International reshippers, youshop etc

[R650R]

After previously being happy with the Youshop operation compared to some of the other outrageous rates the yanks charge it seems the pricing has crept upwards...
I think NZ post may have spiked my drink as my wallet is sore and the other side of my bed is empty where some new bike bling should be...
In the interests of helping fellow bikers not ending up being violated as well I thought if we contribute in this thread what we each paid for certain size packages we could reverse engineer the pricing structure to see what the best options are before nasty surprises.
After a bit of googling I found a write up by nzpost themselves where they even admit they don't set out to be the cheapest option but to be there for sellers that don't ship internationally.
Also looking at the latest tracking it looks like my goods must be going seafreight with some refugees instead of airfreight like other items have...
Anyway feel free to add relevant goods descriptions, shipping costs and who you used.

[pete376403]

http://www.shipito.com/shop-pricing

[R650R]

http://www.shipito.com/shop-pricing

Had a play with their quote thing, they are dearer than youshop then dearer again if those quotes are in USD???

[oneblackflag]

Last thing I got was a 3 Gallon tank for the WRR. Ebay sellers were charging $90 NZ so I thought I'd do the youshop in hope of a better deal.... Ended up the same pice, should have been packed in a smaller box; damn 'volumetric' pricing:weep:

[RDJ]

www.usabox.com

Have been using them for years in different parts of the world before I came home, still using them for US shipping. Good service, fair rates. IMO. A helpful benefit is they will repackage for free so multiple packages become 1 box and $$ saved.

The screwing starts when NZ Customs gets involved.

[R650R]

Well I might have to email NZpost later. The package has been repacked so it smaller to save shipping cost, cool. But they bill their fancy Volumetric charge based on original packing size LxWxH/5000.
I paid for a Volumetric weight at 2.39kg but measuring the box it came in its only 1.74kg... And they've lost the instructions the goods shipped with but lucky pretty straighfoward operation...
Anyway for a pair of heated winter gloves shipping was NZD 36.25

[The Reibz]

30.3kg worth of Turbo bits split into 4 packages.
Around 500 shipping. FEDEX was over 1200! Only 2 packages stopped by customs. Around 450 in GST and biosecurity levies paid.

Im happy with youshop. System works well.

[Blackbird]

I've used YouShop for a lot of purchase and like many others, I'm really happy with them overall. However, it still pays to look about if you've got items at either end of the volume/weight scale. This week, I bought some North Face outdoor clothing through Amazon USA as I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for on eBay and the direct shipping through them was cheaper than YouShop for a couple of relatively light items.

[Mental Trousers]

Here's an actual one done through YouPost from the US

Package:
weight: 0.6kg
value: US$87
dimensions: 21cm x 15cm x 4cm

YouPost:
cost: $22.00
sent: 09/05/14
recv: 15/05/14

Shopito:
cost: $47.70
estimated: 6-10 business days via USPS Priority Mail

I've been looking around for ages and in the end I just keep using YouPost.

We get screwed for living out the back of nowhere.

[Blackbird]

Just to add to MT's shipping cost example, a pair of Keen brand walking shoes from a US supplier cost NZ$35 to ship. Paid US$88 for them compared with over $200 here so it was a pretty substantial saving.

At the heavier end of the scale, we bought a set of Circulon cookware from the USA. It was a box about 60 cm along the sides and weighed 11 kg. Shipping cost was NZ$145 and the purchase price was US$306. In Stevens, the same set is close to $750.

[R650R]

Some good replies people keep the info coming, btw the gloves were packaged at 16.6x16.5x32 and originally measured by post as 22x32x17...

Another package due soon will update what happens there...

[cynna]

Last thing I got was a 3 Gallon tank for the WRR. Ebay sellers were charging $90 NZ so I thought I'd do the youshop in hope of a better deal.... Ended up the same pice, should have been packed in a smaller box; damn 'volumetric' pricing:weep:

thats what put me off using them - i have often got a small item in a massive box so based on the volemetric pricing its a gamble on what the cost will be

[yevjenko]

I looked at bringing over an exhaust for my Aprilia RSV

from a purely financial viewpoint not taking into account delivery times

8kg's, 50cm x 20 x 25 (volumetric weight is 5kg)

Shipito (Oregon) = $97.85 (i'm guessing that was USD)
Shipito (California) = $89.90 (but you have to manually select CA and this would only work for second hand items otherwise there's Californias 8.25% sales tax)
USABox (Florida) = $126 (plus 6% sales tax on the value of the item)
reship.com (Oregon) = $97
Myus.com (Florida) = $111/$133 for non premium members (plus 6% sales tax)
comgateway.com (Oregon) = $100 slow or $120 fast
Youpost = (Oregon) NZD$88.50 + 6 for insurance (which in is USD $76.27 + 5.17 = $81.44 all up):first:

This doesn't take into account any additional fees like repacking or service charges for having the mailbox. Or Sales tax (http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/MK-CM303_CFOint_G_20140512182106.jpg) which can vary from 3% to 8.5%

The other thing is that these are all prices from the US to here. If I ship form UK to here, YouShop is the same figure. Shipito is $334.94 and you have to get it to Austria first!

