rate.. Is there a better way?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,385
Likes: 26
From: placer county usa?
I hadn't noticed this post over the weekend, but came here this morning to seek advice about International shipping. I have a fellow in Switzerland that wants a fan hub assembly that I have. It weighs just about 4 lbs and the USPS rate is about $70 or about $90 flat rate.. Is there a better way?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
Joe, that sounds high for a Medium Flat Rate box, is that what you're using?
I've shipped a lot to Australia using mostly Flat Rate boxes, the Medium are $55 and Large usually cost $75 + insurance if contents are worth more than a couple hundred bucks (which you're not). Very rare for FedEx or UPS to beat their prices, and the customs forms are easier to fill out on USPS. No matter who you use, it pays to sign up for an account with them (free) as it gives you some discounts and some advantages.
I've shipped a lot to Australia using mostly Flat Rate boxes, the Medium are $55 and Large usually cost $75 + insurance if contents are worth more than a couple hundred bucks (which you're not). Very rare for FedEx or UPS to beat their prices, and the customs forms are easier to fill out on USPS. No matter who you use, it pays to sign up for an account with them (free) as it gives you some discounts and some advantages.