Postage from the States

Some years ago, I used to get electronic kit that was cheaper/ more readily available from the States. Postage was never a problem.

More recently I have wanted to buy things but the postage quoted generally puts it out of court. For instance item cost £20, postage £80.

Yet Amazon will bring a book of similar weight over for £2.50.

Any comments on what is going on?

 

Thanks for the interest Laura. I know I posted an extreme case but yes this was a recent shipping quote for a pulse generator listed on Ebaydotcom. However the principal seems to apply as shipping often seems to be in the £50+ range to the Uk , although only a few dollars to the US, so I don't think the vendors are on the make.

There are several recycling outfits in the US that offer some quite attractive gear, but it is just not worth bidding because of the exhorbitant postage. There are also quite a few in the UK but their stock is different.

I have never bought new electronics kit from the American Amazon, so I don't know their costs, but books (some quite weighty) I have had through them from the States have only been subject to a 'standard' £2.50 shipping charge. I did have several new pieces of kit from Sabtronics - their shipping was very reasonable.

I find that shipping from Hong Kong / China can be several times the value of the goods because the goods are so cheap, but the costs are usually in the £5 to £15 range.

As a comparison I can get a carrier to collect and deliver a standard box (i.e. one that one man can handle on and off the van) anywhere in the UK for £10 - £15.

 

The US mail does have cheaper rates for books, CD's and such (Media Mail). USPS costs do seem high for boxed items. Not sure why.

http://ircalc.usps.gov/

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