Online shopping from NZ - Overseas/USA websites shipping reliability help

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#512470 26-Aug-2011 13:34

dontpanic42: Also, let me know if you have any queries about the product and I can do my best to answer them for you.

I will thanks.

One question - does the nomad 7 come with the 12VDC female cigarette adaptor, and any other attachments? I know the Adventure kit apparently does.

"Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see"-Edgar Allan Poe...and my Dad (Words I live by).
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"-Many...and my Dad (Words I should live by ;) )
If it ain't broke, fiddle with it ... till its broke! (Words I should really not live by)

dontpanic42

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#512475 26-Aug-2011 13:37

On the Customs NZ website, they have 5% duty listed on 'battery chargers - other', so maybe it falls into that category? But it's just a duty, doesn't say anything about restricted for private import.

I still suspect the hold up lies with Goal Zero imposing the restriction on Amazon and other similar larger online retailers.

Frustrating.

robbyp

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#512477 26-Aug-2011 13:39

snowkiwi: try Dealextreme http://www.dealextreme.com/ not sure of quality tho. I have a few things in their shopping cart at present - may buy soon.

dontpanic42

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#512484 26-Aug-2011 13:47

snowkiwi:
dontpanic42: Also, let me know if you have any queries about the product and I can do my best to answer them for you.

I will thanks.

One question - does the nomad 7 come with the 12VDC female cigarette adaptor, and any other attachments? I know the Adventure kit apparently does.

Yip, it comes with a female cigarette adapter, the main solar panel unit, and a mini carabiner.

I will be honest here, and say that I haven't yet received the battery pack unit yet. It's currently in my city, and I'm waiting on DHL/CourierPost to deliver it. But I believe that the power pack unit comes with the 6.5volt solar connecting cable. And also a USB charging cable that you can hook up to a computer to charge the batteries if you need to.

Will let you know more if/when it arrives today. :-)

snowkiwi

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Master Geek
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#512491 26-Aug-2011 13:58

dontpanic42: On the Customs NZ website, they have 5% duty listed on 'battery chargers - other', so maybe it falls into that category? But it's just a duty, doesn't say anything about restricted for private import.

I still suspect the hold up lies with Goal Zero imposing the restriction on Amazon and other similar larger online retailers.

Frustrating.

Its got me too - So they will sell us a solar panel but not batteries/charger . NZ customs aren't going to hassle them as batteries aren't restricted. And you imported a charger so its not that. They do appear to have a site in NZ and Aussi (i.e. a franchised agent I guess - relatively expensive too) that may have something to do with it. But you still imported both! Total confusion. I may email Goal zero and quiz them.

dontpanic42

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#512495 26-Aug-2011 14:10

snowkiwi: I may email Goal zero and quiz them.

Been there, done that. ;-)
All they could offer was to point me in the direction on the NZ supplier - http://www.tactical.co.nz/websites/tactical/home.htm

Although, I didn't specifically ask them about the NZ shipping restrictions. They might be able to shed some light on this if you emailed them. Let me know if you do get any details back on it (PM me/or post back here).

I also had a live-chat conversation with an Amazon CSR about the fact that the Guide 10 kit couldn't be shipped to NZ. Although they were extremely helpful, they couldn't do anything for me as they said it was up to the manufacturer to make those decisions.

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snowkiwi

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#512513 26-Aug-2011 14:35

dontpanic42:
snowkiwi: I may email Goal zero and quiz them.

Been there, done that. ;-)
All they could offer was to point me in the direction on the NZ supplier - http://www.tactical.co.nz/websites/tactical/home.htm

Although, I didn't specifically ask them about the NZ shipping restrictions. They might be able to shed some light on this if you emailed them. Let me know if you do get any details back on it (PM me/or post back here).

I also had a live-chat conversation with an Amazon CSR about the fact that the Guide 10 kit couldn't be shipped to NZ. Although they were extremely helpful, they couldn't do anything for me as they said it was up to the manufacturer to make those decisions.

I get this sinking feeling sometimes I see US folks eyes glaze over when they hear you're not from the states. Its like: "its bad enough you're not from my home town, let alone my state. You want me to sort out some problem that's not even american! May as well be asking why we cant get Taco Bell delivered to crater number 4 on the moon. :)

dontpanic42

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#512517 26-Aug-2011 14:41

snowkiwi:
I get this sinking feeling sometimes I see US folks eyes glaze over when they hear you're not from the states. Its like: "its bad enough you're not from my home town, let alone my state. You want me to sort out some problem that's not even american! May as well be asking why we cant get Taco Bell delivered to crater number 4 on the moon. :)

Too true, too true. ;)

samdouglas

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#512908 27-Aug-2011 17:03

I just ordered a camera online from Bhphotovideo.com and saved about $250 NZD - until i got called up by customs saying i was being charged $140 for import duty. seems a lot for something that cost $350 US... but just a warning to factor in import taxes when you buy stuff overseas :( Was still cheaper than buying locally though.

snowkiwi

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Master Geek
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#516115 3-Sep-2011 13:09

Just received my first overseas, shipping order. A Zebralight H51 torch.

