Postage Piracy or eBay Checkout Error

[bjmonty28]

Im trying to buy 727756-001 SPS-SERVICE DOOR 13.3 however as you can see in the listing, the postage cost says $51.60 USD ($71.89 AUD + GST).
This item measures small enough to fit in an envelope so why should the seller expect so much for postage?

I sent the seller a message asking if what is the price to Australia and got the response saying...

"We only offer the shipping options and rates that are provided at time of checkout. eBay is setup as an automated process for us and we have no way to change the shipping rates. Thank you!"
So, is this postage piracy? Or really an eBay error.
Im thinking along the lines that the seller hasnt entered the correct measurements into the eBay system knowing they can make a huige profit on postage.
I am not able to find this item anywhere else and I dont feel its right for sellers to do this.

[bjmonty28]

Yeah we all know about eBay not caring. FVF are the only way to go as far as they are concerned.
However live chat seemed interested but its not the first time they have given that appearance.

Never really used google for these items before. Should be cheap anough on eBay. But not a common item unfortunately.

[digital*ghost]

Seems to be a common rate for these items - first page of search results for similar items had at least 5 different US sellers with shipping to Australia in excess of AUD$70 (GSP items were around the $20-$40 mark). One seller in Germany has P&H set at $150-odd. 

I'm guessing that means there's a reason for it - presuming they're all different sellers, anyway - what that reason is (aside from what's already been suggested), I could barely speculate, though.  

[gutterpunkz05]

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@bjmonty28 wrote:

Thanks E1,

I just cant see what they dont slide it into a small padded envelope and add tracking surely it would only be like $15.00 USD.
All their website items like this have extremely higher freight to Oz too. Far out.
Not sure about using forwarding service. Might not end up much cheaper.
Lets see what the eBay investigation brings.

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USPS  International charges to Australia.  Flat rate envelopes max weight 4lb

Priority Mail Express   3 - 5   working days      $67.00  USD

Priority Mail  6 - 10  working days   $36.70  USD

Flat rate boxes with maximum weight 4lb  is slightly more expensive  

[bjmonty28]

Thats not right. Postage for a large padded envelope less than 1/6 inch thick from US to Oz is less than $10.00 USD and international  tracking is only $5.40 USD extra.

Postage from Oz to USA for the same service is only $17.40 AUD (as per AusPost website).

[davewil1964]

1/6 inch is 4mm. Even if the thing is wafer thin, that doesn't allow much to protect it while travelling halfway around the world.

These things are probably available in-country. After all, HP is not exactly a boutique company.

[bjmonty28]

well thats the size of the item, easily fits in an envelope mate

[davewil1964]

Well, mate, all the US sellers don't seem to agree.

Buy from HP or a dealer in Australia. The first page of a search gave several.

1/6 inch is half the thickness of a smartphone. Any sort of padding is going to use that up. Mate.

[bjmonty28]

tx mate, didnt mean anything sarcastic with "mate", sry if it appeared that way.
known you on these boards for like decades and you have been one of the most helpful around, thanks on behalf of e1.
been spending too much time on this piece of **bleep** plastic, will just leave it now

[gutterpunkz05]

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@bjmonty28 wrote:

Thats not right. Postage for a large padded envelope less than 1/6 inch thick from US to Oz is less than $10.00 USD and international  tracking is only $5.40 USD extra.

Postage from Oz to USA for the same service is only $17.40 AUD (as per AusPost website).

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You will find that is for documents only.  The item has to be sent as a parcel, with the contents and value declared.

From  Australia to USA  Parcel    0 - 1 kg  Express Post   $41.35   Standard Post  $ 24.00

Economy Air  $17.00  (Not recommended as there is no tracking and no Seller protection)

[bjmonty28]

So, parcel, Aus to USA is only $24.00 AUD.
Parcel USA to Aus should be cheaper.