saa044
Expert Member
As the title states. Also other companies like geekbuying that is reliable with good prices and cheap shipping? I havent bought a phone in SA for almost 5 years, not about to start. 
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Anyone with Geekbuying experience?
- Thread starter saa044
- Start date
As the title states. Also other companies like geekbuying that is reliable with good prices and cheap shipping? I havent bought a phone in SA for almost 5 years, not about to start.
which sites do you normally use?
Idiosyncratic
Expert Member
Geekbuying... mmm, what can I say? Shipping is slow slow slow but their deals are good if your eyes are open.
saa044
Expert Member
I have gone with gearbest now. But for phones I choose to buy local now, it just feels safer. Although if you want to buy something like a Blackview phone gearbest is a good choice, their response is quite adequate via mail.
SauRoNZA
Honorary Master
They ship stuff out fast usually.
Then it gets here in a few days.
Then it sits with SAPO for anything between 2 weeks and 3 months.
Dairyfarmer
Executive Member
I use DX.
Waiting is the price you pay. It's all good until it hits customs in SA. Then it's hurry up and wait. But if you plan your purchases and expect the delays then you will be happy. Is it worth paying double just to get it locally?
Waiting is the price you pay. It's all good until it hits customs in SA. Then it's hurry up and wait. But if you plan your purchases and expect the delays then you will be happy. Is it worth paying double just to get it locally?
saa044
Expert Member
Well, not really double anymore. Look at the Xiaomi phones, after shipping and custom fees it's a bit lower than local, not by much. Same with GPU's from Amazon lately also.
Dairyfarmer
Executive Member
If you are willing to wait a few weeks, use HK post (normally free). Most times they don't attract duty.
NathanKNel
Active Member
Has anyone used EMS Express Mail Service on one of these Chinese sites?
Suspect99
Executive Member
I speak under correction but I think they also go through the post office as the have no local offices
AirWolf
Honorary Master
Checked for an Android app and found something called Geek - Smarter Shopping. Not the same and suspicious pricing so I uninstalled.
Dairyfarmer
Executive Member
Not much quicker that normal post. Tends to attract notice of customs though. All the slower options tend to pass through unnoticed most of the time.
Anyone who has bought from Geekbuying before know at what point your order is ready to be collected?
Mine has been sitting on "Arrival at Destination Post (Country: ZA)" for about 10 days now and for all I know its already at Post Office / Customs.
Mine has been sitting on "Arrival at Destination Post (Country: ZA)" for about 10 days now and for all I know its already at Post Office / Customs.
Sapo tracking was offline for more than a week. My parcel just registered. Suggest going to check post office. They keeping items for 3 months at local post office due to backlog not one month so don't worry about it being sent back. I use geekbuying . Don't use TNT shipping you will be fine.
SauRoNZA
Honorary Master
Use their APP and then just relax until it sends you a push notification.
Dairyfarmer
Executive Member
TNT
Dispatched 4 March @ 17:09
Arrived ORT 6 March @ 9:45
Cleared customs 6 March @ 12:52
Arrived Durban 7 March @ 6:19
Sent for regional delivery 7 March @ 8:37
I'll probably get it Thursday when the courier services my area.
Dispatched 4 March @ 17:09
Arrived ORT 6 March @ 9:45
Cleared customs 6 March @ 12:52
Arrived Durban 7 March @ 6:19
Sent for regional delivery 7 March @ 8:37
I'll probably get it Thursday when the courier services my area.
Yes but if customs ever does proper inspection requesting invoice and it does not match whatever random figure seller put on parcel TNT charges R450 handling fee before vat. Customs may also charge R500 penalty plus regular duty and vat. With TNT I paid R1300 duty and charges on a R1500 parcel. Aramex charges R250 handling. Free shipping just random or no duty
TNT charged me R560 for a R400 package.