Anyone ever used freight forwarders to ship beer internationally?

Discussion in 'Australia' started by AzfromOz, Oct 22, 2020.

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  1. AzfromOz

    AzfromOz Grand Pooh-Bah (3,225) Aug 22, 2020 Australia
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hi,

    I figure I'm not getting overseas any time soon... We had planned a holiday from Australia to Greece in the European summer but some things got in the way - you might have heard of them! So, missing my biennial dive into a foreign country's beer culture, I was thinking about getting some stuff shipped to me, either via online stores or some personal contacts I've come across. I realise that shipping costs could be astronomical and there will likely be customs alcohol duties (I doubt freight forwarders will let me list beer as perfume!) but freight forwarders seem to be able to offer lower prices due to the volumes they command. Has anyone here used these services before?

    I didn't post this in the trading fora as I'm not looking to trade, but if this would be better posted over there just let me know!

    Cheers
     
    #1 AzfromOz, Oct 22, 2020
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  2. Jack_14

    Jack_14 Pooh-Bah (1,682) Nov 2, 2019 Italy
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I have never had experience. But the answer to this question interests me a lot too. I was obviously discouraged from asking for the reasons I have already mentioned (taxes, customs, uncertainty of the conditions under which the product could be handled in the long journey, etc.)
     
    #2 Jack_14, Oct 22, 2020
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  3. rgordon

    rgordon Pooh-Bah (2,701) Apr 26, 2012 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    I have used freight forwarders in Spain and France to consolidate in port cities for container shipment to Norfolk, Charleston, and a few more. It is expensive and I was buying large amounts for a wholesale business. Good luck in your quest!
     
    #3 rgordon, Oct 22, 2020
  4. AzfromOz

    AzfromOz Grand Pooh-Bah (3,225) Aug 22, 2020 Australia
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hi, and thanks for your reply. I certainly would use a freight forwarder if I was looking at commercial levels of import but I'm just looking for a small amount of beer for personal consumption. It's import at that level that is highly likely to not be cost effective, but possibly cheaper than shipping directly from the retailer.

    Regardless, I think I might just bite the bullet and do it and be the guinea pig for everyone else's benefit!

    Cheers
     
    #4 AzfromOz, Oct 22, 2020
    rgordon likes this.
  5. rgordon

    rgordon Pooh-Bah (2,701) Apr 26, 2012 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    Maybe if you could piggyback with some wholesaler, they might be able to include your portion on a container coming your way. Maybe you have contacts with some importers. In any case freight has always been a big piece of the eventual cost of beer and wine when landed. Also, label approvals at customs may be an issue in Australia.. It is here in the USA.
     
    #5 rgordon, Oct 22, 2020
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