Well that wasted an hour :innocent:

[R650R]

Well I've crunched the numbers and post really ripped me on my boots, cost worked out same as what I could have got them from Boyds in Hammertown...
The USA supplier did put the Gaerne box inside another box with some screwed up brown paper, YouPricks opened it according to their sticky tape on outside then closed it up and sent it.
Now that box inside would have been fine with some brown paper or bubble wrap around the outside.
The full volumetric charge of the bigger box was 10kg (about $100NZD) while the Gaerne box itself works out at 4.3kg volumetric... :(

[yevjenko]

Bugger. I think it says on you post website that they won't repack if it comes in a retail box like shoes

sent from my phone (so scuze auto correct typos)

[yevjenko]

Oops pressed send too early, the rest should have said, you should be able to have words with you post about not re packaging though off the inner box was fine

sent from my phone (so scuze auto correct typos)

[Erelyes]

Well I've crunched the numbers and post really ripped me on my boots, cost worked out same as what I could have got them from Boyds in Hammertown...
The USA supplier did put the Gaerne box inside another box with some screwed up brown paper, YouPricks opened it according to their sticky tape on outside then closed it up and sent it.
Now that box inside would have been fine with some brown paper or bubble wrap around the outside.
The full volumetric charge of the bigger box was 10kg (about $100NZD) while the Gaerne box itself works out at 4.3kg volumetric... :(

I'd query it with them.

[Moise]

More websites are using USPS now for shipping to NZ, which is often the cheapest option. If you have an Amex card, you can sign up with MyUS.com through a special link and get reduced shipping. They are good if you can combine items as they repack for free, but quite expensive for single packages. They also take photos when they open the packages. Their service is great and they ship by FedEx or DHL.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Robert Taylor]

Well I've crunched the numbers and post really ripped me on my boots, cost worked out same as what I could have got them from Boyds in Hammertown...
The USA supplier did put the Gaerne box inside another box with some screwed up brown paper, YouPricks opened it according to their sticky tape on outside then closed it up and sent it.
Now that box inside would have been fine with some brown paper or bubble wrap around the outside.
The full volumetric charge of the bigger box was 10kg (about $100NZD) while the Gaerne box itself works out at 4.3kg volumetric... :(

Yes and you would have helped to keep NZ working if you had bought from Boyds. When you lose your job because everything is being purchased offshore dont grizzle.

[R650R]

Yes and you would have helped to keep NZ working if you had bought from Boyds. When you lose your job because everything is being purchased offshore dont grizzle.

It's a function of our political masters desire to suck up to the UN and IMF/USA etc that we have abolished most trade restrictions to the point where online shopping overseas is cost effective mostly.
Along with the fake rate of inflation being an artificial freeze on wages meaning the purchasing power of average joe means they have to use the cheapest options.
Most of the jobs are already gone as the factories off shore their operations, due to govt policies/actiojns/inaction not due to consumer choice.
I like to support local but going to a real shop (or trying to buy over the phone, join the que) means:
using petrol/running costs of car/bike
waiting for shop owner to finish dealing with other customers
finding out they don't stock model/brand x or that it will have to be ordered in
Your lucky being in a niche market but soon event that will be gone and some kid in india will be revalving ohlins shocks on minimum wage after being educated at one of our polytechs/universities etc...
And just look at Torpedo7 as a great example of it being possible for kiwi to set up same business with cheaper goods.
The fact is traditional business owners aren't prepared to confront/negotiate with their suppliers/importers appropriate prices.
Online shopping has shown just how gouged we have been over the years on the prices of goods. Yes there is a cost to storage and distribution but the online companies have that too and often the local shops have never stocked the bigger ticket items so they cant claim that cost there either.

[tigertim20]

Yes and you would have helped to keep NZ working if you had bought from Boyds. When you lose your job because everything is being purchased offshore dont grizzle.

funnily enough, at my work, almost EVERYTHING we produce is sourced from overseas, so I probably don't need to worry there.
Funnily enough, its cheaper for us to import meat from aussie, canada, and Finland, then process and ship it nationally, than it is to source it in NZ

[Robert Taylor]

It's a function of our political masters desire to suck up to the UN and IMF/USA etc that we have abolished most trade restrictions to the point where online shopping overseas is cost effective mostly.
Along with the fake rate of inflation being an artificial freeze on wages meaning the purchasing power of average joe means they have to use the cheapest options.
Most of the jobs are already gone as the factories off shore their operations, due to govt policies/actiojns/inaction not due to consumer choice.
I like to support local but going to a real shop (or trying to buy over the phone, join the que) means:
using petrol/running costs of car/bike
waiting for shop owner to finish dealing with other customers
finding out they don't stock model/brand x or that it will have to be ordered in
Your lucky being in a niche market but soon event that will be gone and some kid in india will be revalving ohlins shocks on minimum wage after being educated at one of our polytechs/universities etc...
And just look at Torpedo7 as a great example of it being possible for kiwi to set up same business with cheaper goods.
The fact is traditional business owners aren't prepared to confront/negotiate with their suppliers/importers appropriate prices.
Online shopping has shown just how gouged we have been over the years on the prices of goods. Yes there is a cost to storage and distribution but the online companies have that too and often the local shops have never stocked the bigger ticket items so they cant claim that cost there either.

