Prasius

iTrader: (1)

I'm sure they don't want our money.

Just stumbled across an American store with some car/subaru related clothing on - and saw a couple of tshirts I quite liked I thought would be good for meets/shows.

So, stuck a couple in my virtual basket (grand total of about $45). Went to checkout - UPS Shipping = (an alleged) $114.

FOR TWO BLOODY TSHIRTS!

Now I know UPS arn't that expensive - so why are US retailers so against international orders? Are they just so bone idle they can't be arsed to process them because they don't want the money? Or are they simply trying to shaft us?

Needless to say, I haven't ordered the tshirts, and in two minds to email the place and inform them why; but honestly can't see if theres any point.

Snazy

Cant you get them sent to someone in the USA and forwarded?
If you wanna do that let me know and I can sort it out.

Cant use my Fedex account at the mo, but can prob still arrange discounted shipping if you really want them.

Let me know

As for the WHY part of it. International shipping with USPS is expensive and thats economy, so UPS, for a package, express is about right. An 0.5kg flat letter in an a4 envelope is almost £40 or $80 now.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

Cheers for the offer - I should be going out there in a couple of months if I need anything.

I've had a pistol holster sent from the US for far less than that though?

Snazy

Who was the carrier then? Prices vary in a big way for regular carriers and express carriers. i.e USPS and UPS
Some retailers have shipping accounts with the major carriers and pass on their savings. Other ship internationally so little that they dont have accounts, so no discount etc.

Im out there in a couple of months too

Offer stands if you decide you cant wait.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

I can't remember to be honest.. I thought is was USPS.

This wasn't a big company either - just some relatively small military equipment sales place.

Just seems amazing that if I order my Hawkeye diffuser and cusco brackets for my Bug from Japanparts, it'll cost me less to ship than two tshirts from the US!

Hang on...

If I order four 18x8 Rota P45F's from the same company - $255 shipped.

Now.. I'm not being funny - $255 for a set of wheels - awesome; $114 for two tshirts - crap.

Snazy

lol like I say its all about if they get discounts and how they send it..

Example..
Based on documents up to 500grams

Letter to the USA by Royal Mail Airmail £10
Same by Fedex normal rate £38.80
Same on Fedex account (upto 75% discount) £9.70

1.5kg which is about the right allowance for a couple of t's inc packaging etc is £34 from UK to USA by Airmail (non express)

USPS USA to UK, same package $39 (5 day service) or $63 for 3 day service.

Markus

Would not surprise me if part of that cost is down to brokerage fees. UPS is well known for charging stupid amounts for brokerage when shipping to Canada from the US. If possible, I always get things shipped using USPS (United States Postal Service) if the seller will do this, as they don't charge stupid amounts for brokerage.

I've looked at USPS and for a package of 3lbs, it would cost about $60 bucks for their Global Express Guaranteed service, whivh should it it to you in 1- 3 days. Their other services, which would take between 5 - 10 days, cos from 26 - 36 USD. Which isn't too bad really.

what would scooby do

Lot of firms are also adding the import duty at source so now. I know amazon.com do