Brian Owen, ShopBot Wrote:
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> Wazza,
>
> I'll look at what the shipping options are to
> Australia on the store--international shipping is
> always shockingly expensive--plus the customs fees
> in some countries are outrageous. Our low cost opt
> ion, FedEx Ground, doesn't do international shipme
> nts--so we have to use Express for those unfortuna
> tely.
>
> I can get you a new set of rubber pads though
> . I'm gonna figure out if we can ship them more ch
> eaply first!!
I always ask for USPS, cheapest service, normal delivery time and no tracking. During the last 10 years I have been getting between around 40 to 50 parcels from the US per year, value from 20 to 800 dollars. Some have very delicate items, like 10" squares of glass.
I have never ever lost or had damage to any parcel.
The courier companies (UPS, Fedex, DHL) are horribly expensive for small parcels, the cost of freight is completely out of proportion to the cost of the items.
For some strange reason, it is almost always a fight to get the company in the US to deliver via USPS. Even if I sign and email a note declaring that I will not make any claims and that I assume all responsibility for loss or damage. After all it is my money that is being wasted on exorbitant freight charges.
I don't know USPS reputation with local deliveries, but, in my experience, their international service is without fault.
I congratulate you for your willingness to look at this matter and research cheaper delivery options. Another sign of good customer service.
Best regards, seachange