American forwarders thread - Stackry, Am-Forward

[tomblu]

Originally Posted by drush9999

1) 5 BDs may be a low number to make it worthwhile, but I paid $55 to ship 30 BDs recently including consolidation. So not sure.

2) You can value the goods however you choose, but you're only insured for the declared value. Never been issue for me declaring so the total comes to less than £135.

3) Consolidation is $2 per package stackry receive, but maxes out at $24 so can have more than 12 packages and they consolidate to the same price.

4) If you want $10 off use my referral:
https://www.stackry.com/register?referral=7363179

Originally Posted by Modman

Just to add the first $100 of the value of your package has free insurance, anything over $100 is going to cost you an additional $6.00 - you're not obliged to pay for insurance. If I remember rightly insurance covers only loss not damage.

Originally Posted by Sifox211

I usually order about five BDs at a time and always choose the cheapest shipping, which is usually around $23. I don’t bother with insurance as its only a little over the included $100 cover and always declare the amount I paid (Criterion sale prices, eg, $20 a disk).

Excellent help, thanks all!!

All sounds reasonable, and should be no more than $100 (or close enough to make no matter) so should be a relatively straightforward exercise.

How long does it usually take to get to the UK and what kind of tracking do you get if you don't mind me asking?

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Excellent help, thanks all!!

All sounds reasonable, and should be no more than $100 (or close enough to make no matter) so should be a relatively straightforward exercise.

How long does it usually take to get to the UK and what kind of tracking do you get if you don't mind me asking?

Usually sent via DHL with tracking number then royal mail 48hr when it hits the UK. I have had an awkward large package sent via UPS instead but probably not relevant with just BDs.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Excellent help, thanks all!!

All sounds reasonable, and should be no more than $100 (or close enough to make no matter) so should be a relatively straightforward exercise.

How long does it usually take to get to the UK and what kind of tracking do you get if you don't mind me asking?

It's usually over a week with the cheapest option, tracking is provided, I think it gets more involved the more you pay for shipping.

[chrismansell]

Originally Posted by tomblu

How long does it usually take to get to the UK and what kind of tracking do you get if you don't mind me asking?

On the cheapest option from Stackry, I had an order ship on the 7th and arrive today. I had a DHL tracking number that I could use for every step of the process. There tends to be a few quiet days in the middle between it getting scanned into a container in New Jersey and then arriving in Heathrow customs.

[Mr. Thomsen]

So, Stackry just got back to me and refunded $186 for the package, which was stolen in transit.

It is a bit more than I expected. I figure the first $100 are what it was insured for, and then the rest is a refund of the shipping.

I am still out about $500, though.

A major part in that is, of course, on myself, but I do also reserve a bit of blame for Stackry for working with a carrier with such abysmal bad reviews. However, I did notice, when I shipped my last package from Stackry a couple of weeks ago, that Aramex no longer was an option. So if Aramex loses some business over this, it is fine by me.

Not much else I can do.

I left a 'nice' review of Aramex on Trustpilot, and I think that actually made them react. At least somebody from Jordan tried to call me yesterday. I was not at my phone, and they did not leave a message, so I cannot know for sure. But I am not in the habit of getting calls from Jordan, so that is my best guess. At least it was not another Indian scammer claiming to be from Microsoft ...

[tomblu]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

...

Gutted for you mate. Can understand just how frustrating this must be for you. Glad you managed to get some money back though and fingers crossed you either get some more money or even the package turns up. Also Indicator did announce a Mexican box set so that's some good news for you!

I just did my first order to deliver to Stackry so fingers crossed everything goes okay. I didn't know whether to put the locker or unit (even though the numbers were the same) so I did both also amazon seemed to append something to the zip code.

One of the items isn't released until mid April so will have to pay a bit for storage for the other items but the credit was expiring so just went for it.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

So, Stackry just got back to me and refunded $186 for the package, which was stolen in transit.

So sorry, mate. Were you able to find out if you were covered by your credit card?

Hopefully the courier do actually escalate things, you never know they may miraculously find your package, but your experience seems to be quite common.

I read your review, my deepest condolences on your loss.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[tomblu]

Is there normally a delay on a parcel being delivered to stackry and it appearing in your account as a shipment (or delivery, or package, or whatever term they use to denote items sent to your stackry address)?

I had the first of my items delivered to my stackry address earlier and have the amazon confirmation of delivery and email to say so. Yet when I sign in to my stackry account nothing is showing.

I'm assuming there is some delay as stackry process each parcel that gets delivered and link it to the account owner based on the locker/unit number.

Just wondered how long it normally takes before it pops up in my account.

[Sifox211]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Is there normally a delay on a parcel being delivered to stackry and it appearing in your account as a shipment (or delivery, or package, or whatever term they use to denote items sent to your stackry address)?

