Oz pentaxians - UPS worldwide saver vs international express vs priority

raider · 10-31-2009, 05:20 PM

Hi,

Just a quick question. I am gonna order the Sigma 105 macro for wifey from BHPhoto and there are 4 delivery options. The FedEX is the most costly one and the UPS worldwide saver, international express and international priority mail are about the same cost.

Which of these 3 options is the best way to send a lens from USA to Australia? I am in Perth by the way.

creampuff · 10-31-2009, 06:47 PM

Ever considered asking someone to get it for you from Singapore? or Hongkong? With registered mail, it might be a cheaper option.

Daemos · 10-31-2009, 09:12 PM

I'm in Canada and will be moving to Australia soon (2 mo), but unfortunately unlike Australia, anything worth over $50 we are charged taxes, duties, and brokerage fees =(

I would think anything with tracking and insurance should suffice though.

**Damn Brit** · 10-31-2009, 09:22 PM

What has this got to do with DSLRs? Please be careful where you post.
Moved to General Talk.

*RichardS* · 11-01-2009, 12:02 AM

I picked UPS and had no problems. It might vary from location to location, so you should check what their delivery policy is in Perth. e.g. will they leave it on your doorstep if nobody's home or will they drop it off at the nearest post office with a card in your letterbox.

Richard.

*wwwmorrell* · 11-01-2009, 12:27 AM

Stick with USPS, It will be delivered here in Oz by Australia Post.

With UPS it could end up being delivered by any local courier service.

Have had both UPS & USPS deliveries from B&H & always USPS have been quicker & more reliable.

*Ash* · 11-01-2009, 12:37 AM

I've always gone with UPS worldsaver - cheap, and the fastest (according to B&H) of the lot. I've never been disappointed. Always within 4 business days, and delivered to your door not by a local courier but by an Australian Post contractor.

raider · 11-01-2009, 01:04 AM

Thanks for the feedback.

If I get other camera stuff such as a lowepro bag, K-7 batteries, etc along with the Sigma 105 I am intending to buy, all of which total not more than A$1000, will I be required to pay any tax for the bag when the customs clear the item? I know camera bodies and lenses are tax free, but are camera bags, batteries, etc taxable items?

xjjohnno · 11-01-2009, 01:28 AM

$1000 is the start point for duty on incoming goods. I can't say I'd ever heard of lenses and cameras being exempt though and I can't say whether the value includes the shipping cost.

raider · 11-01-2009, 03:22 AM

Yes. You are right. I just checked the customs website. Any goods less than A$1000 are tax free, and that includes bags, tripods, etc etc.

pop4 · 11-01-2009, 07:15 AM

If the total amount of the goods coming in, including postage, is <$1000, then there is no duty or GST charged on it.

Camera gear also does not attract customs duty anyway, however if the total amount is >$1000, then there will be GST, but not duty, charged on the whole amount.

schmik · 11-01-2009, 05:19 PM

I just got a flash and additional k7 battery from B&H. I used internatioanl priority as it was cheapest.
It took 13 days to sydney and i had to go to the postoffice to pick it up... better that than leaving it out for the dog to chew... as has happened in the past.

mike

joele · 11-01-2009, 07:37 PM

Fedex is a PITA (i have a thread complaining about them) and slower in my experience.

Last Friday morning I ordered from Adorama via UPS, it is the cheapest option yet it arrived this morning (Monday)... fast enough if you ask me ;-)

*James S* · 11-02-2009, 01:57 AM

If you are in Brisbane UPS delivers parcels themselves. USPS is by Oz Post, and obviously Fedex deliver themselves. My mate has placed three seperate orders from B&H and used UPS and all have arrived in Brisban inside 4 business days.

raider · 11-02-2009, 03:18 AM

Okay. It seems UPS is the best way to go. Will take note. Thanks for all the valuable feedbacks.

Cheers
Raider