First off, I'm not really a torch-o-phile...until 3 months ago that is, when I bought a decent torch for the first time (a Fenix LD20 R5, which rocks for a double AA torch). I like well engineered things, and efficient things.
This Zebralight H51 is both, and is quite a beast of a little torch for its size. I would almost say its beautiful... but Im a bloke, so I won't :| . Anyway it Cost US$64 (NZ$78.97 on my VISA statement) shipping inclusive (free shipping). Arrived direct from Zebralight (http://www.zebralight.com/H51-Headlamp-AA-200Lm_p_37.html) in a plain brown cardboard box with accessories (headband and couple of attachments, and spare O'rings). Took about 10 days to arrive by signature-required courier.
It uses only a single AA battery (any AA, but optimized for envelop 2000mWh rechargeables), with 7 brightness levels (0.2 Lumens to 200 Lumens) lasting from about an hour to 16 days!! The 0.2 Lms is enough to read a map or clip to hiking boots and retain night-vision. OK, by comparison the Fenix lasts over 2hrs at max of 180Lm but its twice the size and uses 2 AAs.
I was unsure of the side mounted style but It actually works well both as a headlamp/necklamp, clipped on front of boots/shirt/trouser pocket, and a normal torch.
I think this will be my new everyday pocket torch. Sorry little 20 yo AAA mightylite.

snowkiwi

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#516139 3-Sep-2011 14:08

dontpanic42:
snowkiwi: I may email Goal zero and quiz them.

Been there, done that. ;-)
All they could offer was to point me in the direction on the NZ supplier - http://www.tactical.co.nz/websites/tactical/home.htm

Although, I didn't specifically ask them about the NZ shipping restrictions. They might be able to shed some light on this if you emailed them. Let me know if you do get any details back on it (PM me/or post back here).

I also had a live-chat conversation with an Amazon CSR about the fact that the Guide 10 kit couldn't be shipped to NZ. Although they were extremely helpful, they couldn't do anything for me as they said it was up to the manufacturer to make those decisions.

I contacted them - no joy either - just told to contact the NZ agent too.

Update on ordering overseas:
On a related note though I have been told when trying to order a La Crosse Technology BC-700 Charger from amazon and told that can't ship to NZ. But last week I tried again and not allowed as usual, then suddenly was allowed!! The guy who presses the button labeled "We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination" must have gone to the bog at that moment:). We'll see if it actually arrives or if customs charges me a small ransom.

How did you go (dontpanic42) ordering the Guide10 charger? Does it work well with the Nomad 7 solar panel? How does it compare with the Voltaic Amp Solar Charger?
I'd PM you - but I like to keep it public in case it possibly helps others.

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dontpanic42

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#516158 3-Sep-2011 14:50

I've had a Petzl Tikka XP for about 3 or 4 years now, and it is probably the single best thing I have ever bought. Well, apart from the Nomad 7 solar panel of course.
I've been a torch-o-phile ever since!! ;-)

I am very intrigued by these ZebraLights. They look seriously hard core. Very tempting. ;)

snowkiwi: How did you go (dontpanic42) ordering the Guide10 charger? Does it work well with the Nomad 7 solar panel? How does it compare with the Voltaic Amp Solar Charger?
I'd PM you - but I like to keep it public in case it possibly helps others.

Well, the Guide 10 power pack did arrive the following Monday, and it seems to be performing very well. In full sunlight this beast cranks. And even under decidedly overcast conditions the little charging indicator light is blinking away indicating that it is charging. I haven't actually scientifically timed the charging times yet, but I would say it would be close to advertised charging times. Maybe about 2 hours instead of 1.5hours as stated to charge 4xAA batteries. But that could be of differing amp/hour ratings on the batteries I'm charging.

As an aside, I actually received a duplicate order of the powers packs from the online retailer by mistake on the same day, so ended up with a spare. I notified them about the duplicate order, but they said to keep it as it would be un-economical to have it shipped back to the states. So that's a bonus. A friend has been intrigued enough by this solar setup that he has ordered a Nomad 7 solar panel from Amazon, and will use this extra battery pack.

