Air Vs Sea Shipping for Small Cartons

CHERRYFOX · 10-03-2013, 01:31 PM

Hi all

I'd like to ask for your kind input as to which is the more cost effective option: EMS or shipping via sea if the goods I'm getting are a couple of small light cartons (like gifts, little decorations) and I'm in no hurry to get it. And if it's still small cartons but heavy (e.g. small flower pots, clay deco), still better via sea?

I also gathered that there will be GST for shipments over $400, meaning 7% of the total value (i.e. cost of everything including goods + any handling + paperwork + shipping fee)?

Thanks in advance, sorry if any of the questions are very basic, the only things I've ever sent/receive were letters!

meinteel · 10-03-2013, 08:34 PM

Shipping will usually be cheaper than air especially for heavy items. Light items might not have much difference. Than again, you have several cartons so they should add up to quite a bit. If you are in no rest, I suggest going by shipping. Shipping is the most cost effective you have a lot of items to send, then it would be very cheap.

If I'm not wrong, GST 7% applies to the declared value of the good. Therefore, it should exclude the shipping/handling fees.

CHERRYFOX · 10-03-2013, 10:34 PM

Hi meinteel

Oh, thanks for your advice! I've had the impression that (if time is not an issue) people will normally ship by sea for heavy/bulky items and light items would normally be by EMS — since they charge by weight.

Alamak, I see. Need to do more homework it seems.

10-03-2013, 01:31 PM	#1
CHERRYFOX Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Thomson Posts: 3 My Reputation: Points: 10/ Rep Power: 0	Air Vs Sea Shipping for Small Cartons Hi all I'd like to ask for your kind input as to which is the more cost effective option: EMS or shipping via sea if the goods I'm getting are a couple of small light cartons (like gifts, little decorations) and I'm in no hurry to get it. And if it's still small cartons but heavy (e.g. small flower pots, clay deco), still better via sea? I also gathered that there will be GST for shipments over $400, meaning 7% of the total value (i.e. cost of everything including goods + any handling + paperwork + shipping fee)? Thanks in advance, sorry if any of the questions are very basic, the only things I've ever sent/receive were letters!

10-03-2013, 08:34 PM	#2
meinteel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Farrer Park Posts: 181 My Reputation: Points: 10/ Rep Power: 13	Re: Air Vs Sea Shipping for Small Cartons Shipping will usually be cheaper than air especially for heavy items. Light items might not have much difference. Than again, you have several cartons so they should add up to quite a bit. If you are in no rest, I suggest going by shipping. Shipping is the most cost effective you have a lot of items to send, then it would be very cheap. If I'm not wrong, GST 7% applies to the declared value of the good. Therefore, it should exclude the shipping/handling fees.

10-03-2013, 10:34 PM	#3
CHERRYFOX Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Thomson Posts: 3 My Reputation: Points: 10/ Rep Power: 0	Re: Air Vs Sea Shipping for Small Cartons Hi meinteel Oh, thanks for your advice! I've had the impression that (if time is not an issue) people will normally ship by sea for heavy/bulky items and light items would normally be by EMS — since they charge by weight. Alamak, I see. Need to do more homework it seems.

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