Safety of buying expensive items from US via forwarding service

Jackson on 07/05/2014 - 21:53

Hi all, I have been in the market for a 17" laptop, size being the main factor and not grunt. I noticed that there is a model (Toshiba L75) selling in the US on Amazon for under 500, but I can't source it locally for anywhere near that.

I am wondering if it's safe to get something like this, which will probably be bleeding obvious what it is looking at the box, sent via a postal forwarding service and what protection are I place to ensure my unit arrives, and if anyone else has done it if they can share their experience?

Also would anyone be able to recommend a service and how much do you think it will cost

General Discussion

Comments

  • 2ndeffort on 07/05/2014 - 22:35

    I have never bought a laptop this way but have bought way more than $500 of stuff via mail forwarders. You know that the power supply will be US and you also need to check the warranty to see if it is international or just US.

    There are loads of mail forwarders, there is a thread somewhere on the boards about them. I am not happy with my regular one at the moment so I wont recommend them. Most of the forwarders I have used were reliable and offered a range of postage and insurance options. If you are worried something might go missing in transit my recommendation would be to have the package insured. it might cost a little more for postage but maybe worth it to post. I have bought Swiss watches worth several thousand $$ this way and never had any problems.

    • Lichen6420 on 07/05/2014 - 23:58

      Laptop power supplies are multi-voltage so it will be fine here. But you might need a plug adapter, however many brands include multiple 'ends' to suit various countries. I have used Shipito for a few years now and can recommend them. You have the option of full insurance coverage and obtaining actual photographs of your item when it arrives to them for a small fee.

  • sk3iron on 08/05/2014 - 07:58

    Some mail forwarders offer an open and inspect option, they check for dead pixels and such before sending it on, I have known others to then successfully argue the product as "second hand" to avoid pesky import taxes :D

  • janeymac on 08/05/2014 - 16:39

    You can also try websites that deliver to Australia.

    My friend bought a laptop from adorama.com from the US, and it cost a couple of hundred to deliver to Australia, but he got it within a week or two. Including clearance fees from customs (the laptop was over $1000), it was still cheaper than the price available from Australia.

    Another good website is bhphoto.com, also from the US. These both sell photography equipment, but they do laptops as well. If you email them to ask about exchanges and refunds, they usually answer within 24 hours.

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