I don't think they are random at all... they apply specifically to each situation, each country involved and based on many different circumstances.
Here is a reply I received in less than 24 hours (about 14 hours) from Amazon:
Quote:
Thank you for writing to Amazon.com.
At this time, due to warranty restrictions and import/export laws,
we can ship only books, music, videos, and DVDs to most destinations
outside the U.S. We can also ship some software, tools, video games,
jewelry, sporting goods, shoes, consumer electronics and kitchen
items to some destinations; for more information, visit this page:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...?nodeId=596184
Some items, such as Apparel & Accessories, are sold and shipped by
registered third-party merchants. Each merchant sets their own
shipping policy and some may ship to your country.
I've included some more information below in case you have further
questions.
Please know that Amazon cares about its international customers and
is working on ways to improve your service and selection. We
appreciate your understanding and thank you for choosing Amazon.com.
*****
CAN I ORDER FROM YOUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNER SITES?
Some of these restricted products, such as software and video games,
are available to selected destinations from our international
partner sites. You are always welcome to order from any Amazon web
site regardless of where you live. Information on our international
sites is listed here:
http://www.amazon.com/international/
*****
HOW DO I KNOW IF A SPECIFIC ITEM CAN BE SHIPPED TO MY COUNTRY?
All books, music, video, and DVD items can be shipped to any
international destination that is not restricted by the U.S. State
Department. Some software, electronics accessories, kitchen and
housewares, and hand tools can be shipped to a non-U.S. destination.
If an item can't be shipped to your destination, you will see a
message to that effect when checking out.
*****
WHERE DO I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
You may find these related Help pages useful:
Amazon.com Shipping Policies & Rates
http://www.amazon.com/help/shipping/
Ordering from Amazon Merchants
http://www.amazon.com/o/tg/browse/-/537794/ |
I think between their online policy and this response... it's pretty much covered as to why they only ship certain items overseas.
Anyone overseas can usually get someone here in the States to ship them items that they cannot get shipped directly from the vendor. It's a very common and legal practice.
If you run across another online source similar to Amazon that offers the variety of products they do and will ship overseas, we'll be happy to look into offering those products via a storefront like the Shack Electronics Store. Otherwise, as you can discern, there's only so much we can do.