I love the fact that the Nomad 7 solar panel has a 12volt cigarette lighter output and have actually been testing a different AA/AAA battery charging method. I already had one of these Maha MH-C401FS chargers from a while ago, and it has been an absolutely incredible charger. 4 independent smart charging channels, and it has manually switch-able fast (100mins) and slow (5 hours) charge options. Anyway, it runs off 12volts so have been testing this on the 12volt output of the Nomad 7 solar panel and it has been working like a dream. I'm even thinking that this could be a slightly better AA/AAA battery charging option as you don't have to always have 4 x batteries in the charger like you do with the Guide 10 battery pack. A little more testing is probably needed, but this could be a winner. In fact, I think I had both the Guide 10 power pack and the Maha charging at the same time, and they seemed to be working well. Not so much when the sun was not blazing, but good to see what the panel was capable of handling.

Next test, seeing how the Nomad 7 solar panel handles charging a 12V 12ah SLA battery. I think I have a 12V charge regulator somewhere that I can throw in between them.

Like you, I'm still thoroughly confused by the Amazon shipping restrictions anomalies. :/

snowkiwi

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Master Geek
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#516189 3-Sep-2011 17:00

dontpanic42: I've had a Petzl Tikka XP for about 3 or 4 years now, and it is probably the single best thing I have ever bought. Well, apart from the Nomad 7 solar panel of course.
I've been a torch-o-phile ever since!! ;-)

I am very intrigued by these ZebraLights. They look seriously hard core. Very tempting. ;)

I like that slide away diffuser of the Tikka. The ZebraLight H51 is a non-standard design. But these guys have a lot of other designs and a few variations, on each design. Its pretty awesome the output/efficiency of these new LEDs. The cheap business-Promo one Ive got 3 of with 7 LEDs is a Piglet after this.

dontpanic42: Well, the Guide 10 power pack did arrive the following Monday, and it seems to be performing very well. In full sunlight this beast cranks. And even under decidedly overcast conditions the little charging indicator light is blinking away indicating that it is charging. I haven't actually scientifically timed the charging times yet, but I would say it would be close to advertised charging times. Maybe about 2 hours instead of 1.5hours as stated to charge 4xAA batteries. But that could be of differing amp/hour ratings on the batteries I'm charging.

Real happy its working well for you 'cause I just ordered both few days ago. The Nomad 7 from Amazon as you did. And Im trying Goodsteps.co.nz ($80.50 NZD delivered) for the Guide 10.

snowkiwi:Q3 - Lastly just on the off chance someone else loves rope:) - Anyone know of an Auckland store (or NZ site with low freight costs) that sells decent paracord (5mm dia nylon braided rope with 5-7 internal twisted strands

I know I'm replying to my own quote, which is real sad, but I seem to be one of only a few people in NZ that are addicted to 550 paracord and need more (I use it for everything from pulley systems around the house to camping to mending things in lieu of welding). But for anyone else (not US folk - as it seems to rain the stuff over there:) who has this affliction... some info for you: So I finally found a decent shipping rate from USA from a shop called Rotokid About 400 feet of it at US$0.10/ft and other small items for US$8 shipping. Im sure its uninsured and just standard mail, but Tom, there seemed a decent enough guy, so I'll see how it all goes.

richms

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#516212 3-Sep-2011 18:48

snowkiwi:
On a related note though I have been told when trying to order a La Crosse Technology BC-700 Charger from amazon and told that can't ship to NZ. But last week I tried again and not allowed as usual, then suddenly was allowed!! The guy who presses the button labeled "We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination" must have gone to the bog at that moment:). We'll see if it actually arrives or if customs charges me a small ransom.

What was the price shipped from amazon? I have had one on my watchlist on ebay for ages since I have such a mismatched collection of AA's now.

Richard rich.ms

snowkiwi

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Master Geek
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#516219 3-Sep-2011 19:22

richms:
snowkiwi:
On a related note though I have been told when trying to order a La Crosse Technology BC-700 Charger from amazon and told that can't ship to NZ. But last week I tried again and not allowed as usual, then suddenly was allowed!! The guy who presses the button labeled "We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination" must have gone to the bog at that moment:). We'll see if it actually arrives or if customs charges me a small ransom.

What was the price shipped from amazon? I have had one on my watchlist on ebay for ages since I have such a mismatched collection of AA's now.

Cost NZ$24 shipping but that was for 4 items

La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power Battery Charger US$25.76
Goal0 Nomad 7M Solar Panel US$77.50
and 2 other largish items

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