I'm sure many GBATemp veterans already are savvy, but I've recently become hooked on overseas buying. Lately it's all been about buying from PRC. Now how did my typical North American buying go you ask? Well I'll give you my story.
I would order late in the evening as usual, and would immediately recieve a useless email stating my order had been recived, they'll let me know when it's processed and the order shipped. 2-5 days later I would be let know via another email that my order should ship in the next 24-48 hours.. Two MORE days. Even if I ordered via express, and paid $60+, a wekk is tacked on.
I used to think this was fine, until I took a chance on a overseas purchase (I could not find the product in stock in any US or CAN stores) and I became privy to a whole new world of something I never knew until that day.. efficient service, real customer service, rewarding service that makes you smile.
Here is how my now typical overseas order goes (mainly from the Peoples Republic of China, and a real starlet of a store in particular).
I order a product, nearly always thrilled at the better price I'm receiving (these cats understand the benefits of reduced price but greater volume). I pay in Renminbi, as this is the currency of the Peoples Bank of China, same as Chinese Yuan. I check the exchange rate (CADCNY=X, google it, substitute CAD for your currency exchange symbol if not Canadian) to find as usual, that there is a 7% or so hike do to some kind of tax I figure. and I pay for UPS Express $30 or so (notice it's roughly half of domestic express?) and place the order. I smile as I realize that even after purchasing Express 3-5day shipping, I've saved money from domestic standard shipped orders.
Before noon the next morning (as I've said, I typically orderin the late evening) I receive an email notifying me my product is SHIPPED, and here is my tracking number. Shipping takes average 5 business day to arrive (not counting weekends of course) and it arrives. I pay no duty, customs, nor brokerage. I sign, then eagerly open my prizes feeling great for the fantastic efficiency of the order.
Lastly, I need to note the customer service portion of these orders. Got a problem with the order? email, they typically get back within a few hours. trouble on there end? they contact you and give you options to rectify the situation, typically being either refund, wait, or upgraded product shipped instead. Defective Product? email them , they'll give you instructions on sending the product back, then express you the replacment. I know some will balk at shipping back overseas, but most domestice make you do it as well.
In the end, I'm loving the better service, the better prices, and the better overall experience of overseas orders. I will be an odd day for me when I decide to order domestic again. They just take too long, and have no service morals
I would order late in the evening as usual, and would immediately recieve a useless email stating my order had been recived, they'll let me know when it's processed and the order shipped. 2-5 days later I would be let know via another email that my order should ship in the next 24-48 hours.. Two MORE days. Even if I ordered via express, and paid $60+, a wekk is tacked on.
I used to think this was fine, until I took a chance on a overseas purchase (I could not find the product in stock in any US or CAN stores) and I became privy to a whole new world of something I never knew until that day.. efficient service, real customer service, rewarding service that makes you smile.
Here is how my now typical overseas order goes (mainly from the Peoples Republic of China, and a real starlet of a store in particular).
I order a product, nearly always thrilled at the better price I'm receiving (these cats understand the benefits of reduced price but greater volume). I pay in Renminbi, as this is the currency of the Peoples Bank of China, same as Chinese Yuan. I check the exchange rate (CADCNY=X, google it, substitute CAD for your currency exchange symbol if not Canadian) to find as usual, that there is a 7% or so hike do to some kind of tax I figure. and I pay for UPS Express $30 or so (notice it's roughly half of domestic express?) and place the order. I smile as I realize that even after purchasing Express 3-5day shipping, I've saved money from domestic standard shipped orders.
Before noon the next morning (as I've said, I typically orderin the late evening) I receive an email notifying me my product is SHIPPED, and here is my tracking number. Shipping takes average 5 business day to arrive (not counting weekends of course) and it arrives. I pay no duty, customs, nor brokerage. I sign, then eagerly open my prizes feeling great for the fantastic efficiency of the order.
Lastly, I need to note the customer service portion of these orders. Got a problem with the order? email, they typically get back within a few hours. trouble on there end? they contact you and give you options to rectify the situation, typically being either refund, wait, or upgraded product shipped instead. Defective Product? email them , they'll give you instructions on sending the product back, then express you the replacment. I know some will balk at shipping back overseas, but most domestice make you do it as well.
In the end, I'm loving the better service, the better prices, and the better overall experience of overseas orders. I will be an odd day for me when I decide to order domestic again. They just take too long, and have no service morals
