Shop from USA, Ship to Australia

[rod1949]

Shop from USA, Ship to AU (http://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=ChlvZIVvJUIPZAcqtmgXTnYHADNWJ29YC7eCn8UK1zPqimQEQASD93_QBULmE7-H5_____wFgpaiqgKgBoAGjwb7mA8gBAagDAcgDnwSqBIQBT9Aeg2OQJvdFaF84etVsNeUXXlcqstb9eRTNLrAzkyyu6UfTuN_yl1lRPoPLb-wEW4p7MUMSTYEyhUK5pAfNSzJMZ0KpwyrIlGHG3z6dh2avXZQmdd0c5Fk_bXRhcbbWwcCMCTNAeKpLD12hdlJ8xHmKsjsSdqMbFKvgUa5sDcJN90dqiAYBgAfFvsEZ&num=1&cid=5GguFXjWxOtSlHWEpBiRwYBm&sig=AOD64_1b2IM8y1bYEWKC3-iexCSm1u6qOA&client=ca-pub-9333841639456719&adurl=http://www.comgateway.com/2012/start-register.do%3Fl%3Den%26c%3DAU%26cId%3DSEM2-shop-any-US-Online-Store-AU&nm=57&nx=164&ny=13&mb=2)
Shop USA Online (http://www.comgateway.com)

Curious to know if anyone has used this mob to do this?

Thanks

Rod

[Bushmiller]

Rod

I think quite a few forumites would be interested to hear more about this one. Actually is that two sites as only the Shop USA Online would open for me?

Regards
Paul

[malb]

Haven't used that one but have worked with PriceUSA (http://www,priceusa.com.au) before. Based in outer suburbs of Melb, will take your product and source info, then quote delivered cost to your door.
If you accept quote, you transfer funds locally, they transfer funds and order to their US agent, goods delivered to agent and forwarded to you. You have some selection of shipping method, transit insurance, etc. Very good communication via email, ie order transfered to agent, placed with supplier, goods arrived at agents, goods forwarded etc.
If requested, and you are getting goods from multiple sources, they can hold goods and consolidate into a single shipment for you.
Some price premiums apply, they have a service fee, and a their currency conversion has a commission. Most things I am looking for in US will direct ship to Aus, but some places drop ship direct from supplier and the supplier won't ship here if they have a local agent or the product has user zoning eg DVD's etc via Amazon.

[Pac man]

Have used Shipito not this one.

Consolidation is the way to go. Buy what you like. Store up to 90 days. Before the 90 days ends consolidate your items and send home.
Fee to join yearly or by the month. 2.50 per package into the mailbox. They also take photos of contents as the packages arrive so thats been good for ebay etc.One off charge to consolidate.
Shipito charge a premium to buy on your behalf.

Communication is sometimes a bit iffy. 11kg in a 26 x 10 x10 box with fees via TNT express (1-4 days) was quoted at $114 ( and fees added on top)

Would like to hear from someone that has tried bongous as they offer addresses in Europe as well.

[two40]

Haven't used that one but have worked with PriceUSA (http://www,priceusa.com.au) before.

I have also used Price USA with great success in the past. Would have no hesitation in using them again. Their fees have actually reduced since the last time I used them as well which is good to see.

[delbs]

Thanks to a recommendation from a friend i decided to purchase some MLCS router bits from Amazon through Comgateway. I hear good things about them so once it shows up i will post my experience with them :)

[rsser]

I buy quite a lot of stuff of various kinds from the US.

The prob. that service addresses is exclusive retailing arrangements but with common items I've often found an online retailer who doesn't give a sh*t and is happy to sell wherever.

Outside of that there's a lot of variation in shipping costs and with multiple online retailers it's worth checking them all.

Can see the value in a service that will consolidate a bunch of small items.

It's sometimes also worth looking at Europe. Last winter I got a set of X-country skis that no local shop could supply (would've been my pref) from France shipped for $80! It went by land to Germany, air to US, air to Sydney, and land to Melb. Now how can some US retailers charge the same for a shoe box size parcel?! .... using the same courier.