I had the first of my items delivered to my stackry address earlier and have the amazon confirmation of delivery and email to say so. Yet when I sign in to my stackry account nothing is showing.

I'm assuming there is some delay as stackry process each parcel that gets delivered and link it to the account owner based on the locker/unit number.

Just wondered how long it normally takes before it pops up in my account.

I had the same the first time I used them - I had to online chat with them and they immediately confirmed the parcel was there and processed it that day. Didn't happen the next time - maybe it's a ritual we all have to go through, some sort of initiation ceremony for importers

[DefLeppard]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Is there normally a delay on a parcel being delivered to stackry and it appearing in your account as a shipment (or delivery, or package, or whatever term they use to denote items sent to your stackry address)?

I had the first of my items delivered to my stackry address earlier and have the amazon confirmation of delivery and email to say so. Yet when I sign in to my stackry account nothing is showing.

I'm assuming there is some delay as stackry process each parcel that gets delivered and link it to the account owner based on the locker/unit number.

Just wondered how long it normally takes before it pops up in my account.

Originally Posted by Sifox211

I had the same the first time I used them - I had to online chat with them and they immediately confirmed the parcel was there and processed it that day. Didn't happen the next time - maybe it's a ritual we all have to go through, some sort of initiation ceremony for importers

Parcels usually dont get logged into inbox duing weekend and holidays and even during weekdays , sometimes a day long gap if delivered after 4-5pm EST.

[drush9999]

I always laugh when it says on the USPS tracking to stackry HQ "handed to resident".

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Is there normally a delay on a parcel being delivered to stackry and it appearing in your account as a shipment (or delivery, or package, or whatever term they use to denote items sent to your stackry address)?

I had the first of my items delivered to my stackry address earlier and have the amazon confirmation of delivery and email to say so. Yet when I sign in to my stackry account nothing is showing.

I'm assuming there is some delay as stackry process each parcel that gets delivered and link it to the account owner based on the locker/unit number.

Just wondered how long it normally takes before it pops up in my account.

It can take up to a couple of days if they are really busy, and normally, as the other member writes, they do not log packages in weekends or holidays.

Most of the time, packages have been logged the same day or the day after for me.

[tomblu]

I just got my packages logged! I noticed that the photo did not show the weight of the item on either package (first one item was not on scales, second one scale weight was obstructed). Weight was down exactly as 1 pound for both, I wonder if that is a minimum weight they use.

Also when you are declaring the item value for customs, is it possible to use GBP or only USD? Total value isn't likely to exceed £135 but I wonder how accurate I need to be when filling the values in.

I understand that insurance will only cover declared value, but if the value of the items are say $160 (just under £135 as of right now) would it be worth me putting down the totals to come to say $120 so it is definitely under the £135 limit regardless (barring any disastrous exchange rate swing) rather than play it close to the line so depending on the exchange rate on a particular day it could swing either side of the £135 limit.

Of course this would mean only being insured up to $120 rather $160, but I'm okay with that.

Also if I had amazon promotions when ordering it is okay to use the value I paid rather than RRP I'm guessing.

[Modman]

Originally Posted by tomblu

I just got my packages logged! I noticed that the photo did not show the weight of the item on either package (first one item was not on scales, second one scale weight was obstructed). Weight was down exactly as 1 pound for both, I wonder if that is a minimum weight they use.

Also when you are declaring the item value for customs, is it possible to use GBP or only USD? Total value isn't likely to exceed £135 but I wonder how accurate I need to be when filling the values in.

I understand that insurance will only cover declared value, but if the value of the items are say $160 (just under £135 as of right now) would it be worth me putting down the totals to come to say $120 so it is definitely under the £135 limit regardless (barring any disastrous exchange rate swing) rather than play it close to the line so depending on the exchange rate on a particular day it could swing either side of the £135 limit.

Of course this would mean only being insured up to $120 rather $160, but I'm okay with that.

Also if I had amazon promotions when ordering it is okay to use the value I paid rather than RRP I'm guessing.

You declare the value in dollars.

Daily exchange rates aren't relevant, HMRC will apply the rate they set each month (see below):

https://assets.publishing.service.go...23.csv/preview

The value is the price you paid including any discounts.

[tomblu]

Yet another question, apologies haha.

I noticed that since my orders have started arriving they are all being logged as 1lb despite the photos clearly showing they are less. Is this just a default or perhaps minimum thing? I don't plan to keep them there for longer than the 45 day free storage so it doesn't make any difference at this stage.

I assume when I consolidate my orders, the weight/ dimension weight will all be calculated correctly based on the consolidated box dimensions and actual parcel weight.

[Modman]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Yet another question, apologies haha.

