Buying Internationally from BRS

[Quombat]

Hi,

First post so apologies if this has already been addressed (I have searched).

I was wondering if anyone had made purchases from Bulk Reef Supply (or any other major overseas supplier), importing in to Australia using one of their recommended forwarding services like 'USABox', 'Anytimemailbox', 'USA2me', 'amforward'?

I'm aware that any orders would need to be under AU$1k (including postage?) to not incur import taxes on the Australian side.

If anyone has had this experience, how do the resulting prices stack up after factoring in the cost of the forwarding service, the postage they charge and then also having to possibly buy a 240V power pack replacement. Do all these added costs simply end up negating any savings?

 

[Quombat]

Correction: It looks like Australia does now charge 10% GST on imported products under AU$1,000 ..

 

[Peach02]

Didn’t even know we could get anything from BRS. I imagine the shipping charges would be very high, as far as the power pack, not sure on pricing. Savings wise I think it would be more expensive for most things but I’d look at it for things we can’t find here or are hard to find eg the feeding portals or their glue

 

[Quombat]

After now having done this quite a few times I can report that it is a bit of a mixed bag. On some items I have made considerable savings, whilst on others I've broken even. Based on this experience I can now also calculate what might not be worthwhile. If considering this, factors to watch out for are not hitting that $1k mark (including shipping) and also the shipping cost from the forwarder can be uncertain until they have received the item.

Also be aware that returning anything for warranty will either be troublesome or not worth the return shipping.

So in short I guess I could rate this as 'use with caution'. All things now considered, I do think buying local is the best bet unless something in particular can't be found.