Like I said, dont grizzle when you lose your job.

''Negotiating with suppliers''...................you've just got no idea. Also its totally unviable for NZ companies to operate on the low number single figure margins that many US companies operate on. Given that their own economy is a total basket case these North Mexicans look to the rest of the world to dump product.

[SMOKEU]

Yes and you would have helped to keep NZ working if you had bought from Boyds. When you lose your job because everything is being purchased offshore dont grizzle.

The NZ retail industry is based upon charging as much as they can possibly get away with. It seems like just about everyone in this country wants nothing more than to rip the next cunt off. In NZ we frequently pay at least double what other countries pay for the same goods. I'm not rich so I can't affort to pay these exorbitant costs. I am happy to support local businesses, which is why I'm often prepared to pay more for things here, but only for cheap things where the difference in price isn't that big.

The only 2 things in NZ that I can think of that we don't get ripped off on is insurance and mobile phones.

[scott411]

The NZ retail industry is based upon charging as much as they can possibly get away with. It seems like just about everyone in this country wants nothing more than to rip the next cunt off. In NZ we frequently pay at least double what other countries pay for the same goods. I'm not rich so I can't affort to pay these exorbitant costs. I am happy to support local businesses, which is why I'm often prepared to pay more for things here, but only for cheap things where the difference in price isn't that big.

The only 2 things in NZ that I can think of that we don't get ripped off on is insurance and mobile phones.

i would disagree with you on the mobile phone bit, my plan in the UK was less than a quarter of what it is here, but with less than a 10th of the poeple in the same area, the network costs a bit more to run per person

[SMOKEU]

i would disagree with you on the mobile phone bit, my plan in the UK was less than a quarter of what it is here, but with less than a 10th of the poeple in the same area, the network costs a bit more to run per person

I'm not talking about the plans, but the phones themselves. Looking on newegg and eBay US sellers, we pay comparable prices here for phones.

[pritch]

Like I said, dont grizzle when you lose your job.



Sorry Robert, but some NZ businesses don't seem to have grasped that while we are a long way away, we are "connected".

I have an Accu Gage digital tyre gauge, in the US it is sold under several different brands. From the big retailers Accu Gage costs US$15.00.
On E Bay same item, different brand name, is quoted at NZ$9.21 and there are others under the fifteen dollars US.
In NZ I have seen them advertised for $90.00.
That's just taking the piss.

[yevjenko]

More websites are using USPS now for shipping to NZ, which is often the cheapest option. If you have an Amex card, you can sign up with MyUS.com through a special link and get reduced shipping. They are good if you can combine items as they repack for free, but quite expensive for single packages. They also take photos when they open the packages. Their service is great and they ship by FedEx or DHL.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I checked myus and usps. Both were more expensive than you post

sent from my phone (so scuze auto correct typos)

[Mike.Gayner]

Yes and you would have helped to keep NZ working if you had bought from Boyds. When you lose your job because everything is being purchased offshore dont grizzle.

Oh look it's RT again, here to tell everyone how evil we are for asking for REASONABLE margins on the goods we buy. Excuse me if I don't just tell you to fuck right off.

[Robert Taylor]

Oh look it's RT again, here to tell everyone how evil we are for asking for REASONABLE margins on the goods we buy. Excuse me if I don't just tell you to fuck right off.

UNLIKE MANY I can see both sides of the story and my own record is one of meeting the new realities. BUT ALSO there is a bigger picture here that many miss

[Robert Taylor]

The NZ retail industry is based upon charging as much as they can possibly get away with. It seems like just about everyone in this country wants nothing more than to rip the next cunt off. In NZ we frequently pay at least double what other countries pay for the same goods. I'm not rich so I can't affort to pay these exorbitant costs. I am happy to support local businesses, which is why I'm often prepared to pay more for things here, but only for cheap things where the difference in price isn't that big.

The only 2 things in NZ that I can think of that we don't get ripped off on is insurance and mobile phones.

Id seriously look at not tarring everyone with the same brush.......................thats an emotive and simplistic statement that places all of the NZ retail industry in the same box. VERY untrue

[SMOKEU]

Id seriously look at not tarring everyone with the same brush.......................thats an emotive and simplistic statement that places all of the NZ retail industry in the same box. VERY untrue

I've done my research, and on most items NZ retailers are a complete rip off compared to overseas. Some of the things I've bought from overseas cost exponentially more over here than they do in other countries. Why?

We pay up to double the cost here for vehicles compared to the USA, even for similar spec models (yes I know the USA models are LHD and have other differences compared to JDM or NZ models). Electronic goods like computers and components, we pay about 1/3 more here. Bike parts we often pay around double. The wages in NZ are shit, and the cost of living is very high. It's no wonder people want to import stuff from overseas, as few people here have money to burn by paying far more than they need to.

The worst rip off I've encountered was when a NZ Suzuki dealership wanted to charge me $223 for a fuel pump assembly seal, which is a routine servicing part that is small, light and takes up very little shelf space. It cost me $US20 + around $US10 shipping to import it myself. I told Suzuki to get fucked (in a nice way). Certain things are uneconomical to import for private use, such as perishable goods or large/heavy, low value items. For everything else, eBay is my first stop.

