Youshop - Argh!!!

**Navy Boy** · 16th October 2018, 16:28

Originally Posted by SaferRides

For a long time, USPS (US Postal Service) was the cheapest option for sending smallish items from the US to NZ. They are usually reasonably quick also, especially from the west coast. Most companies don't use them as they ship using UPS or Fedex within the US, and don't want to use someone different for international.

But UPS and Fedex now offer an international service that uses NZ Post for delivery in NZ, like USPS. Partzilla use this, although it can be a bit slow. I note that MyUS.com also offer the same service as a low-cost but slower option to their normal international freight.

Quite a few places offer flat rate shipping to NZ now, e.g. Revzilla, although there's a long list of items they won't ship internationally. MyUS.com charge by weight only so they are good for bulky items. It definitely pays to look at the options.

Thanks - Interesting points there. The battery was shipped dry with the electrolyte in the same box and sealed up.

**Swoop** · 16th October 2018, 19:18

Originally Posted by Black Knight

While on this subject my main grizzle is the amount of freight cost involved in buying out of Merica-sometimes more than the actual item.

I've experienced the same and thought they were just adding extra mark-up on the shipping. It turns out that a lot of companies buy in to use a shipping company. They get a cut-price shipping deal since this bigger company can negotiate cheaper rates than what the seller could usually get. The customer gets shagged over, as per normal.

I've asked companies to just ship via USPS but they refuse as their "company policy" is already set in stone.
I want to use surface mail at some locations... "not an available option" is the standard reply.

**pete376403** · 16th October 2018, 21:01

I've mentioned shipito.com before. They *can* cost more than others, but they offer every freight co from USPS (slow, take your chances) to Fedex (next day if you want to pay).
I haven't had any issues getting parts from USA with Shipito.

**SaferRides** · 16th October 2018, 22:49

Originally Posted by Navy Boy

Thanks - Interesting points there. The battery was shipped dry with the electrolyte in the same box and sealed up.

Interesting, especially because they wouldn't ship some used coils to me because they "smelled like gas".

**jasonu** · 17th October 2018, 02:21

Originally Posted by Swoop

I've experienced the same and thought they were just adding extra mark-up on the shipping. It turns out that a lot of companies buy in to use a shipping company. They get a cut-price shipping deal since this bigger company can negotiate cheaper rates than what the seller could usually get. The customer gets shagged over, as per normal.

I've asked companies to just ship via USPS but they refuse as their "company policy" is already set in stone.
I want to use surface mail at some locations... "not an available option" is the standard reply.

Unfortunately there is no more USPS international surface mail.

**jasonu** · 17th October 2018, 02:21

Originally Posted by SaferRides

they wouldn't ship some used coils to me because they "smelled like gas".

Quite right too.

**Swoop** · 17th October 2018, 19:41

Originally Posted by jasonu

Unfortunately there is no more USPS international surface mail.

I'm keen on any surface mail, if available.
Those who can actually plan ahead (like we needed to in the 70's & 80's) can make use of this form of delivery, instead of the "shiny, new, must have, NOW!" brigade requiring it on a "24hr delivered to your door".

**HenryDorsetCase** · 18th October 2018, 10:17

Originally Posted by Swoop

I'm keen on any surface mail, if available.
Those who can actually plan ahead (like we needed to in the 70's & 80's) can make use of this form of delivery, instead of the "shiny, new, must have, NOW!" brigade requiring it on a "24hr delivered to your door".

Awwww grandad, write a letter to your MP!

;-)

**russd7** · 18th October 2018, 19:39

Originally Posted by Swoop

I'm keen on any surface mail, if available.
Those who can actually plan ahead (like we needed to in the 70's & 80's) can make use of this form of delivery, instead of the "shiny, new, must have, NOW!" brigade requiring it on a "24hr delivered to your door".

excuse me, 72 hrs from the states to our back door and it takes over a week to get something from christchurch

used to have them airmail stickers to put on letters that used to get the letter to Nanna a day quicker. was awesome cause it meant she could write back quicker