Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Aug 14, 2009 4:17 pm We're in the process of renovating an art-deco unit in Sydney and in the USA there's a much wider range and cheaper prices (>50% less) for deco stuff (particularly lighting and accessories like ceiling fans) which even after paying for shipping, duty & GST work out much cheaper. For example this fan is US$ 248.00 (A$295) but sold here for A$649!! Bongo International is a consolidator and shipping company that provides a USA address for your orders for US$5 for single use or US$15/Month (min 3 months) for multiple orders. Has anyone used them and/or are there any other companies worth trying? Apart from compliance with Australian regs/voltages, are there any other things to consider? Re: Anyone used consolidator to import from USA? 2Aug 14, 2009 6:48 pm I haven't personally used the company that you've listed but I buy products over the net from all over the world on a weekly basis. Good luck! Our house thread: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=18335 Re: Anyone used consolidator to import from USA? 3Aug 18, 2009 7:57 am Hi Pewit Even when comparative prices are low overseas this does not necessarily mean cheaper costs. You have to look at customs regulations and more specifically at individual components this is why you may need a good customs agent/freight forwarder that can assess quota or other protective measures and estimate the costs of importation vis a vis price/cost/volume relationship. Now based on that you either have a choice of airfreight or seafreight and a consolidation is not really a good idea because it will increase your original cost of freight hence customs clearance and transaction costs. Other than that just open the freight directory and you'll find many freight forwarders. Re: Anyone used consolidator to import from USA? 5Aug 24, 2009 11:04 pm Pewit Hmm - I would have thought that shipping multiple objects from different suppliers one at a time would always work out more expensive than shipping the whole lot in one go. Cheaper if it is a full container but more expensive if it is les than a container load since the freight forwarder will have to consolidate the cargo with someone else load and hopefully fill the container to destination in the most direct route otherwise is transhipment involved through few more stop over and this is when breakage or pillage may happen the consolidator may not tell you that so he/she is not liable. Re: Anyone used consolidator to import from USA? 6Aug 25, 2009 10:03 pm I am in the process of renovating an art deco home in Sydney... We have found ebay to be our friend. We have also met some people that share our passion and have helped us source items. Are you looking to purchase originals or reproductions? What are you looking for besides lighting (I may be able to help)? Re: Anyone used consolidator to import from USA? 7Aug 25, 2009 11:45 pm I've also been looking at eBay plus I have a huge list of Bookmarks for both deco originals and repro items. Currently we're looking for: - Rectangular 6/8 seater Dining Table & Chairs (dark wood, pref solid timber) - Sideboard to match the above - Chrome Sconces x2 - Uplight wall lights (2 sets x 4) - Coffee table (inlaid, dark wood, pref solid timber, 1M+ long) - Skyscraper shelf unit - Deco Rug (Cadry's want A$13K! for a 2x3M Florence Broadhurst rug! - but I can get thisin the USA for A$834 and a Perth supplier has offered a "look-alike" for A$6K) - Floor/reading light combo We've also been to the repro stores like Recollections (good for lights) and Coco Republic (some furniture and lights but $$$). Re: Anyone used consolidator to import from USA? 8Aug 28, 2009 12:32 pm Just be careful when getting things in from other countries - particularly electrical and plumbing goods - and particularly North America. Electricity in North America is all 110 volts so you have to make sure things like ceiling fans can handle 240 volts. Also the plumbing fixtures are different sizes, and may even be illegal if they aren't rated to Australian specifications (e.g. WELS - because of the drought/water restrictions) Things like furniture and even speakers are ok except that you may also be charged sales tax when it gets to Australia! After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! As title suggests, looking at using the interlocking Pentablock stacked stone products to replace failing timber retaining… 0 17880 there is only 20% difference in concrete strength between 20 mpa and 25 mpa, so check with your engineer first if it fits his calculation tolerances. There are ways to… 6 18304 Wish you all the best. Once you signed the contract, they will find millions excuses to charge you. And have seen their sites unfinished for a long time. 4 24834 |