Thread: jet clamps

Yep, the Post services have gotten quite precious about the overall length of parcels - Rockler used to send 48" T-track by Air, but they are now required to have all air parcels under 1 metre/39 inches - hacksaw time. Lee Valley had the same problem. I believe that surface parcels are still under the same restrictions as air used to be - L + W + D has to be <1.8m or 6 ft.

Oh, and UPS suck - they are slower than air & will try to hit you for an additional $60-$70 in 'Customs duty' when the parcel arrives, even tho' there is no duty actually payable, UPS seems to just pocket it if you pay, but will cave in if you show a knowledge of Australian Customs regulations/proceedures - probably don't want anyone looking too hard at their business.

I did the same thing , except they emailed that they would have to change the original shipping of US$72 to US$392, making US$492 for four clamps. That's around oz-pesos$600 or $150/clamp. Now 50" is 127cm and Northwood has the Bessy K-150 for $115 (+shipping!). I'll get the Bessey's if I need it now, otherwise wait...

Rob

Originally Posted by bsrlee

Y
Oh, and UPS suck - they are slower than air & will try to hit you for an additional $60-$70 in 'Customs duty' when the parcel arrives, even tho' there is no duty actually payable.

It only took me a little time to work out the scam, but the hassle is too great to fight them. I ask any supplier to use USPS (United States Postal Service) and the stuff comes in as a normal parcel, to my door, by Australia Post. USPS has a bad reputation in the US but I've not had any problems with international shipping with them. And they're cheaper.
Cheers
Graeme

Originally Posted by gpsmith

I have cancelled the order and will have to wait until they finally land in Oz.

Any news when that may be? I sent an email to Jet to ask if the Oz distributors will be selling them, but have had no reply.

I have a good friend that works at Rockler.

I phoned him after seeing this post back in April and asked him to put 4 away for me.

Picked them up when I was there last week and they are extremly good - especially when you get 2 for 1. US$49.50 for 2.

Cant wait to see them in Oz - will definately buy some more.

woodcutta

Originally Posted by graemet

It only took me a little time to work out the scam, but the hassle is too great to fight them. I ask any supplier to use USPS (United States Postal Service) and the stuff comes in as a normal parcel, to my door, by Australia Post. USPS has a bad reputation in the US but I've not had any problems with international shipping with them. And they're cheaper.
Cheers
Graeme

I rang them and after a robust discussion they agreed to waive the opening fee. These air freight mobs must love the internet. Ozzie Post have recently eliminated sea freight outwards from Australia and this would be another scam to raise revenue.

I've got an order that I will be sending to LV this week, it'll be about $600AUD all up and UPS seem to offer a cheaper air freight service than the standard air freight company that LV use.

However, I'm wary about this $60-70 "Customs Duty" that some forum members have incurred. I assume that being a Canadian company LV can't use USPS and am interested in what "triggers" the UPS Customs charge and how I can avoid it if possible...

cheers

Acolyte

UPS just whack everyone with the charges & hope you pay up, as there is really no grounds for the charge - they have been paid to deliver the goods already at the US/Canadian end, and if the goods are under $1000AU in value, no duty or GST is payable (Aust. Customs decision) & Customs don't take more than a cursory glance at the packing slip to see if anything 'naughty' is in there - seems they have a fetish about axes for starters.

The drop in UPS rates to Australia MAY reflect a loss of buisness caused by these 'fees' being charged on top of the initial charge - if UPS is more than $50US under USPS or CanadaPost then it becomes worthwhile - you are just paying the freight cost in 2 installments & they don't get the second one until you get the parcel.

Originally Posted by Acolyte

I've got an order that I will be sending to LV this week, it'll be about $600AUD all up and UPS seem to offer a cheaper air freight service than the standard air freight company that LV use.

However, I'm wary about this $60-70 "Customs Duty" that some forum members have incurred. I assume that being a Canadian company LV can't use USPS and am interested in what "triggers" the UPS Customs charge and how I can avoid it if possible...

cheers

Acolyte

EVERY parcel that UPS freights into Australia attracts this charge. They call it a customs opening fee, I don't know if other companies such as Fedex do the same thing. I have recieved parcels via UPS and they definitley were not opened, I just copped the fee. I will never again use them for anything. When I argued with them last time they waived it and said they would not do it again. Needless to say they won't have the opportunity and I told them so. It is a blatant rip off and I am sure they are making a lot of money from it.

Guys,

Thanks for the reply - the difference in air freight pricing between Xpresspost and UPS Express is $42USD (UPS cheaper), so it may be worth trying UPS this time and then refusing to pay the fee, especially as the shipping docket on the outside of the parcel will show the total order value is (now) less than $500AUD.

Do UPS invoice you for the "customs opening fee" or do they charge it to your credit card at the Canadian end?

Originally Posted by Acolyte

Guys,

Thanks for the reply - the difference in air freight pricing between Xpresspost and UPS Express is $42USD (UPS cheaper), so it may be worth trying UPS this time and then refusing to pay the fee, especially as the shipping docket on the outside of the parcel will show the total order value is (now) less than $500AUD.

Do UPS invoice you for the "customs opening fee" or do they charge it to your credit card at the Canadian end?

They ring you and request the payment from memory. Why use an express service of any kind, just use regular post, it is only 6 days from the US.

Mini,

The postage options quoted by LV for my order are as follows:

Surface Mail 8-12 Weeks $69.65
*Xpresspost 8-10 Business Days $129.30
*UPS Express 5-6 Days to Major Centers $90.92

So there is no "regular post" otion - I suspect that as LV are a Canadian company they don't have the flexibility in posatge options that US companies do. I'd love to use USPS but this isn't an option with orders from LV.

cheers



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