Need advice for using USA Forwarding Shipper + USA Credit Card?

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  RyanMK on 08/12/2017 - 22:19

  Another option to consider is to try a freight forwarder that will purchase the item for you.

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    jlim87 on 08/12/2017 - 22:20

    Any recommendations? Basically my timeline is I'm hoping to get the purchase done and delivered today, as DHL from USA to Aus takes 1-4 days and I leave next Saturday.

    • 

      RyanMK on 08/12/2017 - 22:37

      +1

      I've used Price USA twice before. Both experiences have been good. They're not the cheapest, but depending on the item/items you buy, it can still work out to be a reasonable price.

      If you fill up the form on the site, they will usually provide you a quote pretty quickly (1-2 hours).

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        jlim87 on 08/12/2017 - 22:57

        Thanks. Have replied them. Looking forward to their quote in 2 hrs time.

    • 

      JimmyF on 08/12/2017 - 23:03

      comgateway.com will buy for you and ship to aus.

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  chumbucket on 08/12/2017 - 22:31

  after a quick google, these guys will buy it for you, but I believe theres a 10% fee. probably others out there if you look hard enough.

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    jlim87 on 08/12/2017 - 22:40

    10% is quite steep considering the total cost is around $1040 or so (closed the window so its off the top of my head).

    Might need to clean up my post with a TLDR:
    - Flying out of Australia next Saturday for skiing and only found out about the GoPro Fusion today
    - Available ONLY in the USA store
    - Can add to shopping cart only with a VPN, but can't seem to pay with my Aussie Credit card
    - Approx $1040 AUD with a next day delivery, need the item shipped today! It's early am Friday for them.
    - Shipito has DHL listed at 1-4 business days so as long as they ship it on Monday, I'm safe.
    - I assume shipito has no crazy turn around time for receiving the item and posting it out

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      No on 08/12/2017 - 22:46

      I think you should give up on this venture, especially if you want it in a week.

      BTW do you know that anything over $1,000AUD is subject to pay duties, taxes and charges

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        jlim87 on 08/12/2017 - 23:00

        The item is 699 US Dollar // 930.65 Australian Dollar pre tax.

        Anyone know if the 1,000AUD limit is based on the pre or post USA tax value?

        Couldn't I just get shipito to state the value as $900?

        Not sure why you'd suggest giving up. A week isn't a unreasonable amount of time though, considering I'm happy to pay the cost.

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        No on 08/12/2017 - 23:26

        +5

        @jlim87: Im not sure how they work the customs value out.

        The reason I think you are taking a huge risk here is your relying on a lot of people to get something in a week. Supplier -> Freight -> Forwarder -> Freight -> Airline -> Customs -> Freight -> You. None of these people apart from You have a particularly good reputation of doing things well.

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        Baysew on 08/12/2017 - 23:28

        @jlim87: The sender makes a declaration of the value of goods being sent. Of course customs may check to make sure the value is not understated and matches the description of the goods. Which may add a delay.

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        jlim87 on 08/12/2017 - 23:29

        @No: Fair enough when you put it that way. I'll go cry in my corner now.

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        No on 08/12/2017 - 23:30

        @jlim87: Sorry pal :(

      • 

        foxmulder on 09/12/2017 - 08:55

        @jlim87: item value only if less than AUD $1000.

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  mosquito on 09/12/2017 - 08:04

  Just had something sent via planet express, very quick service (quicker than comgateway), unfortunately due to the California location some companies will charge US sales tax.

  I've read that MyUS is good but some mixed reviews, do choose carefully as it will always cost more to forward than you expect. For example comgateway will add fuel surcharges and tax to rapidly increase the price beyond the estimate…planet express did not increase above the estimate.

  However I did have a few up-front costs, $10 for 30 day membership as I wanted to consolidate packages, $11 for the consolidation of 3 packages (in good news they offered to strip the retail packaging and not just take 3 boxes and put them in a larger box).

  Just do your research as the forwarding companies reputations do vary quite a bit…(and it's always a risk to forward in my opinion)

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  original15 on 09/12/2017 - 10:31

  Know this doesn’t solve your payment woes but can you get it shipped to wherever you will be staying/flying out to rather than your address in Aus? Might help with timing? And GST if that would be enforced if entering aus

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    jlim87 on 09/12/2017 - 13:35

    Yeah I guess I wanted it in my hands before I left. I could send it to Japan. I'll be skiing in Hokkaido for 10 days. Just somehow got a little concern of whether DHL would deliver it there and if there would be increased delays since it's somewhat remote.

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  ibuy on 09/12/2017 - 11:19

  A few notes

  The valuation is based on the day it is shipped to Australia. So if the rate drops you may end up paying duties and GST - this can be as high as 30% of the value of the goods after allowing for the customs inspection fees etc, aqis fees, agency fees etc. Especially if you are using DHL or Fedex.

  Be careful as some companies who restrict to sales in USA only and are the manufacturer keep records of the addresses of freight forwarding companies and will reject your purchase and refund your money. Even if you ask a company to buy the item for you and have it sent to the freight forwarding company it can still be rejected.

  Ship it to don't modify values. They enter the value based on the receipt that will be sent with the goods as they are liable if they understate the value as they are acting as your agent. No agent will risk their business for you. Also in the event of an insurance claim you would not receive the full value of the goods if it arrives damaged.

  If you have a relative or friend in the States it would be better to ask them to help you buy it and send it to you. You can reimburse them via Paypal or if you have an ING account and do enough transactions the fees for sending money can be free.

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    jlim87 on 09/12/2017 - 13:36

    Thanks for the clear explanation. Glad to know how Shipito works in this regards. Cheers

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  Randxyz123 on 09/12/2017 - 11:59

  You’ll find it’s because your shipping address doesn’t match your credit card. I had that all the time when I lived there.
  Your best bet would be to attempt to call go pro online store support and get them to process it manually. Also why are you shipping to Australia ? Just get it sent straight to your hotel.

  It’s unfortunate amazon doesn’t have the fusion available as their site can handle international cards.

  Again I’d highly highly suggest shipping it direct to your hotel. Perhaps they can purchase it for you and bill you?

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    jlim87 on 09/12/2017 - 13:38

    Yeah I'm considering sending it to my Ski lodge now, but just got abit concern cause Niseko, Japan is a little remote so wasn't sure if there would be massive increase in delays.

    Annoying bit is GoPro USA's site is the only site that stocks it, and doesn't allow an international address, which means needing to go through a forwarder.

    So frustrating!