I noticed that since my orders have started arriving they are all being logged as 1lb despite the photos clearly showing they are less. Is this just a default or perhaps minimum thing? I don't plan to keep them there for longer than the 45 day free storage so it doesn't make any difference at this stage.

I assume when I consolidate my orders, the weight/ dimension weight will all be calculated correctly based on the consolidated box dimensions and actual parcel weight.

I can't speak for others but it appears to be a default weight when a package is 1lb or less and yes the correct weight/dimensions will be confirmed once consolidation is complete.

[Mr. Thomsen]

Yes, that is also my experience. I think the 1lb is just a minimum thing. If will be calculated correctly when/ if you consolidate.

[mikezilla2]

Originally Posted by tomblu

Yet another question, apologies haha.

I noticed that since my orders have started arriving they are all being logged as 1lb despite the photos clearly showing they are less. Is this just a default or perhaps minimum thing? I don't plan to keep them there for longer than the 45 day free storage so it doesn't make any difference at this stage.

I assume when I consolidate my orders, the weight/ dimension weight will all be calculated correctly based on the consolidated box dimensions and actual parcel weight.

i kinda Stopped using them just due to the fact that well Two BLu rays Came to over 40AUD posted ....

have been using buynship as they seem to be cheaper tho they charge based on the original weight of the packages ( apparently ) and some times its all shoved in to a singular parcel bag but for example US and UK parcels in my case would all go to HK and be consolidated From there

have a referral link for them as well but am Wondering what other services run off the same model - ship everything from multiple origin points to HK or somwhere that less the same model ?


i have heard of shiptobox and asking me for photocopies of id and Credit cards + filling out forms and shipping Stuff to dubi and Charging from what i can gather is a NO from me so wont be trying the latter .....

[blurayisnice]

I have experience with both Stackry and Shipito. So far only good experiences with both.


Summarized:

Stackry Membership: Free
Shipito Membership: Subscription-based

Stackry storage: 45 days
Shipito storage: 30 days

Stackry Package receipt fee: No
Shipito Package receipt fee: Yes


Stackry Consolidation: Possible
Shipito Consolidation: Possible


Stackry pricing: Normal
Shipito pricing: Normal


Stackry shipment modification: Limited
Shipito shipment modification: Extensive

Stackry shipment details: Limited
Shipito shipment details: Extensive


"Shipment modification" refers to your ability to choose how you want each package to be packed when you choose for consolidation. I.e. do you want each package to just be thrown into a bigger box as it is, do you want each or some packages to be removed from its shipment box but not from the manufacturer's packaging, or do you want each item to be completely removed from all packaging (including manufacturer's box) to maximize on consolidation savings? If you like to purchase steelbooks and other collector's items that are prone to small dents and damages, than I'd choose for Shipito because they allow you to specify how you want each item to be packed and consolidated. Shipito is slightly more expensive because of the membership fees and the package receipt/handling fees, but they give more in return (photos of the entire consolidation process, detailed history and tracking, etc).


Nowadays, I mostly use Stackry. Have a package for me waiting, will be shipping it out once my Kino Lorber sale order arrives =]

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by blurayisnice

I have experience with both Stackry and Shipito. So far only good experiences with both.


Summarized:

Stackry Membership: Free
Shipito Membership: Subscription-based

Stackry storage: 45 days
Shipito storage: 30 days

Stackry Package receipt fee: No
Shipito Package receipt fee: Yes


Stackry Consolidation: Possible
Shipito Consolidation: Possible


Stackry pricing: Normal
Shipito pricing: Normal


Stackry shipment modification: Limited
Shipito shipment modification: Extensive

Stackry shipment details: Limited
Shipito shipment details: Extensive

I got a few things to add.

Shipito do actually also have a free option. However, since their free warehouse is in CA, you can expect 6.5% CA sales tax to be added to every order you have shipped to that warehouse (unless the seller does not charge sales tax at all - I believe Moviezyng is one such seller, and OrbitDVD may be another one).

In general, Shipito's various fees (for consolidation etc.) are higher than Stackry's, but shipping to Europe is MUCH cheaper from Shipito than from Stackry. I mean, so much cheaper that you may very well come out on top, even if you take the 6.5% extra sales tax and the higher fees into consideration.

In my experience, Shipito uses cardboard that seems just a bit more thick and sturdy than what Stackry uses. Not that I have ever had any reason to complain about that part with Stackry, though.

Both will pack your stuff with extra bubble wrap, if you pay a fee. This service includes some 'fragile' stickers on the box from Stackry, but not from Shipito.

While Shipito's website says they only give you 30 days of free storage, in my experience you get a whopping 90 days both in the free warehouse in CA and in the paid membership warehouse in OR.

Oh, yeah, before I forget - whatever you do, do NEVER use Aramex as your courier.