Don't even get me started on chain electronic stores like Dick Smith, Noel Leeming etc. The blatant lies they continously spout is beyond unethical, as are the prices.

[The Reibz]

Repco price markups. I lold

[Madness]

I've done my research, and on most items NZ retailers are a complete rip off compared to overseas. Some of the things I've bought from overseas cost exponentially more over here than they do in other countries. Why?

We pay up to double the cost here for vehicles compared to the USA, even for similar spec models (yes I know the USA models are LHD and have other differences compared to JDM or NZ models). Electronic goods like computers and components, we pay about 1/3 more here. Bike parts we often pay around double. The wages in NZ are shit, and the cost of living is very high. It's no wonder people want to import stuff from overseas, as few people here have money to burn by paying far more than they need to.

The worst rip off I've encountered was when a NZ Suzuki dealership wanted to charge me $223 for a fuel pump assembly seal, which is a routine servicing part that is small, light and takes up very little shelf space. It cost me $US20 + around $US10 shipping to import it myself. I told Suzuki to get fucked (in a nice way). Certain things are uneconomical to import for private use, such as perishable goods or large/heavy, low value items. For everything else, eBay is my first stop.

Don't even get me started on chain electronic stores like Dick Smith, Noel Leeming etc. The blatant lies they continously spout is beyond unethical, as are the prices.

http://www.flightcentre.co.nz/cheap/cheap-flights/africa-flights-middle-east-flights#departure=Christchurch

[SMOKEU]

http://www.flightcentre.co.nz/cheap/cheap-flights/africa-flights-middle-east-flights#departure=Christchurch

The tickets would probably be cheaper if purchased overseas.

[R650R]

Oh look it's RT again, here to tell everyone how evil we are for asking for REASONABLE margins on the goods we buy. Excuse me if I don't just tell you to fuck right off.

I hope you said that in a Ronnie Johns Chopper rendition voice, feckin post of the month :)

Yeah Smokeu got too watch those OEM prices...

[SMOKEU]

Yeah Smokeu got too watch those OEM prices...

Certainly, and what doesn't help is that fuck all parts for my bike are available from any third party sources in NZ, other than shit like filters and generic parts like tyres, levers etc.

[SPman]

Last large item I got was a Yoshi RS3 + header pipe for the FZ1, sent through USPS International Priority: cost $73.15 US. Delivery, California to our Post office....6 days! Was even better cause the $au was $1.10 against the $US!

[Robert Taylor]

I hope you said that in a Ronnie Johns Chopper rendition voice, feckin post of the month :)

Yeah Smokeu got too watch those OEM prices...

Its kind of sad that when you express an opinion its met with vituperation by someone intolerant of opposing opinions.

[Robert Taylor]

I've done my research, and on most items NZ retailers are a complete rip off compared to overseas. Some of the things I've bought from overseas cost exponentially more over here than they do in other countries. Why?

We pay up to double the cost here for vehicles compared to the USA, even for similar spec models (yes I know the USA models are LHD and have other differences compared to JDM or NZ models). Electronic goods like computers and components, we pay about 1/3 more here. Bike parts we often pay around double. The wages in NZ are shit, and the cost of living is very high. It's no wonder people want to import stuff from overseas, as few people here have money to burn by paying far more than they need to.

The worst rip off I've encountered was when a NZ Suzuki dealership wanted to charge me $223 for a fuel pump assembly seal, which is a routine servicing part that is small, light and takes up very little shelf space. It cost me $US20 + around $US10 shipping to import it myself. I told Suzuki to get fucked (in a nice way). Certain things are uneconomical to import for private use, such as perishable goods or large/heavy, low value items. For everything else, eBay is my first stop.

Don't even get me started on chain electronic stores like Dick Smith, Noel Leeming etc. The blatant lies they continously spout is beyond unethical, as are the prices.


Was that pump a genuine part with genuine quality control or was it a dodgy Chinese made copy?

In fact you havent done enough research. This is a problem in many countries, not only NZ. The situation is even worse in Australia, a country with higher wages but also higher costs that go hand in hand with that. The UK very abundantly has this issue as do a number of EC and non EC countries. South Africa also has this issue.

All the whys and wherefores have been done to death on this accursed forum and I personally am on record many times of seeing BOTH sides of the story. My own business as much as is possible meets the new realities. And ocassionally I myself buy stuff offshore but only after I have checked first if I can support MY OWN COUNTRYMEN at a reasonable buy price. And if I do get charged clearance and gst I accept that without complaining on forums that I have ''been ripped''. If businesses have to pay clearance and gst then so should private purchasers.

But lets look at another reason. Much of this issue is coming out of the US and arguably the US has caused a lot of the worlds current economic woes. Their economy is a basket case and will likely remain so If they dont get a Government that will rein in spending. Domestic consumption is a shadow of what it was. So to make up the shortfall US companies will sell everywhere. Not content with the rack and ruin that has beset many US companies they are happy to ( effectively )destabilise businesses in all other countries that will do business with them. If as occured in the past they had a strong and vibrant domestic economy they would be internally preoccupied with their sales strategies. If as has also happened in the past domestic consumption outstripped supply then they wouldnt want to know about the rest of the world. So anyone that thinks US based companies are ''our friends'' might want to rethink that, they only want our money and dont give a rats arse about how long term it may negatively affect our economy, overall.

