Overseas Shipping

[tomacco]

Hi Sonnie: I'd like to help the Forum by making purchases from the suggested Forum stores where it makes economical sense. www.amazon.com refuses to answer my E-mails inquiring as to why they won't ship the DSP1124p to me. They'll ship books, but apparently not electronics (I guess it's all the anti-Russian algorithms bottled up in the DSP). They won't ship the ECM8000 either.

This leaves me no choice but to go elsewhere - I've tried five times.

Best Regards
Eric G.

[Sonnie]

Per my our PM discussion, you'll need to give them more than a few hours. Amazon is a big company and they probably get thousands and thousands of emails each day.

You might try calling them if you want a faster answer... International customers can reach them at 1-206-266-2992.

Either way... we realize not everyone will be able to purchase through the Shack Electronics Store. We knew this before we opened it... it's just part of how it works. We completely understand having to shop elsewhere.

[Sonnie]

Here's more info on their International Shipping Policy. Apparently it's not Amazon's decision, but rather the decision of the merchant selling the particular item.

Introduction
Amazon.com gladly accepts orders from all around the globe. Available product lines, shipping rates and fees may vary depending on the deliver address for your order.
To see the shipping rate information specific to your order's destination, click the link for your region at the bottom of this page under the heading "Related Topics."
Items from Amazon Marketplace can be shipped to several international regions, but cannot be shipped to Africa, Island Nations, Israel, Latin America, or the Middle East. Read more about Amazon Marketplace shipping rates.
Some items sold by Amazon Merchants may be shipped internationally. Amazon Merchants set their own shipping rates and policies.
Read more about shipping to U.S. protectorates or APO/FPO addresses.
Your packages may be subject to the customs fees and import duties of the country to which you have your order shipped. These charges are always the recipient's responsibility. For further details, read about Restrictions (which apply to all international shipments) and Import Fees Deposits (which apply to Priority International Shipping only.)
Please note: For your protection, Amazon.com will send any order valued at $400 or more via a trackable method.
Restrictions
The following items can be shipped to almost all destinations outside the U.S.:

• books*
• DVDs
• music
• VHS videos

Additionally, some software, tools, video games, jewelry, sporting goods, shoes, consumer electronics and kitchen items can be shipped to the following countries:

