Shipping forwarders from USA - guide & feedback

[griffin]

PriceUSA is a company that orders items on your behalf, and then forwards the package to you from their American business/address.
It is different to those Post Box forwarding companies that forward items that you've ordered yourself and posted to their American address. The reason why PriceUSA is a useful option, is because some American businesses (like Hasbro's online store) won't ship to American addresses WITHOUT an America billing address (the address your credit card statements go to).

PriceUSA also prefers deposit/transfers... so you don't use a credit card, unless you want to, so you don't have to worry about giving out credit card details, or worrying about who may access them when places keep them on file. Those transfers can even be made at one of three banks, essentially making the payment instant, speeding up the process.


Now that I've successfully used this service, I'm here to give instructions on how to use it.

I recently purchased several items from the Hasbro Online store (mostly NYCC exclusives, because BBTS weren't stocking them), and all it ended up costing me was an extra $20. I paid Hasbro's (retail) prices, plus American shipping, plus International shipping, which was quoted to a price that only ended up being $20 more. Not bad for 7 toys in a big box.
(NOTE - it isn't a set fee, so can be more or less for other orders that are bigger or smaller)

Items I bought from Hasbro America (price in brackets is the FINAL cost each item ended up costing me)
DOTM orange voyager ironhide - us$20 (A$38.25)
Rescue Bots Boulder - US$12 (A$23)
Rescue Bots Walker cleveland - US$6 (A$11.50)
Rescue Bots Cody Burns - US$6 (A$11.50)
NYCC Nerf Bumblebee edition - US$25 (A$47.80)
NYCC Cuponk Transformers - US$20 (A$38.25)
NYCC Bumblebee & Arcee set - US$30 (A$57.40)

Shipping within America from Hasbro - US$12.92
Delivery Protection fee - US$3.30
Shipping to Australia - US$83.07 (actual postage was US$60.71)
Total charged to me - AU$227.55 (based on their adjusted exchange rate, which they quote as being 3cents off the official rate)
(they charge a deposit before placing the order at Hasbro, and then charge you the rest when it arrives at their US address)

As you can see, prices for items that were released here still ended up being cheaper than our regular retail prices, while those items not released here, are cheaper than what you could possibly find on ebay.
Recommended for items not released here, or not expected here... and since they are US Retail prices, it's quite possible to still get anything from there for less than the prices here. Especially when Hasbro has free shipping offers.


THE GUIDE ON HOW TO DO THIS, using the Hasbro online store as an example.

Go to their site - https://www.priceusa.com.au/order/?mod=order

Fill out your details (you don't need to pre-register to this site, just fill out your details each time you order).

Now open up a new Window or Tab, to the Hasbro Online store and search for Transformers (or whatever else you want)
http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/

OR, look at the Transformers Product listing, and click on any that are listed as being sold by Hasbro.
http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/e...atchallpartial

(be prepared for items being sold out, as they often remain in the store for some time after they are sold out)

Now, copy the link, product name, and price, of each item, into the "Ordering" box on that PriceUSA page.

For example, the SWTF Quadchanger would look like this:

STAR WARS TRANSFORMERS DARTH VADER to STAR DESTROYER Figure - US$39.99
http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/Product...D=29520&BR=495

And continue with all items you want in that "order details" box.

When you are done with all the items you want, it is time to work out the Prices and Shipping amounts, for that second section on the PriceUSA page.
So add to your cart on the Hasbro online store, all the items you are wanting PriceUSA to purchase on your behalf.
Note the total price of the items, and add it into the PriceUSA page.
Next, note the shipping amount that the Hasbro online store quotes for postage within America (it's a standard rate to anywhere in America). Add that into the PriceUSA page on the "shipping in the usa" box.

DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE ALL YOUR ITEMS ARE LISTED IN THE HASBRO CART, SO THAT YOUR PRICES ARE ACCURATE TO PRICEUSA.

Finally, you will need to select a shipping estimate to Australia on the PriceUSA page.
Since you won't know the exact weights, just select "estimate cheapest" or "estimate fastest" shipping options.
If you are ordering from a different site that lists weights, select the applicable shipping amount.

If you have any extra details or requests, add them into the extra details box as well.

Have a second look over the order page, and if everything is filled out, click on the "get quote" button.

(close up the other window/tab of the Hasbro online store, as you no longer need it - they will now order for you)

You should end up getting an automated email saying that it has been received, and that it will be manually checked within the next business day.

Within that time, an email will then be sent to you to verify if everything is available, and give you a total price of the order. They will also say how much to pay first as a deposit, and give you details of bank accounts at Westpac, NAB, and Commonwealth.
They also give a link to their site, if you want to pay with a credit card or paypal.

As soon as you make payment, they will send 2 or 3 emails to confirm it, and that they are placing the order for you.
They may then email you to let you know that the items were shipped from Hasbro. (they keep you informed of every step)

Within a week, you should get another email to say that the items have arrived at their American address, and that you now have to pay the balance before they repost it to you. (it's quite possible that they might recalculate the amount owing at this time, if their international shipping estimate was way off - as they would only know the actual amount when they receive your package)

When you make that payment, you'll get an email to confirm it, and then within a day or two, another email with the tracking number of you package.