I am personally against excessive profits and our banking institutions are a notorious example of same. I am also against speculative income which as a whole does nothing useful and has tied up the money supply. But what I am also against is international companies that sell product for very low digit margins, as little as 3-4% with many of these US companies. They will go to a supplier and ask for a buying discount on 20,000 items and then still sell at stupidly low and ultimately unsustainable margin. If we go to a supplier to negotiate our ''bargaining chip will be 200 units, thats not a bargaining chip.....

Most businesses in NZ are small and would go under in short order if operating on 3-4% margin. Of course to totally add insult to injury the volume of stuff that comes across the border with no clearance charges and gst is just criminal.

We need strong and profitable NZ businesses across the board so that ordinary everyday New Zealanders can be employed. The more we continue to buy offshore as a subsitute the more the distortions are exacerbated. We in part buy offshore because of generally low wages ( and I accept the validity of that argument ) but also this activity contributes in no small way to keeping wage rate suppressed

The most logical corrections would be something that many business people around the world are pushing for, GLOBAL PRICING and border levies and taxes applied across the board.

[Robert Taylor]

Was that pump a genuine part with genuine quality control or was it a dodgy Chinese made copy?

In fact you havent done enough research. This is a problem in many countries, not only NZ. The situation is even worse in Australia, a country with higher wages but also higher costs that go hand in hand with that. The UK very abundantly has this issue as do a number of EC and non EC countries. South Africa also has this issue.

All the whys and wherefores have been done to death on this accursed forum and I personally am on record many times of seeing BOTH sides of the story. My own business as much as is possible meets the new realities. And ocassionally I myself buy stuff offshore but only after I have checked first if I can support MY OWN COUNTRYMEN at a reasonable buy price. And if I do get charged clearance and gst I accept that without complaining on forums that I have ''been ripped''. If businesses have to pay clearance and gst then so should private purchasers.

But lets look at another reason. Much of this issue is coming out of the US and arguably the US has caused a lot of the worlds current economic woes. Their economy is a basket case and will likely remain so If they dont get a Government that will rein in spending. Domestic consumption is a shadow of what it was. So to make up the shortfall US companies will sell everywhere. Not content with the rack and ruin that has beset many US companies they are happy to ( effectively )destabilise businesses in all other countries that will do business with them. If as occured in the past they had a strong and vibrant domestic economy they would be internally preoccupied with their sales strategies. If as has also happened in the past domestic consumption outstripped supply then they wouldnt want to know about the rest of the world. So anyone that thinks US based companies are ''our friends'' might want to rethink that, they only want our money and dont give a rats arse about how long term it may negatively affect our economy, overall.

I am personally against excessive profits and our banking institutions are a notorious example of same. I am also against speculative income which as a whole does nothing useful and has tied up the money supply. But what I am also against is international companies that sell product for very low digit margins, as little as 3-4% with many of these US companies. They will go to a supplier and ask for a buying discount on 20,000 items and then still sell at stupidly low and ultimately unsustainable margin. If we go to a supplier to negotiate our ''bargaining chip will be 200 units, thats not a bargaining chip.....

Most businesses in NZ are small and would go under in short order if operating on 3-4% margin. Of course to totally add insult to injury the volume of stuff that comes across the border with no clearance charges and gst is just criminal.

We need strong and profitable NZ businesses across the board so that ordinary everyday New Zealanders can be employed. The more we continue to buy offshore as a subsitute the more the distortions are exacerbated. We in part buy offshore because of generally low wages ( and I accept the validity of that argument ) but also this activity contributes in no small way to keeping wage rate suppressed

The most logical corrections would be something that many business people around the world are pushing for, GLOBAL PRICING and border levies and taxes applied across the board.

If we dont have strong business where is most of the taxation base going to come from to fund the social services that so many expect as of right? And where is the employment going to come from?

HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THOSE ISSUES?

[SMOKEU]

Was that pump a genuine part with genuine quality control or was it a dodgy Chinese made copy?

In fact you havent done enough research. This is a problem in many countries, not only NZ. The situation is even worse in Australia, a country with higher wages but also higher costs that go hand in hand with that. The UK very abundantly has this issue as do a number of EC and non EC countries. South Africa also has this issue.

All the whys and wherefores have been done to death on this accursed forum and I personally am on record many times of seeing BOTH sides of the story. My own business as much as is possible meets the new realities. And ocassionally I myself buy stuff offshore but only after I have checked first if I can support MY OWN COUNTRYMEN at a reasonable buy price. And if I do get charged clearance and gst I accept that without complaining on forums that I have ''been ripped''. If businesses have to pay clearance and gst then so should private purchasers.

But lets look at another reason. Much of this issue is coming out of the US and arguably the US has caused a lot of the worlds current economic woes. Their economy is a basket case and will likely remain so If they dont get a Government that will rein in spending. Domestic consumption is a shadow of what it was. So to make up the shortfall US companies will sell everywhere. Not content with the rack and ruin that has beset many US companies they are happy to ( effectively )destabilise businesses in all other countries that will do business with them. If as occured in the past they had a strong and vibrant domestic economy they would be internally preoccupied with their sales strategies. If as has also happened in the past domestic consumption outstripped supply then they wouldnt want to know about the rest of the world. So anyone that thinks US based companies are ''our friends'' might want to rethink that, they only want our money and dont give a rats arse about how long term it may negatively affect our economy, overall.

