Alternatives to Australia Post for Sending Parcels Overseas

savemore on 20/08/2023 - 19:14
Last edited 20/08/2023 - 21:09 by 1 other user

Hi, did a search on the topic, but wasn't able to find anything recent.

I've been asked to send a number of vinyl records overseas (to Sweden) and have found that sending it all in one parcel with is more cost effective than sending each separately. The weight is 6.65 kg and the cost is approx. $152 with Australia Post.

This seems a lot (and yes, I'm aware that the cost of posting overseas went up over COVID and continues to increase each year). I'm interested in knowing if there are any other options that I should consider, or do I just stick with Aust Post?

TIA
savemore

General Discussion

Comments

  • garetz on 20/08/2023 - 19:38
    +2

    Maybe look at sea faring options, that would be the cheapest available. However unless packaged well records can easily crack.

    its crazy that something that would of cost $60-80 in postage a few years back is now $260-80.

    • savemore on 20/08/2023 - 19:57

      They are sandwiched between thick cardborard and then wrapped in bubble wrap.

  • Muzeeb on 20/08/2023 - 19:40

    Nearly 7kg would cost close to $40 from Sydney to Perth so $150 to Sweden seems reasonable.

  • jv on 20/08/2023 - 19:52
    -2

    Mule.

  • DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 20/08/2023 - 19:56
    +1

    Fedex, DHL, UPS and Sendle.

    https://try.sendle.com/en-au/international

    • savemore on 20/08/2023 - 19:58

      Not sure that Sendle is available where I live (Regional SA Town)

      • DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 20/08/2023 - 20:06
        +2

        $152 for 7kg from regional SA to Sweden sounds reasonable now.
        That's gotta be like 30 records?

        • savemore on 20/08/2023 - 20:09

          9 vinyl records (a couple of 2LP Gatefolds) also 2 magazines added 2kg.

  • Protractor on 20/08/2023 - 20:02
    -4

    Yeah but the bonus is once it leaves Australia , the whole process gets to experience all the things Apost can't provide here.

    Accurate tracking,reliability, fit for purpose logistics,and a greater than 60% chance of (a) getting it delivered -at all- and (b) without the attitude.
    Of course their preferred OS model, ( as rejected by international business partners), is throwing it over the side as they enter the northern hemisphere and hoping it drifts to Sweden, eventually. Much like their terrestrial service model here.

  • CurlCurl on 20/08/2023 - 20:25

    I would check DHL and Fed X. You would need to get the parcel to them.

  • djsweet on 20/08/2023 - 20:48
    +3

    Auspost courier service uses DHL under the hood. And for some bizarre reason is actually cheaper than buying DHL directly. The rate you have there is somewhat reasonable, and I doubt you’ll do much better (unless you do seamail or something - if that’s even available at the moment)

  • uk3000 on 20/08/2023 - 22:02
    +1

    Try https://au.interparcel.com.

  • vibrate on 21/08/2023 - 06:06

    Sign up for Aus Post business account, gives a decent discount.

  • munecito on 21/08/2023 - 07:51

    Get a quote from pack n'send

  • Hirolol on 21/08/2023 - 08:03

    We found ups cheapest when sending to Japan
    Sounds like the price you got is similar.
    We used to pay around $100 so $150~ to Sweden is not too bad.

  • jetblack on 21/08/2023 - 08:24

    Check if the Mypost Business accounts through auspost still have the introductory 30% discount. They call it a business account, but you don't need an abn and it's basically a loyalty program with discounts increasing as you send more stuff.

  • backpaqer on 21/08/2023 - 11:16
    +2

    A friend launched something on kickstarter, and when it came time to send things to people across the globe he did the numbers and it was cheaper for him to load up all his stuff, pay excess luggage, fly to the US, spend a few nights in a hotel there and post things locally, then get on another plane, fly to Europe and same thing hotels and local postage than what it would have cost him to send individually via AusPost.

    Another option was to fly to China and then ship everything from there as their postage is heavily subsidised.

    But for $150 to Sweden - I guess the recipient will be paying that. Let them pay that or let them find a cheaper option for you. They might be prepared to pay your airfare for personal service door to door - who knows in this crazy world. 6.5kg is within carry on limits too.

  • rexanator619 on 21/08/2023 - 14:01

    DHL is one of the best for international deliveries, and fast service!

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