Paying US supplier

[scottnds]

Hi
I need to buy some stuff from PBR in the States.
Just wondering what the easiest and cheapest way to pay them.
There is about 5 options and I know nothing about any of them.

1. bank draft
2. international money order (Canada...postal money orders are fine)
3. western union (if using, you must send to me as a PERSON rather than to us as a company, you should include your phone number and be careful to list our address correctly as the agent makes sure everything matches)
4. a US check, do you have a friend/associate here that can write a check on your behalf?
5. US currency, we have had good luck and this many times is the lowest transaction cost

not recommended but can be used
1. bank transfer...add $30.00 in fees to the invoice amount (and your bank charges you too, this is not for small transfers)...if you choose this method, write us for account and routing numbers

Any advise appreciated.
thanks
Scott.

[Homepin]

If it were me I would send cash as that's the cheapest option although the most risky - as in, it might get pinched in the post.

I have done this dozens of times over the years and never had a problem - - but.....

West Union is FAR too expensive as is a US check (cheque) and Int money order.

My second method (if it were for more than a couple of hundred $$) would be by bank transfer. I have also done this but the fee hurts.......not much you can do about that really.

[pinnies4me]

I get a US currency cheque from Bendigo Bank for $10.00 when I buy from PBR.

Cash is OK for small amounts, but not only are you risking loss in the mail, there's also the possible risk of staff taking as well.

[Crashramp]

I get a US currency cheque from Bendigo Bank for $10.00 when I buy from PBR.

Cash is OK for small amounts, but not only are you risking loss in the mail, there's also the possible risk of staff taking as well.

That's good to know. I've looked at items there myself but came to a full stop once I'd read there payment options.

[Strangeways]

I've never had a problem dealing with PBR.

All you need to do is go to your bank and request an International Cheque in US funds. Some banks charge $10 - $30 for this facility and some are free. Then post the cheque to PBR.

[femto]

I recently (May this year) bought from PBR and on an order of US$190 I paid using Moneygram which are linked to the 7-Eleven shops. Total cost was $230Au which consisted of a $20 fee and then  $20 loss in currency exchange etc even tho the Au$ was just over parity. All in all an easy way to pay.

[scottnds]

Thanks all.
I might go for currency cheque.We have a Bendigo bank in Portland.
Only about 70 to 90 dollars worth.
How long does it usuall take for delivery?

[goodolddays]

For me delivery is usually within 2 weeks from placing an order .

[Homepin]

for an order less than $100 I would just be sending cash in USD - I wouldn't pay $30 bank fees for that amount, but that’s just me.…..

[Pintoxicated]

Have a look at Tranzfers as well.  Pretty sure the first international transfer is free.  I have used them before with PBR and all was good.

Good exchange rate and they also give you an option of when to actually do the transfer so you can watch the current exchange rate if you think it is going up and when you are happy with the rate you can instruct them to do the transfer.

http://www.tranzfers.com/Referral/Pintoxicated

[Retropin]

I recently (May this year) bought from PBR and on an order of US$190 I paid using Moneygram which are linked to the 7-Eleven shops. Total cost was $230Au which consisted of a $20 fee and then  $20 loss in currency exchange etc even tho the Au$ was just over parity. All in all an easy way to pay.

$20 loss in currency exchange even though we are over parity?.. Bloody hell, i know all money transfer agents sit just under the exchange rate but thats by far the worst rate ive heard of.


...Just to add. I have a gold card for Western union.. makes it easy to pay China based companies at a charge of around $9.
I used to pay IPDB using this method at a cost of $10 for card holders... last transaction this increased to $30!
In a time where all money transfers are done online by yourself, any charge over an absolute minimum is a complete bloody rip off. Its the same as when i go to the supermarket or now even Bunnings, my wife always asks why dont i go through the self serve counter. My reply is always, if i have to do the work, then i expect a discount on the goods.
I bloody hate getting ripped off...

[scottnds]

Well this is what I did .Not the cheapest option but I just wanted it done.
Went to my bank of 40 years NAB and it was $30 to wire money so I said goodbye and went to the Bendigo.
They were really good but I had to be a customer for them to do a bank draft .$10 she said.Offered to join me up but I just culled a few accounts so I did not need another one.
Went back to NAB and they could do a international bank cheque for $22.
I asked about currency and they said they had just sent all US dollars away.I knew the girl so she wasnt telling me porkies.
F-me I said but it was 4-30 on a Friday and wanted to catch the post office.
So $75 for the parts and $22 for the cheque and $2-35 to send it to the States.
For such a small amount I will next time get some US currency and just send it.
Or as Blair advised maybe Tranzfers.
Cheers
Scott.

[scottnds]

7 Days for payment to reach them.

[Ant68]

Pitty he doesn't take Paypal .
I've bought a few pins now in US and all paid with paypal , not an issue at all .

[Ant68]

oops