I am personally against excessive profits and our banking institutions are a notorious example of same. I am also against speculative income which as a whole does nothing useful and has tied up the money supply. But what I am also against is international companies that sell product for very low digit margins, as little as 3-4% with many of these US companies. They will go to a supplier and ask for a buying discount on 20,000 items and then still sell at stupidly low and ultimately unsustainable margin. If we go to a supplier to negotiate our ''bargaining chip will be 200 units, thats not a bargaining chip.....

Most businesses in NZ are small and would go under in short order if operating on 3-4% margin. Of course to totally add insult to injury the volume of stuff that comes across the border with no clearance charges and gst is just criminal.

We need strong and profitable NZ businesses across the board so that ordinary everyday New Zealanders can be employed. The more we continue to buy offshore as a subsitute the more the distortions are exacerbated. We in part buy offshore because of generally low wages ( and I accept the validity of that argument ) but also this activity contributes in no small way to keeping wage rate suppressed

The most logical correction would be something that many business people around the world are pushing for, GLOBAL PRICING.

I wasn't after a fuel pump, it was a rubber seal. The same sort of material that fuel hoses are made from. I didn't buy an OEM one in the end, I had it custom made by a guy who does that sort of thing. It's been about a year and hasn't leaked during that time.

Getting charged tax on your imports isn't the worst thing, what's worse is when customs steals your shit and then sends a bullshit letter in the mail to justify the theft (they had no legal grounds to do so, the fucking thieving cunts). But that's a risk that has to be taken.

I do agree with many of the things you've said, but it all comes down to one thing: Goods are often (but not always) extremely overpriced in NZ, and I (like most other people), simply cannot afford to pay exorbitant fees to support the local con men (retailers). It's a vicious cycle. Another thing is that I often can't even find what I want in NZ due to the small range of available products, so buying overseas is the only option in some cases.

[R650R]

Its kind of sad that when you express an opinion its met with vituperation by someone intolerant of opposing opinions.

Funny aye think thats what the guy I quoted originally was trying to say to you in not so many words...


If we dont have strong business where is most of the taxation base going to come from to fund the social services that so many expect as of right? And where is the employment going to come from?

HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THOSE ISSUES?

Lots of people care but know that its out of our control and a little online shopping isn't going to stem the tide. The bigger handicap to our economy will be the ever increasing regulation from socialist/green driven agendas and the worldwide conjob of carbon taxes, hopefully we might have the balls top follow the aussies who've just realised that without mining and coal their economy is toast and the long travel distances would wipe out small towns under carbon taxes.
Its pretty clear we are moving to a worldwide police state, the revenue will come from fines for breaching various climate/emmision/recycling laws. The jobs will be working as one of the brownshirts snooping on your neighbours to report them for these 'crimes'

Back to topic...



Getting charged tax on your imports isn't the worst thing, what's worse is when customs steals your shit and then sends a bullshit letter in the mail to justify the theft (they had no legal grounds to do so, the fucking thieving cunts). But that's a risk that has to be taken.



What FMOTM is when they do that, its too hard to ring or email and they only seem to go to the mailbox to post stuff once or twice a week going by date on letter when I had GST on some stuff once...

[Erelyes]

Its kind of sad that when you express an opinion its met with vituperation by someone intolerant of opposing opinions.

If you're going to use words like 'vituperation' then perhaps using apostrophes as well wouldn't go a miss :Playnice:


On topic, don't get me wrong RT I have nothing wrong with supporting local value-adders. For example persons such as yourself who have expertise, services etc that are worth something.

What grinds my gears is importing a box of sox and sticking 100% on the top with the justification 'buy local'.

Y'know, the whole 'Buy NZ Made' argument and stuff.

[Robert Taylor]

Funny aye think thats what the guy I quoted originally was trying to say to you in not so many words...



Lots of people care but know that its out of our control and a little online shopping isn't going to stem the tide. The bigger handicap to our economy will be the ever increasing regulation from socialist/green driven agendas and the worldwide conjob of carbon taxes, hopefully we might have the balls top follow the aussies who've just realised that without mining and coal their economy is toast and the long travel distances would wipe out small towns under carbon taxes.
Its pretty clear we are moving to a worldwide police state, the revenue will come from fines for breaching various climate/emmision/recycling laws. The jobs will be working as one of the brownshirts snooping on your neighbours to report them for these 'crimes'

Back to topic...



What FMOTM is when they do that, its too hard to ring or email and they only seem to go to the mailbox to post stuff once or twice a week going by date on letter when I had GST on some stuff once...

Im totally with you on the destructive affects of socialist agendas and the reality that global warming is a cyclical event largely not created by mankind. The Aussie economy has in part been wrecked by 6 years of such agendas.

My argument overall is that we need balance ( not protection in the old sense but balance )

[Robert Taylor]

I wasn't after a fuel pump, it was a rubber seal. The same sort of material that fuel hoses are made from. I didn't buy an OEM one in the end, I had it custom made by a guy who does that sort of thing. It's been about a year and hasn't leaked during that time.

