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-- Ordering from outside the U.S. (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=352)

I've ordered two visor deluxes by phone from Australia. I was told I have to provide a shipping address inside the U.S. so I left that field free for the time being.
Does anyone know if there are any companies that provide a U.S. shipping address and will then forward the goods to countries overseas? Or is there some other solution?
Thanks in advance.

Solferino, I have the same problem (ie. Sydney resident) although I haven't yet ordered mine. I suspect getting friends in the US to serve as an intermediate may be the only solution.

Ideas anyone?

(btw - did you have any problems giving an Australian billing address?)

No, no problems giving an australian billing address.

At the moment I'm investigating whether the major courier companies (DHL etc.) provide some sort of service as a solution to this problem.

I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one interested if you discover a solution... keep us posted.

(Incidentally, I was amused to see an Australian news story last night on the Visor - Channel 9 I think, and just syndicated from the US' ABC... pitty they won't actually ship them here yet!)

Don't feel bad, I am a U.S. military member stationed in Germany. I have a U.S. APO box number which includes an U.S. zip code and they still haven't figured out IF they can send me one, I will probably receive my Visor about the time the third new upgraded model is released.

By the way, if you cannot find anyone to send your Visor to you, let me know. My parents in the states send me thing all the time because companies are too stupid to realize the market over seas and even with US citizens working overseas. Since my mother works for the post office, I am sure I could get her to forward a few other parcels.

I've debated roping in a friend in the US to act as postman for me, too. (Sydney, AU, aswell).

If I did, what would the situation be with regard to support and what's Handspring's warranty policy like? International?

I'm all for cutting edge gizmo's but talking to US techsupport would be a killer. And I've sent and received enough parcels to the United States to know how costly it can be.

Merry, I would have thought that the warranty etc. would be 'attached' to the billing name & address, not the shipping...? But I guess its still a long way if things go wrong.

Any idea how much it will cost to ship a Visor to the land of Oz? (I know I'm not going to like the answer).

Trace, thanks for the offer of a mail 'go-between'.


[This message has been edited by dj (edited 10-11-1999).]

[This message has been edited by dj (edited 10-11-1999).]

dj, you're right--you won't like the answer. Well, you might, depending on how much you trust the US postal service (no offence to Trace's mother!). But the fact is, if I ordered a visor, I'd be wanting to have it sent registered post at the very least, preferably not by surface mail (in order to receive it before it's released in Oz!) and ideally by courier. Each of these options adds to the cost.

I had a look at the DHL site for the cost of their air courier service, but couldn't see anything much. And any price you find will have to negotiate through a weak Australia->US exchange rate.

That said, I've bought a few things from Amazon and their shipping costs weren't too bad, especially in bulk. Hee, we could syndicate a bulk deal in time for Christmas, maybe...?

Heh. I found DHL's rate converter:

2.5 Lbs Non Dutiable Shipment From MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94043
To SYDNEY, (AU)

The cost of your shipment is $ 70.80

Dunno if it's anywhere in the ball park, but it is illustrative. Trace, do you have any idea how much registered post through the US postal service is?

Ouch!

Earlier when I was investigating getting a Palm III from the US (through PDAzone - http://go.to/pdazone) I was quoted US$15 shipping to Sydney - which still seems amazingly cheap...

[This message has been edited by dj (edited 10-12-1999).]

According to Handpring's web site, they are going to hire a General Manager for Europe and Japan by Spring 2000.

Apparently they will have repair and distribution from somewhere in Europe and Asia by mid-next year. Doesn't help you Aussies now, but if your Visor don't need repairs till then, you'll be OK.

It is pretty steep, dj, but that's a 'couple of days' delivery rate. If you're prepared to wait longer, it's obviously much cheaper.

I have to say, though, it's getting all too tempting...Heh, maybe we should offer to setup as Handspring agents in Oz. Might get a freebie.

Sounds good.

Maybe we should just form some sort of consortium and then *fly* someone over to act as a courier... Ahhh... the tyranny of distance.

A corporate junket? I like it!

Overseas rates are extremely expensive if you're not a customer. So it's always much cheaper to pay HS for sending it via UPS (or so). I use UPS and get 45% discount, should be a bit more for HS as they send tons a day (soon, hopefully).

At least you can pay for the goods. I checked with HS early and ask specifically if I can pay (Credit card in Hong Kong) and ship to an address in Hong Kong - answer: no problem (note: many sellers don't do that).

You gave a Hong Kong delivery address as well as a HK billing address, HipHop?? I thought this was precisely what they wouldn't let you do. Or did you arrange UPS delivery from a contact in the US in two 'hops'? If you could clarify the situation, I'd be grateful. All this discussion of alternative delivery options was precisely because we couldn't just give them an Australian address to send the visors to...

If you get the visor, I'm ordering the very next day!

Thanks,

Merry