My experience on how to use VpostUSA

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chrisyeo
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Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2003 9:11 pm

My experience on how to use VpostUSA

Post by chrisyeo »

Hi. Just received a package from the US through vpost so I thought I'd share the experience.

First, you register with vpost. They will verify your particulars before activating your account.

Next order your items online. I ordered some items from Orion using a credit card. The shipping address is given by vpost and is in California. The problem is that the billing address does not have an overseas option. They did not answer any of my emails and queries about overseas billing addresses. (I think they purposely ignore such emails because of fraud). So what I did was I just put the california zip code as my state and my zip code and sent the order anyway. It went through almost immediately. The order cleared and the items shipped the very next day.

The item was shipped to California using fedex etc. The package can be tracked online. When the package reaches vpost, it is stored till Friday where they consolidate the packages and send them to Singapore. They will also calculate the cost based on the size and weight of the packaging (whichever is higher) and inform you through email.

I received my items the following Wednesday.

Regards,
Chris
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VinSnr
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Re: My experience on how to use VpostUSA

Post by VinSnr »

chrisyeo wrote:Hi. Just received a package from the US through vpost so I thought I'd share the experience.

First, you register with vpost. They will verify your particulars before activating your account.

Next order your items online. I ordered some items from Orion using a credit card. The shipping address is given by vpost and is in California. The problem is that the billing address does not have an overseas option. They did not answer any of my emails and queries about overseas billing addresses. (I think they purposely ignore such emails because of fraud). So what I did was I just put the california zip code as my state and my zip code and sent the order anyway. It went through almost immediately. The order cleared and the items shipped the very next day.

The item was shipped to California using fedex etc. The package can be tracked online. When the package reaches vpost, it is stored till Friday where they consolidate the packages and send them to Singapore. They will also calculate the cost based on the size and weight of the packaging (whichever is higher) and inform you through email.

I received my items the following Wednesday.

Regards,
Chris
Not bad quite fast. I am also waiting for a parcel from Vpost.

But I feel for small items (such as eyepieces) bought through astromart, it is still best to ask them to send direct to Singapore than to use Vpost. Vpost has a SGD10 handling fee + 7 bucks/kg thing. No..not so worthy for light items. somemore have to wait till friday.

But for big bulky items....Vpost will give a very good price.
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ariefm71
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Post by ariefm71 »

But for big bulky items....Vpost will give a very good price.
Anyone want to buy 12" Hardin Dob (see the review on cloudynight)? The vpost shipping cost is around $550.00, not bad for a very bulky and heavy item.
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bodoh
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Location: Dover

Post by bodoh »

Am also waiting for my celestron barlow from vpost. Asked them to hold for a week to wait for some purchases my wife made. Consolidation from various sources will help save on the overall cost.
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bodoh
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Post by bodoh »

Just got a newsletter from vpost... there's now vpostjapan, so those who want to get astro stuff from there... may find it easier now :)
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chrisyeo
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Post by chrisyeo »

But I feel for small items (such as eyepieces) bought through astromart, it is still best to ask them to send direct to Singapore than to use Vpost. Vpost has a SGD10 handling fee + 7 bucks/kg thing. No..not so worthy for light items. somemore have to wait till friday.
Maybe astromart is ok since the seller can post for you. Some shops however do not entertain overseas shipping addresses, or they charge quite high rates. This is where I feel vpost can also be a good option.

Do check the alternative before buying! For example, I've discovered that telescope.com gives very good overseas shipping rates. Might even be cheaper than vpost.

Regards,
Chris
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Airconvent
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Post by Airconvent »

Hi all,
I'm curious as to how you calculate the shipping charges of your item in advance? I thought they consolidate and send together every Friday, so the true cost would only be known once the total cost is divided by the number of packages.

thanks
rich
The Boldly Go Where No Meade Has Gone Before
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
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chrisyeo
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Post by chrisyeo »

The shipping charges are standard. Its based on the volumetric weight of the package. If you know that dimensions of the package that you ordered, you can calculate using the formula on their website. Add the base charge of $10 and you get your shipping rate.

It does not depend on the total number of packages they have. Price is standard based on formula.

Chris
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