Shipping From US, any advice?

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straylight88

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I've decided to build a PC for the first time, and the cheapest way I know is to ship from the US, a site called Superbiiz. The problem is that I've only done this once before (I shipped a book from Amazon a while back, everything was fine), but this is obviously fragile components and very expensive (for me, I still don't actually even have the money yet), and it would be a massive disaster if something bad happened (touch wood).

If anyone can explain the process a bit for me (my book was handed over to SAPO, a bit dodge to entrust them to R5000 worth of fragile computer parts), and maybe the likelihood of the stuff getting here? Are there any better/safer alternatives?

There are four shipping options:
1)USPS Global Express Guaranteed $397.90
2)UPS Worldwide Express $320.40
3)UPS Worldwide Saver $204.49
4)USPS Express Mail International $127.02

The first two would defeat the purpose of buying internationally, especially since I'd still have to pay customs (14% I think?). The last one is the right price, and that brings me I guess to my ultimate question: Has anyone used the USPS Express Mail International before? Did it go through SAPO, or did they deliver it to your door?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Link to the last shipping option page:https://www.usps.com/ship/express-mail-international.htm
 
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I know this is not answering your question: Why do you want to buy it there VS here in SA?

Why is it cheaper from the US? It is almost always more expensive! What kind of build do you want?

Also yes you'll pay 14% VAT, so to ship it, the package must contain the receipt. They will also open it and reseal it with "Inspected by the South African Revenue Service" tape.

When I ordered stuff it got here and I couldn't see a thing wrong with it but it wasn't fragile like for example a motherboard or graphics card.

Not to mention, if it does get stolen it is going to be MAYOR pt to claim from insurance (if you even have shipping insurance). If not then that is it. Goodbye monies. And yes it is that bad, you don't have any idea who inspected your package and you know the way things go here so don't expect much co-operation. IMHO if it does get stolen you are screwed.
 
The stuff I've seen on local sites is more expensive, even including the 14%, but only if the shipping is on the last option. I don't know the sites here really, but I read in the one sticky about Take2 (I think, can't remember), and there every component I found was more expensive.
I can give you a list of exactly what I want, do you know of a place I can get PC parts locally? This is my first build, I don't really know too much about any of this stuff really, I got a recommendation regarding my budget from reddit, and I'm pretty much getting what they told me...

The one difference in price I remember was like R1800 oversees (R2052 with 14%, plus a little extra for shipping) and R2400-500 locally... I'm on a really tight budget, and I'm replacing everything except power supply, case, keyboard/mouse, speakers and moniter. If I can't get a better deal locally, or reassurance for the international, I don't think it's going to happen.
 
Speak to the forum member PostmanPot about putting a machine together, see what pricing he can do for you. Many people in CT get their equipment through him, good prices and service.
 
South_Bit said:
Speak to the forum member PostmanPot about putting a machine together, see what pricing he can do for you. Many people in CT get their equipment through him, good prices and service.
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I'll give that a try in the morning, got knives in my eyes, thanks.
 
As a MyBB member you can also apply for an account from Esquire (reseller) they are pretty close to as cheap as it gets locally and you'll find it hard to beat their prices unless you want specific items.

If put some specs here maybe we can help you with good prices....
 
Gnome said:
As a MyBB member you can also apply for an account from Esquire (reseller) they are pretty close to as cheap as it gets locally and you'll find it hard to beat their prices unless you want specific items.

If put some specs here maybe we can help you with good prices....
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Cool, here they are:
Intel Core i5 Processor i5-2400 3.10GHz 6MB LGA1155 CPU
GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3-B3 LGA1155/ Intel Z68/ DDR3/ ATI CrossFireX/ SATA3&USB3.0/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard, retail
Samsung SpinPoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32MB Hard Drive
Sony Optiarc DDU1681S-0B 18X SATA DVD-ROM (Black), Bulk
GIGABYTE nVidia GeForce GTX560 Ti 1GB DDR5 2DVI/Mini HDMI PCI-Express Video Card

I guess I'm pretty flexible with this stuff, as I have a pretty limited idea of what everything means, but its essentially to upgrade my 6 year old PC to play BF3 (upgrading apparently means throwing almost everything out and starting over haha). I also figured I'd get the ram here, cos I'm not going to overclock or anything, so I don't need anything fancy.

Also, I have no idea whether or not I'm being a massive idiot, apologies.