Getting charged tax on your imports isn't the worst thing, what's worse is when customs steals your shit and then sends a bullshit letter in the mail to justify the theft (they had no legal grounds to do so, the fucking thieving cunts). But that's a risk that has to be taken.

I do agree with many of the things you've said, but it all comes down to one thing: Goods are often (but not always) extremely overpriced in NZ, and I (like most other people), simply cannot afford to pay exorbitant fees to support the local con men (retailers). It's a vicious cycle. Another thing is that I often can't even find what I want in NZ due to the small range of available products, so buying overseas is the only option in some cases.

It probably would have helped to have clarified that reality a little better. It would also have helped if the local dealer had recognised / acknowledged that maybe there was another way where a repair like you have mentioned could have been done locally at affordable cost.

We get letters from Customs as well for one offs and accept that as just a part of business.

[The Reibz]

I wasn't after a fuel pump, it was a rubber seal. The same sort of material that fuel hoses are made from. I didn't buy an OEM one in the end, I had it custom made by a guy who does that sort of thing

RTV Red mate, $15 a tube from SCA. Hope you didn't pay to much haha
As far as NZ suppliers go. $2500 for wossner pistons and rods from the importer or 1300USD landed from the states and use the change for Youshop Fee and beer tokens

[SMOKEU]

RTV Red mate, $15 a tube from SCA. Hope you didn't pay to much haha
As far as NZ suppliers go. $2500 for wossner pistons and rods from the importer or 1300USD landed from the states and use the change for Youshop Fee and beer tokens

I've asked the bike mechanic I go to, and on here, and the general consensus was that a new seal is the only way to go as anything else is just going to cause leaks again due to being incompatible with petrol.

[Moise]

I checked myus and usps. Both were more expensive than you post

sent from my phone (so scuze auto correct typos)

Try taking 30% off the MyUS prices, then compare. As I've said, the big savings come on multiple items as they do a good job of repackaging.

[R650R]

So when you know GST and maybe duty etc payable, how long has Customs taken to send you letter for the bill???
The one other time I had this the post mark showed the feckers didn't even manage to post the letter on same day they wrote it. roughly was about 3-4 days...
Done some googling and people about the web have stated its taken up to ten days for the letter to arrive in some cases. Some pretty choice feedback appears on youshop page with people hammering post about it as they do the letters on behalf of customs.
Me thinks some low level scribe does the task on only one day of the week or something.
Seems extraordinary for a govt dept to take so long to send you the bill...

[Gremlin]

Seems extraordinary for a govt dept to take so long to send you the bill...
Up to 10 days is common, yeah. Even trying to shortcut it has mixed results. The stupid letter has the details you require, the tracking number often changes once it hits NZ, so you need the letter to get the reference to pay the bill... meanwhile... they don't seem in any hurry. They have your goods, they know you want them, so what's the rush :yawn:

:angry:

[tigertim20]

Up to 10 days is common, yeah. Even trying to shortcut it has mixed results. The stupid letter has the details you require, the tracking number often changes once it hits NZ, so you need the letter to get the reference to pay the bill... meanwhile... they don't seem in any hurry. They have your goods, they know you want them, so what's the rush :yawn:

:angry:

you can speed the process up a little by ringing every day. NZ post can give you the newly assigned NZ tracking number once it lands here, and that can be used to ring customs and find out if an invoice has been generated or not.
If it has you can pay with CC on the phone several days before the invoice arrives in your letter box.

Last time I did this, the goods arrived on my doorstep two days before the invoice arrived in my letter box

[bogan]

I'm trying ebay's global shipping atm, idea is the item gets shipped to some bloke in the US who pays NZ customs and then ships it to NZ where it doesn't incur the inspection fee/levy on account of the customs already being paid. Bit longer for shipping, but as long as it works as they reckon, it'll be a goer.

Seems like the logical progression of youshop etc, by adding the customs stage too.

Will let you guys know how it goes...

[R650R]

Up to 10 days is common, yeah. Even trying to shortcut it has mixed results. The stupid letter has the details you require, the tracking number often changes once it hits NZ, so you need the letter to get the reference to pay the bill... meanwhile... they don't seem in any hurry. They have your goods, they know you want them, so what's the rush :yawn:

:angry:

You get the feeling its a bit like this http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/gliding-on-1981 inside the customs office ;p

Yeah tiger, I might try harassing them if nothing in mail tomorrow. My USPS tracking number comes up in posts website ok.
One time with some camera gear a broker from the shipper rang me direct and sorted it out over phone, kinda like what bogan mentions...

[R650R]

Well after poking them with an email it seems the letter was already in post and arrived today.
Goods arrived middayish Monday, poked, prodded and held by customs 24hrs later (Tues).
Tuesday NZpost generates a letter saying goods held.
Weds at 2.22pm Customs actually generates an invoice/ransom demand.
Obviously not actually posted till Thursday as arrived in fast[post envelope today...

On the plus side for some reason they haven't charged me GST on the postage, just the declared value of goods, sweet :)

[Mike.Gayner]

Seems extraordinary for a govt dept to take so long to send you the bill...

That seems extraordinary to you? MAn, you haven't done much dealing with the government, have you?