Now you just have to wait for it to arrive, or follow it by its tracking number.


I've been hesitant in promoting this service, because it just seems too good to be true. Or I feel like maybe I accidentally got under-quoted, and now everyone else will feel like they are being shafted with their real prices.
So as with any purchase, take care... and if you do use them, post your feedback here. Because if they are this good all the time, I'm certainly going to be importing more items from the Hasbro Online store in future, especially the occasional exclusive items they sell.

[Deonasis]

Thanks for the info griffin. I have been curious about these places. Maybe others could do a similar review/story about Asian post services..

[k.wong23]

Have used their service for other items and had no problems. I would recommend

[stirling]

I used Price USA for approx 10 buys from the USA. Some transactions completed okay, but 2 have ended up in the hands of Fair Trading. Beware as both Carolina and Daniel Tillett will lead you up the garden path.

[griffin]

It depends on what those two orders were, and why they attracted the attention of Fair Trading. (not Customs?)

If you were ordering a huge amount of stock, or restricted items, then there would be issues importing it into the country... and for those sorts of things, you do need to do your own homework and not just trust the word of a 3rd party business.
Do take note of what they tell you or advise you, but always double-check everything.

For me, I've never had an issue, and I've never had any other business communicate as much as these guys do. (it's almost like being spammed, they keep you that up-to-date with things)
And since the business has been operating for about 8 years, I can't imagine they are that bad.

[Deonasis]

I used Price USA for approx 10 buys from the USA. Some transactions completed okay, but 2 have ended up in the hands of Fair Trading. Beware as both Carolina and Daniel Tillett will lead you up the garden path.

Hi Stirling, welcome! Sorry to read a bad experience as your first post . Please elaborate what items ended up in the hands of Fair Trading and why it happened?

[MrTrick]

I've used PriceUSA once many years ago to get the Rock Band compatible guitar approx $300 USD.

Transaction was straight forward and at the end of the day, i think the fees charged and shipping were around AUD$100 in total.

Shipping time was quick too since BB had a next day delivery, I had it delivered to my door in about 1.5 weeks.


Would I use them again? Maybe after some price comparisons since there's a few other businesses offering this type of service now (Auspost Shopmate for example).

[Paulbot]

Some transactions completed okay, but 2 have ended up in the hands of Fair Trading

Sounds like Stirling had to take the company to Fair Trading to complete the transactions (or fight for money back etc) not that the items they had shipped ended up there.

[stirling]

I have used Price USA for about a dozen transactions and the last two have ended up with Fair Trading.
The first problem I had with Price USA the business was registered in Victoria and Fair Trading Vic found in my favor and my item was shipped to me.
I then made my mistake of giving Price USA the benefit of the doubt and gave them another go.
The second problem I had with Price USA the business was registered in NSW and fair trading NSW could not instruct Price USA to give me my ordered item that I paid for or give me a refund so I had to take the matter to NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) as the Fair Trading laws and powers are different in each state.
At the first hearing at NCAT, Carolina Tillett representing Price USA said my payment for my item was with PUSA Pty Ltd and not Price USA. In fact Carolina informed the hearing that she has nothing to do with PUSA Pty Ltd and only answers emails and the phone for PUSA Pty Ltd and my request for my paid for item or refund was with PUSA Pty Ltd which she told the hearing was an American Company. It later came out at the hearing that her husband was in fact a trustee for the trust for PUSA Pty Ltd and so it was determined that PUSA Pty Ltd is in fact an Australian company (A lie by Carolina at a NCAT hearing funded by NSW taxpayers). So the chair of the hearing amended my claim to PUSA Pty Ltd and made a new hearing date.
Three weeks later Daniel Tillett (Carolina Tillett’s husband) turned up on behave of PUSA Pty Ltd to a new hearing for the same request of my item that I had paid for or a refund. Tillett informs the hearing that he has no clue of my claim and no idea on why he is there!!! The chair of the hearing told him that a Tillett (Carolina) had attended a hearing 3 weeks earlier about the same issue and again Tillett claims no knowledge of my claim!!!
Maybe they don't sleep together or even talk but still, don't waste tax payer’s time and money and NCAT time and money.
The hearing made no decision and instructed PUSA Pty Ltd and myself to resolve the issue or come back for a trial in a months’ time. I sent an email the next day to Tillett informing him I want my item or a full refund or I am going to take it to trail. Tillett sent an email back informing me that he has been instructed by his American partner to give me a full refund. Talk about all some and mirrors… It is one lie after another with Price USA, PUSA Pty Ltd and its Trust, Trustees, AEM Forward and Carolina Tillett.
I would suggest people try Reship.com of Forward it to me as they don’t fabricate lies and actually send you’re paid for items.
I know Carolina's track record, she will come on and dispute all my facts but I don't care. I know it’s all true and she is a compulsive liar and always has to have the last say so I will not respond to any reply she will post. Go on Carolina, surprise us by not replying and denying which will be lying.

[drifand]

That's sounds a lot to do just to save some bucks. I am a bit turned off by this.