Why is shipping so expensive?

[lemon lady]

Every vendor I've investigated and brought from (that ships to Australia) has shipping rates of ~$60USD.. over $100 in AUD$.. is there a reason it's so high? It's not express post either because it arrives though the regular AusPost. Other non-peppy stuff I buy from China is $0-$10.. so what gives? no tariffs here btw.

 

[ostrichsak]

My guess: the vendors you're ordering from are shipping from US-based stock. You couldn't be any further, geographically speaking. On top of that there's your customs to contend with so perhaps they're also building in a little insurance in case of seizure & reshipment situations since it's more risky than USPS shipments within the US.

 

[ZippityDooDah]

Most of these vendors are using a variety of logistics/shipping providers (kind of 3PL, but not exactly) that specialize in getting gray and black market products "under the fence" into the destination country.

These services aren't free, and for many destinations they probably are charged a much higher price than a shipment to the US.

As the saying goes, sometimes you have to pay to play.

 

[lemon lady]

The package definitely comes from China. The "under the fence" hypothesis sounds about right but still.. damn. To be fair my packages have never been seized and I've had about 4 deliveries. I'm just annoyed because I forgot something in my last order and had to take another $100 hit on shipping 😩

 

[nonyabizznez]

Also they have to compensate the split shippers who are maintaining a space and breaking down drops to repack for individual orders.

How much would you charge to turn your garage/shed/basement into a "warehouse" hub for drug distribution?

 

[byefatlicia]

Can you order more and get free shipping to Australia? Because, Damn, a hundred bucks...

 

[MsGizmo]

Every vendor I've investigated and brought from (that ships to Australia) has shipping rates of ~$60USD.. over $100 in AUD$.. is there a reason it's so high? It's not express post either because it arrives though the regular AusPost. Other non-peppy stuff I buy from China is $0-$10.. so what gives? no tariffs here btw.

To encourage you to make a bigger purchase or to make more profit from a small purchase.