[R650R]

That seems extraordinary to you? MAn, you haven't done much dealing with the government, have you?

Usually when it comes to the chance to extract money they are their with their lawyerjews and the hounds el pronto...

Goods released for delivery :wari: :wari: :wari: :wari: :wari:

[Moise]

If you use a US freight forwarder then you miss out on all of the NZ Post drama as they usually ship using an international courier.

My best NZ Post story was when the carton got damaged and it took a week for their damage assessment section to unpack the carton and decide if the goods were damaged.

I did offer to come and unpack it myself...

[R650R]

If you use a US freight forwarder then you miss out on all of the NZ Post drama as they usually ship using an international courier.

My best NZ Post story was when the carton got damaged and it took a week for their damage assessment section to unpack the carton and decide if the goods were damaged.

I did offer to come and unpack it myself...

A lot of international imports don't always go straight to NZ Post depot or whatever company you used. Often it will be packed in an airfreight bin with other goods and be unloaded at a customs bonded warehouse.
It would be entered into system as damaged pretty quick but whoevers job t is to go around and assess these claims prob has lots of places to visit during week etc so that explains your delay.
Some of these outfits are not so organised either. I used to turn up with customs clearance documents in a six wheeler truck to pick up released goods to ship down the line and sometimes it would take the feckers 20-30mins to find something. Imagine thousands of brown cardboard boxes with addresses in small writing scattered around a warehouse, even in location racking still a mission.

[bogan]

Ebay's global shipping came through for me. Product couldn't be shipped directly from amazon to NZ, but was similar price on ebay and with global shipping it was about the cheapest option out there, and since the customs man was paid his gst before it entered the country he didn't need to open in and charge the opening package fee.

[R650R]

Ebay's global shipping came through for me. Product couldn't be shipped directly from amazon to NZ, but was similar price on ebay and with global shipping it was about the cheapest option out there, and since the customs man was paid his gst before it entered the country he didn't need to open in and charge the opening package fee.

Cool. Saw some good prices on Shoei visors but not allowed to sell outside usa... We should do a group buy of consumables at some stage. PMO that they charge a bio security levy and they didn't even open my box. Wonder if you ring up and say you found some exotic insect they missed do you get a refund :devil2:

[Erelyes]

PMO that they charge a bio security levy and they didn't even open my box. Wonder if you ring up and say you found some exotic insect they missed do you get a refund :devil2:

Perhaps they scanned it, and the levy is to pay for $$$$$ whizbang x-ray machines.

[R650R]

Someone here had tyres shipped over ex USA and was still cheaper than NZ but cant remember the details.
Looking at set of decent Dualsport tyres, trying to see if worthwhile...

[yevjenko]

Someone here had tyres shipped over ex USA and was still cheaper than NZ but cant remember the details.
Looking at set of decent Dualsport tyres, trying to see if worthwhile...

This guy shipped some tyres from jakewilson. I did look but they have an embargo on sending some makes of tyres outside the us, and what they could send was about the same price as what i could get here

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/167388-Review-Jakewilson-Q3-tyres-Revzilla-2-piece-suit-amp-boots

it does take the piss that the distributors over here are charging so much to the bike shops though

[R650R]

Cheers that's just the one I was looking for. Looks like only worthwhile on superbike tyres.
Looking for new 17 and 21 dualsport tyres, buying them here in NZ looks cheapest.

[BMWST?]

i asked for the price on a small OBD "gauge" The gauge itself is 165 US,they wanted 100 bucks to ship the thing.

[yevjenko]

i asked for the price on a small OBD "gauge" The gauge itself is 165 US,they wanted 100 bucks to ship the thing.
Did you look at one of the services that will repack into smaller boxes?

[imdying]

You'd have to be a real jew to want to get tyres from overseas!

For the ODB, have you considered getting a $10 bluetooth dongle and using your phone?

[ruaphu]

You'd have to be a real jew to want to get tyres from overseas!

?

Meh, not really.

Tyres for our big cruiser run to around $750-800 bucks depending on supplier for decent hoops (not budget chite)

A local of KB here put me onto jakewilson.com. They had a front and rear landed at my door for the same price as a rear tyre sourced locally. It left $250 in my back pocket for other bike bits, eventually spent at my local bike shop.

I tried to negotiate a semi decent price with local tyre resellers but no luck, their loss my gain.

The local bike shop i frequent still fitted and balanced em. They know the score. They still supply all the other consumables and servicing i can't be bothered doing and replacement biker gear when we want/need it. They order in chite we want when we show em stuff from the interweb. So bottom line they get their moneys worth outta us.

Can't see the issue really of importing my tyres if of it makes my dollar go further, more so if save a decent amount, to me $250 is a decent amount, nothin jew about it. Granted, ya hav to be daft to do it for nickel and dime savings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gremlin]

You'd have to be a real jew to want to get tyres from overseas!
Unless you're just trying to have fun, there can be a marked price difference between here and overseas.

When I enquired about the Mich PR3 Trail arriving, I was told 6 months away, when they were available in the USA. Ordered in a set for a mate and I simply because you couldn't buy them here. Then they fooken pitch up a month or two later... More recently tho, the tyres are arriving soon after launch, reasonable price (aka, not too much gouging) so no point bringing in.