On a side note, the 2nd last shipping option offers "Door-to-door service with in-house customs clearance", does anyone know what that means, practically?

edit: I need some sleep in a bad way, thanks for helping out, I'll check back in in the morning.
 
Would rather cut my mark-up than have you buy overseas. :) Just imagine something goes bang and you have to ship it back for warranty. :( One-way there would probably cover the saving you'd get buying overseas, add this to the ±20 day wait etc.
 
I find the only time it worth your while to buy overseas, is when someone else is paying for your plane tickets (like work). Even then, you aim for items with international warranty, or low return rates.
 
Here you go:

Intel Core i5 2400 R1686.06
Kingston 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz (KVR1333D3N9/4G) R204.06 x2 (total: R408.12)
Asus P8Z68-V LGA1155 R1777.26
Seagate Barracude 1TB 7200RPM ST31000524AS R489.06
Point Of View PCI-E GTX560TI 2048MB GDDR5 256-BIT R2620.86
Sony 24X Super Multi DVD Writer (SATA) R147.06

Remember this doesn't include a PSU or case.

That motherboard is just as good as the one you wanted and better value IMHO.

Valid until saterday only or while stocks last. If you want it assembled, you can PM me and I'll ask R400 to provide it assembled and tested stable (stress tested).
 
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The ONLY time I find it worthwhile shipping from overseas, is when you can't find the product in SA.
 
South_Bit said:
The ONLY time I find it worthwhile shipping from overseas, is when you can't find the product in SA.
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This. If you're buying something expensive and have someone who can bring it with them, you might save, but otherwise it's normally only marginally cheaper than buying in SA if you include taxes, shipping etc. The local retailers/wholesalers know people can import stuff now and adjust their prices accordingly. Sneaky bastards, although I can't say I wouldn't have done it too in the same situation.
 
I feel so bad that I said I'd return to this thread in the morning, but today was super busy. I plan on being an active member on the forum, and I know how I must look now.
PostmanPot: That's cool, I understand exactly what you're saying, I was super nervous about the whole deal, and the wait I know would be a problem.

Gnome: Thanks, you've been very helpful, and that setup looks good (as far as I can tell), plus the added bonus of everything being local. Would you mind if I PM'd you when I have my funds sorted out? I have been getting a bit ahead of myself to be honest...

Thanks to everyone for their contributions, I have definitely decided against ordering from overseas.
 
Straylight you said you are using the psu you already have, that is in your 6 year old pc. How old is it and what wattage is it?
The i5 + 560ti will draw a lot of power on load.
 
The only things that are ridiculously cheap in the USA compared to here are SSDs. High end graphics cards about about 25% cheaper, depending on the card.
 
Ancalagon said:
The only things that are ridiculously cheap in the USA compared to here are SSDs. High end graphics cards about about 25% cheaper, depending on the card.
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Well you would think but it's not always true, the cheapest 6990 on newegg is 699 which is around 6k, add in another 500-1000 for delivery and you end up with a more expensive card. The cheapest 590 on new egg is 729 so again it doesn't work out cheaper.

As you say the only thing worth importing is the ssd's, light weight so delivery should not exceed about 400 bucks.
 
You can get high end 6950's for $270, and they cost R2700 for a cheapie or R3300 or so for a high end-ish one. So thats a bit cheaper.
 
straylight88 said:
Gnome: Thanks, you've been very helpful, and that setup looks good (as far as I can tell), plus the added bonus of everything being local. Would you mind if I PM'd you when I have my funds sorted out? I have been getting a bit ahead of myself to be honest...
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Haha, ok no problem. Prices might be different tho. But you can PM me. You should probably get a new PSU and case btw. It's approx. R800 extra on top of your current purchase price.
 
j4sk said:
Straylight you said you are using the psu you already have, that is in your 6 year old pc. How old is it and what wattage is it?
The i5 + 560ti will draw a lot of power on load.
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I have a Thermaltake 'pure power 480 APD that says "peak power 550W", it all came with the PC in 2005, I think.
 
Gnome said:
Haha, ok no problem. Prices might be different tho. But you can PM me. You should probably get a new PSU and case btw. It's approx. R800 extra on top of your current purchase price.
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Yeah, I was thinking of selling my current PC to my brothers, for their studies, and obviously then the thing will go whole, in which case I'd have to get a new case and PSU, but at least I'd have some cash to buy it.
 
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