Hi guys,
First post, did a search and couldn't find anything about this so posting it for you all.
Shopmate is Australia Posts US mail forwarding thing.
Shopmate (Australia Post) have 20% off for new accounts but the coupon code seems pretty generic so you can all try your luck!
Hope it works for you all!
My first time using them will be when my package arrives to the US location (1 item which could not be repacked) so i'll let you know how it goes :)
took almost 8 weeks for me to get a resolution to my problem
That's actually pretty good for Australia Post.
Yep, usually they just say you don't have any proof that anything was ever lodged, or that they didn't cover that particular item because it's fragile or valuable. So the usual resolution time is infinity.
I promised to keep you all updated so here is the first update, package arrived at US location last night, shipping came out to $45 Aus after the 20% discount so that isn't bad seen as how the site charges $40 US to ship to Australia normally (they wouldn't ship this one to Aus for some reason).
No repackaging fee's etc, the only thing that seemed strange was one line about actual weight 1.2kg, chargeable weight 2.8kg and have been charged for 2.8kg but we will see what it weighs when / if it arrives to me :)
@EDIT - Remember reading something about cubic weight instead of actual weight which might be the case.
See my comment in last deal about repacking suspicion. Suggest you ask seller to weigh before sending so you can call out shopmate on their weight saving bs.
Apart from that, good experience and competitive pricing.
Suggest you ask seller to weigh before sending so you can call out shopmate on their weight saving bs.
If it's over a certain weight they use volumetric weight and not physical weight.
Link for more details?
Pretty much all carriers do this as a large box takes up more room, regardless of weight.
Anyway, here is some info: https://goo.gl/eVssgE
"Domestic parcels over 1kg are charged according to their actual weight or cubic weight equivalent, whichever is greater.
For parcels up to 1kg, cubic weight is only calculated if the parcel is large in size or irregular or cylindrical in shape."
Recently got a quote for forwarding 2 sticks of laptop ram- $34. Shipito was $12.
Yeah same with me.. I purchased a make up bag for the wife from Amazon, Australia Post was $46, Shipito was $13.50
Is this 20% off forever?
Shipitto still looks better as they offer a variety of affordable rates and have at least a mediocre reputation rather than a horrific one.
Avoid ShopMate like the plague, they are utterly useless, overcharge and offer no service. Australia Post should be ashamed of themselves for offering such a poor service.
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2330692
The title is also misleading as they are not operated by Australia Post and dealing with complaints or any issue really sees Australia Post as the middle man adding a layer of frustration.
review and discussion on whirlpool says: AVOID
Reason for neg vote:
Major issue with retailer
They refused to ship an order placed via Amazon, and literally took weeks to reply to email tickets or questions, there is no way to contact them via phone, in March they were blaming a busy Christmas on the slow email replies. It even took them weeks to ask for return information that had already been provided, they can't even effectively communicate between Australian Support and the USA Warehouse.
Their level of customer service and support is beyond abysmal, I would highly advise that nobody ever use them.
Because she's not just a regular Mum, she's a cool mum
Shop online to discover what deals and Mother's Day sales are happening now in the USA, and get 20% OFF* ShopMate delivery fees on your next order!
Shop now and find something Mum will love or simply treat yourself. This offer is only valid until 24 May 2017.
How to redeem:
Login to your ShopMate account and use discount code "COOLMUM20" at checkout when declaring and paying for your package.
Cheers for that Strat. I'm never using ShopMate again. My parcel according to the place I bought it from has dimensions of 13.8cm x 3.8cm x 3.8cm and weighs 700g.
ShopMate say it has dimensions 37cm x 21cm x20cm and weighs 700g. So of course they are charging me for volumetric weight (2.6kg).
They only offer the repacking service ($5 charge) if the disparity between actual weight and calculated weight is 2kg or greater. As mine is 1.9kg they won't repack it.
Asshats.
I intend to photograph and document the package when it arrives and then raise a dispute over the extra charges.
Thanks for the detailed comments on your experiences with Shopmate, was about to use them for a package - but will be going elsewhere.
I just received a watch that I bought using Shopmate. It was worthwhile, I didn't get charged for repacking or weight over 500gms. It was shipped in a small box the same size as the watch box. I used the 20% off and ended up paying around $27 including insurance which was a good deal.
They couldn't confirm my order within 48 hours so I had to contact them by email. I paid Shopmate on the 12th May and received it on the 19th May.
It worked out well for me. Maybe for small items its worth it! I decided to give them a go despite poo reviewed because of the 20% off.. I'm happy with the service but I dont think I'll blindly just use them from now on… This was my first experience with a freight forwarder so i can't really compare it to anything else.
Avoid like the plague
They state they only repack when its necessary… which because they charge.. is every time
and
When a parcel gets damaged (which mine was) Aus post have to deal with Singapore post (the owners) and they are usless.. took almost 8 weeks for me to get a resolution to my problem… which was ironically the last day that my replaced item (retailer was kind enough to replace it) would be held by shopmate.
AVOID is all i can say.