The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

All,

What is the best, most cost-effective way to ship an upright floor model Victrola or gramophone from the U.K. to the U.S.A., preferably via boat? What companies do you all use? Are there any that will pick it up, crate it and then ship it?

To our fellow British board members: Please chime in if you can!

Best,

Garret

I have used http://www.gonavis.com/ several times and been very happy with their cost and service. I have also used http://www.cratersandfreighters.com/ and been happy with them.

The best prices for international shipping I have found, and great and easy service if you are able to pack items yourself is: https://www.ipsparcel.com/ They ship via fedex and have the lowest prices of anyone I have seen.

The only one I can think of would be the major players like DHL.

Out of interest, why are you selling a Victrola to the USA? Surely the larger models fetch more money over here because there simply aren't many of them.

I think Garret is in the USA and wants to 'import' from the UK?

Some people have used Nippon Express but I wouldn't recommend them after they nearly destroyed an Expert horn I sold! I know they collect, crate and ship big items.

It'll be a very costly exercise whichever company you choose. You could try http://www.interparcel.com. Once the known package size and weight is determined their website looks for the cheapest options available.

My advise would be dont buy from the UK if you can help it
Their postage & shipping costs are the highest I've ever come across.
If you can buy the same thing from New Zealand or even Australia, you'll be far better off financially.

All,

I am looking to import to the USA. I live here in America, close to the nation's capital. If you all have any more shippers that you might recommend, please let me know! Again, the focus is on surface shipping, possibly even sharing a container...

Shane,

If you can find me an HMV 193/194 or 202/203 or an EMG in Australia, I will consider it!

I agree with Gramophoneshane, sad to say, as I live here! Our postage costs are an absolute disgrace. Royal Mail sucks big time. It now costs us 60p for a First Class stamp that can now only be put on a small envelope weighing under 100g. Anything bigger or heavier and the price skyrockets. You wouldn't mind so much if First Class meant next day delivery. Apparently there is no priority mail anymore unless you pay for it with 'Special Delivery'. First Class can take up to 3 or 4 days within the UK. I have received items quicker from abroad than items sent in the UK, it's shambolic.

Anyway, back to Garret and sorry for hijacking your thread.

Out of curiosity, what machine is interesting enough to consider buying from the UK when it must surely be cheaper and easier to buy in the US? I'm curious.

I just had 50 cylinders delivered and it cost me almost $100.00 Us and when UPS delivered it to me there was an additional $40.00 required for a brokerage fee or tax. The package was less then 8 pounds if that gives you an idea..... steve