• Australia, Austria, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

All products shipped to these countries via Priority International Shipping are subject to an import fees deposit. We use this ship method for all non-media products; customers can also choose this method for books, DVDs, music and VHS videos.
*Note: Books that require special handling because they are extremely heavy (for example, multi-volume sets) cannot be shipped outside the U.S. If this is the case, it will be noted on the product detail page.
Limitations
For products shipped internationally, please note that any manufacturer warranty may not be valid; manufacturer service options may not be available; product manuals, instructions and safety warnings may not be in destination country languages; the products (and accompanying materials) may not be designed in accordance with destination country standards, specifications, and labeling requirements; and the products may not conform to destination country voltage and other electrical standards (requiring use of an adapter or converter if appropriate). You are responsible for assuring that the product can be lawfully imported to the destination country. When ordering from Amazon.com, the recipient is the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country.
Privacy
Your privacy is important to us, and we know that you care about how information about your order is used and shared. We would like our international customers and customers shipping products internationally to be aware that cross-border shipments are subject to opening and inspection by customs authorities.
Also, we may provide certain order, shipment, and product information, such as titles, to our international carriers, and such information may be communicated by the carriers to customs authorities in order to facilitate customs clearance and comply with local laws.
If the order is a gift, the package is marked "Gift," but the cost of the item is still stated on the customs form.
Customs authorities require us to state the value of the gift item directly on the package.
Returns & Replacements
The above terms (including, if applicable, terms related to the Import Fee Deposit) also apply to any replacement product we might ship (in our discretion) if there is a problem with the original shipment. If you return a product to us, you will be the exporter from the destination country. Title and risk of loss transfer to us upon receipt at our fulfillment centers. For additional information please use the "Contact Us" form accessible on the right-side of this page.
Customs, Duties, and Taxes
The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by the recipient; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; you should contact your local customs office for further information.
For your convenience, when we use Priority International Shipping to the above listed countries, Amazon Export Sales will estimate and collect an Import Fees Deposit, and such funds will be used by the carrier or another agent to pay the Import Fees on behalf of you (or the recipient) to the appropriate authorities of the destination country (See detail below). If applicable, you authorize us to designate a carrier to act as your agent to clear the merchandise with the relevant customs and tax authorities in the destination country; in the case of gifts or other purchases made on behalf of another recipient, you make the foregoing authorizations on behalf of the recipient designated in your order.
Import Fees Deposit
Orders that are shipped to countries outside of the U.S. may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country ("Import Fees"). For your convenience, when we use Priority International Shipping to eligible countries, Amazon Export Sales will estimate and collect an Import Fees Deposit, and such funds will be used by the carrier or another agent to pay the Import Fees on your behalf (or on the recipient's behalf) to the appropriate authorities of the destination country.
Read below for the answers to further questions about the Import Fees Deposit and applicable Terms and Conditions.
Which products does the Import Fees Deposit apply to?
Eligible items sent via Priority International Shipping will have an estimated Import Fees Deposit applied to the order. Orders for some types of products may only be sent via Priority International Shipping and to certain eligible countries. Orders for books, music, videos, or DVDs that are shipped via Standard International or Expedited International Shipping will not include an estimated Import Fees Deposit.
What if the actual Import Fees are less than the Import Fees Deposit I was charged?
If the actual Import Fees (paid by carrier on behalf of the recipient to the customs and tax jurisdiction of the destination country) are less than the Import Fees Deposit Amazon Export Sales estimated, we will automatically refund the difference to the payment method you used for the order. We will send you a notification e-mail to confirm the amount of the refund.
What if the actual Import Fees are more than the Import Fees Deposit I was charged?
You will not be charged any additional fees if the actual Import Fees exceed the Import Fees Deposit we estimated.
How do you estimate the amount of the Import Fees Deposit?
We use third-party software to determine the duties, taxes, and fees associated with each item in the order for the destination country selected during the checkout process.
How can the estimated Import Fees Deposit differ from the actual import duties and fees payable?
Customs regulations and tax rates applicable to certain goods may change. Also, customs officials in various countries and regions may differ on the proper classification of goods.
Import Fee Deposit Terms & Conditions
Your order with Amazon Export Sales, Inc. (Amazon Export) for shipment to countries outside of the U.S. may be subject to taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country ("Import Fees"). The recipient of the shipment is the importer of record in the destination country and is responsible for all Import Fees.
You authorize Amazon Export to designate a carrier (Designated Carrier) to act as your agent with the relevant customs and tax authorities in the destination country, to clear your merchandise, process and remit your actual Import Fees. Amazon Export is not an agent and provides this as a value added service to customers.
"Import Fees Deposit" represents an estimate of the Import Fees that will be levied on the items in your order. By placing your order, you agree to allow Amazon Export to collect the Import Fees Deposit. This deposit will be used, on your behalf, to reimburse the designated carriers for the import fees that they have paid on your behalf to the appropriate authorities of the destination country.
You further agree that the Carriers may disclose to Amazon Export the amount of actual Import Fees levied ("Actual Import Fees"). In the event that the Import Fees Deposit exceeds the Actual Import Fees, Amazon Export will refund the difference to you.
In the case of gifts or other purchases made on behalf of another recipient, you make the foregoing authorizations on behalf of the recipient designated in your order.
To obtain details regarding the Actual Import Fees, or to obtain documentation or receipts in connection with customs clearance, you may contact the Carrier specified in your shipment confirmation e-mail.
These terms and conditions are in addition to the standard Conditions of Use of the Amazon website. Pursuant to those terms, title and risk of loss for the items transfer to the recipient upon delivery to the common carrier in the United States.

[tonyvdb]

I have purchased lots of A/V equipment from the US. Amazon.com & places like Vanns unfortunately will not ship them outside of the US so its there loss. There are allot of other places that will ship you just have to look.
SVS for example has a Canadian reseller sonicboomaudio.com located right here in Canada and their prices are fairly close to the US pricing although I think it could be better as our $ is on par right now.

[Sonnie]

From what I understand, restrictions come from the supplier, and in most cases it depends on import/export regulations, licensing deals in other countries, etc.

As I expected, there are several factors that might determine whether or not products in the Shack Electronics Store (an Amazon store front) can be shipped overseas. It makes sense that those that can ship, will ship... they want to make money any way they can. So if they don't ship, they most likely have a good reason.

[tomacco]

Hi Sonnie: Those restrictions seem to apply randomly, but we all knew that.

Thanks

[Sonnie]

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:

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.