In Reply to: shipping prices posted by opal on Sunday, 14. November 2004 at 09:11 Bali Time:
Unfortunately prices can change from month to month because of peak times eg leading up to Christams,also because of Prices restorations that came in in July and also the whim of the shipping lines( which are not indonesain owned by the way)
The prices for the following month dont come down until the end of the previuos month if you get my meaning. When you get a quote ask to see it itemised and you can compare all the breakdown with in a few quotes to see where one is dearer than another.Remember the cheapest can mean that they may also cut costs and quality when it come to the packing etc.Which you definately dont want to happen to you goods etc.
The prices are always quoted in $USD our container that was shipped in July cost us $2650 USD yet the previous one was $1700USD.July 04 onwards was when the price restoration fiasco hit.Not sure what the price for NOV/DEC is at the moment.
Dont forget when it arrives in OZ you have all Quarrantine/Customs/Duty etc to pay and also Agents fee if you are using a agent to process the container for you.
If you are sharing a container with friends just nominate one person as the consignee or otherwise you can get charged more this end if they think their is more than one consignee of goods in the container
Make sure you buy quality furniture it is worth pay a bit extra for quality so you dont end up with a pile of warped,split bits of wood on its arrival.
If you are getting your shipping company to collect your finished goods and pay the balance make sure the shipping company gives you a Nota/invoice for the money you leave behind with them.Also when you buy something/order only ever leave a minimum deposit with the shop and balance is pd on completion.Hang on to all invoices in a folder or somethingas you must have all of these available to give copies to go with your shipping/cargo company.
Hope I am not raving but there is a lot of little things to keep in mind that can help your shipment run smoothly.
Remeber a container is not just what it costs you in Bali but also charges once it arrives in OZ .