Question about having TFs shipped via online stores

[Sam]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone knows what the arrangement is regarding shipping and delivery via EMS or SAL to Australia?

I was thinking of buying some TF figures online via FanToFan (originally I decided to save some money, but now I decided not to ).

I checked with AusPost, and they said if the delivery to my door is not successful (e.g. if I am at work when they knock), they will leave a card for me to pick up the items at my local post office. But the person at AusPost did confirm that if it's a private courier, then they cannot do this and I'd have to contact the courier myself later.

So I would like to know if anyone knows which delivery company is used when things are shipped via EMS or SAL (or whether this changes all the time, even when buying from the same online store, due to other factors) ?

Thanks and I hope my query made sense...

[STL]

If sent by EMS, it gets delivered by a specialist Australia Post division. If by SAL, it's like regular Air-Mail from another country that's entering australia and gets dealt w/ by Aust Post.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I'm not sure about SAL specifically, but personally i think it all depends on who's delivering sometimes!

I've had registered parcels/regular mail from australia/US either
a) delivered to the door with a knock
b) thrown at the door and left (this happened today infact, among other times - luckily just some dvds that were well packed)
c) left outside on the mailbox (even when they'd easily fit in)
d) left with a note to pick them up (even when they'd easily fit in and my office was definitely occupied)
e) actually in the mailbox

That's probably not encouraging, but i guess they haven't completely lost anything i've ordered!

[dirge]

I'm not sure about SAL specifically, but personally i think it all depends on who's delivering sometimes!

I've had registered parcels/regular mail from australia/US either
a) delivered to the door with a knock

This is what the contractor is meant to do.

b) thrown at the door and left (this happened today infact, among other times - luckily just some dvds that were well packed)
c) left outside on the mailbox (even when they'd easily fit in)

Shoddy contractors. This is why I have a PO box. I got sick of lazy contractors treating my parcels with contempt.

d) left with a note to pick them up (even when they'd easily fit in and my office was definitely occupied)

This is better than stuff left on the doorstep in full view of the street, exposed to the weather.

I would recommend EMS if you're worried about security. Either that or get a PO Box. Sadly, the parcel contractors Australia Post use don't always respect your mail as they should.

You could always do what kup did for a while (and Gok still does) - get stuff sent to _my_ PO Box

[Pulse]

You could always do what kup did for a while (and Gok still does) - get stuff sent to _my_ PO Box

Yeah, but then you'd keep them for yourself...

[dirge]

Yeah, but then you'd keep them for yourself...

I don't need to keep Sam's purchases. I've got you if I need a source of free TFs, Pulse

[Sam]

Thanks for the information folks. I think I will choose EMS.

Dirge - thanks for being so generous as to offer your PO Box service. I will kindly decline the offer for now (but keep it in mind) as I don't want to impose anymore on your hospitality.

I still remember the fact that you reserved a Classics Jetfire for me when they were really hard to get and sold it to me at no extra cost!

[dirge]

Funny, cos I forgot until you mentioned it. Wasn't a big deal for me (:

BTW I check my PO Box most days - it's 2 min walk from work, and don't mind stuff coming for others from time to time. As long as the stuff isn't huge/heavy.

[gamblor916]

I'm thinking of getting a PO box because of how some my packages have been treated lately. A few weeks back I found a card in the letterbox saying a package was waiting for me. When I got to the post office said package was nowhere to be found, saying it was already delivered. It turned out that the neighbour from across the street signed for it and took it then gave it to my dad who came across to my place during the day when I was at work. The guys an ok dude and all but that's way out of line signing for my stuff.

[Zippo]

Anyone can sign for the parcel at the door, it does not have to be the person the parcel is for. 99% of the time its the same at the post office.