Quick National Console Support delivery question

[EJG1980]

I'm very close to giving in and ordering a 20 gigger from NCSX.com but have a question about the delivery. Is there much of a difference between USPS Global Express Mail ($81) and UPS Worldwide Express ($182)? I've emailed NCSX asking them, but I thought I'd probably get a quicker response if I posted on here too

[sj33]

UPS will be faster and has tracking.

USPS will go through Parcel Force once it hits the UK.

[EJG1980]

Parcel Force? I think UPS might be the better option then! Shame though, bumps up the price and increases the potential (I should say inevitable) import VAT. Cheers for the info!

[son_of_bael]

Doesn't Global Express Mail also have tracking?

EDIT: Just checked, and it does.

http://www.usps.com/global/sendpackages.htm

[sj33]

Doesn't Global Express Mail also have tracking?

Perhaps, I might be wrong there.

It still goes through Parcel Force though. And you'll have to go through the tedious hassle to waiting for that customs payment note through the door too cause they no longer collect at the door. I no longer use them for this reason.

[MartyG]

You don't. As long as you have the tracking number you can pay at the depot when the status changes to "Awaiting payment of charges", or if you can get through on the phone to a real person there. You need the number on the letter (which is different to the tracking number) for the automated process though.

You'll likely get stung for VAT at customs on either service, plus the courier's handling fee.

[EJG1980]

You'll likely get stung for VAT at customs on either service, plus the courier's handling fee.

Yeah I know, I've never imported a console and avoided VAT. Shame they don't use DHL as their handling fee is lower than UPS

Was just emailed back by NCSX.com, here's what they said in case anybody else is interested:

Hello Edward, thanks for your email. We are currently sold out of the 20GB PS3 but restock is expected in the next 3-5 days. The 60GB model is currently in stock.

Both shipping methods cited in your email are trackable and insured but we generally recommend USPS Express Mail since it is more economical and normally delivers within 3-6 business days after our shipping the parcel.

UPS Worldwide Express delivers in 2 business days but is more expensive than Express Mail. Feel free to notify us if you have any further questions.

Regards,
NCS, Inc

[On The Edge of Insanity]

I went with the Parcel Force delivered one (USPS) and didn't have any major problems, apart from having to wait for the slip through the door (didn't know they didn't collect on delivery like they used to). Also, NCSX marked down the value for the customs so I didn't end up paying as much as I could have done.

[EJG1980]

Cheers for the replies. Gonna twiddle my thumbs until the 20GB come back into stock. Doesn't help that I just had to buy a new bed and mattress, my credit card is gonna hate my guts

[mackemansj1]

Dont go parcelforce mate they have had mine since the 27th no budge and can i hell get through on the phone. The only time i got through i was told there holding my parcel and i should wait for a letter they couldnt tell me when they sent the letter or when i should expect it and i asked how long this whole thing would take and they couldnt tell me.

[tom-nook]

Edward, it's worth keeping an eye on Videogamesplus.ca too as they seem to get new stock in fairly regularly (none listed at the moment though).

They ship consoles using DHL too. Looking at one of the other threads they chareg approx. CAD $113 for shipping which seems pretty good.

[Gaol]

USPS GEM took my 20gig 10 days, though its a bit of a lottery as to how quick it arrives. Customs might hold on to it; the transit between countries can be kinda random; and PF won't release it till you've paid your duties.

UPS will always be 2 days; and they will bill you for customs after instead of holding it at some depot.

If I ever import again I will 100% be using a courier company.

[zAndy1]

My Jap 60GB was shipped from Japan on the 30th Dec and arrived today, with no customs charges, well chuffed, parcelforce get it right sometimes!

[The Boatman]

I thought UPS asked for cash on delivery, but DHL billed you later.

[EJG1980]

Edward, it's worth keeping an eye on Videogamesplus.ca too as they seem to get new stock in fairly regularly (none listed at the moment though).

They ship consoles using DHL too. Looking at one of the other threads they chareg approx. CAD $113 for shipping which seems pretty good.

Well I was only looking at NCSX in the first place cos they didn't have any at videogamesplus Gotta love that Canadian Dollar to Pound exchange rate!