Onboard Courier Service - or, Would you please bring something back for me? ;)

[candyflip]

Guys/Gals,

You'd be aware that on Jetstar international flights, for example, a small fee in the hundreds will usually secure you extra baggage up to flight limits (less if booked in advance).

I know that canny Aussies, wanting to import heavy items from overseas, have used that extra baggage to get large toys into the country and bypass DHL/trad courier services hefty charges. NO, we are not talking boogie boards stuffed with contraband!!

My question is, do you know of a forum that links interested parties, buyers and flyers, for such a purpose?

Or, is there anyone flying back through Tokyo next year who wants to help me with bringing back a 30kg electronic toy?

 

[harvyk]

It is strongly recommended that you do not carry stuff for other people as if there is anything wrong at the customs line your the one who has to "please explain"...

About the only exception I have ever made was I carried a care package (eg Tim Tams, Vegemite etc...) given to me by my mum and destined for my sister... In that case I was pretty sure there was nothing that was going to cause problems (and even then I actually packed the care package myself so I knew exactly what I was carrying when filling out immigration cards).

The idea of carrying something on behalf of someone else, even if it was a "commercial product" is very risky as you don't know if the destined person had arranged the "shopkeeper" to place something extra into the box prior to giving it to you.

Also remember that even if the product isn't sinister in nature, any customs excess (and remember it's not just for every $ over the limit, it becomes payable on everything you have) would need to be paid by yourself, so if you spend up big on your trip, you may be in for a nice little tax bill on arrival.

 

[Leumas]

Schapelle Corby

 

[notzac]

I would be extremely nervous about playing delivery man for anyone I didn't know extremely well, or for items I hadn't personally purchased/inspected.. can't say as I think this is a good idea.

 

[OverrideServlet]

I just love that your handle is "candyflip".

Urban Dictionary: candyflip

 

[Will]

No.

Would you carry a 'package' for someone through customs?

If not, why do you think someone else would for you?

 

[UP4014]

Why would you take the risk for a few dollars. What's that question they ask "did you pack your bags yourself?"

Forget it.

 

[harvyk]

Maybe what you could do is use a courier service to transport your normal baggage (eg clothes etc) back to Australia and that gives you your entire baggage allowance for your purchase. Some of the excess baggange courier services give pretty good rates compared to normal freight options (although you are limited to clothing for some of them). The only downside is that it might be a couple of weeks before you get your baggage as it's next available flight where there is space, which is not nessacerily your flight.

It gets around the issue of someone carrying someone elses goods past customs.

 

[JohnK]

I would not carry something for someone even if I was paid to carry it. This also includes friends.

I have brought back gifts from friends and family but that it different and most things were fabric or clothes.

 

[rechoboam]

Wouldnt do it. And I have to say I buy lots of stuff on the net, postage is cheap or, increasingly often, free. Freight forwarders will often do it for a fixed percentage like 5%.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

What about flying to Japan in whY then buy a JQ Star Class special to come home which should give you a 30 kilo baggage allowance.

Alternatively compare the cost of your return ticket from Australia to Japan plus what the excess baggage would cost on the leg home with a return ticket on JAL ex Australia to the USA which obviously would allow a stopover in Japan each way. The point of flying the the USA would be that you should be on the piece system for your checked luggage & be able to carry 2 bags @ 23 kg each. Find out from JAL any minimum stay requirements in the USA but the rest of the time can be spent in Japan.

 

[candyflip]

Solid advice Oz, thanks.

The only complication is my 30kg electronic item is one piece, of 30kgs and cannot be split between bags.