The Cover Project
Artist's Corner => Universal Game Case Covers => Topic started by: Lish on February 03, 2007, 07:50:58 AM
-
The Universal games case, the case that in many ways is the key to this sites growing success; and I am sure that Media Shelving and Shopper Inc. are appreciative of the business this site provides. Alas, they are in the USA, and through no fault of theirs, obtaining cases from the US is possible but laced with impediments due to the pitfalls of international courier/postage.
I have been doing so research and there are some interesting findings, including accusations of international airfreight cartels, price fixing, and why I think moving to NZ might be a good idea.
So. I have considered buying 2 cases (200) of these little buggers (aussie slang which does not have it's literal meaning for those in the deep south of the US who are about to have the banning of this site added to the bi-laws of your dry county). Joining two packages with tape to make the following size: 41lbs 10.5"x15.25"x11.25" (Girth is then 43.5 inches. Girth+length=58.75 inches)
US Postal Service to Australia
Global Express Guaranteed Documented Service 1-3 days $275.00
Global Express Mail 3-5 days $202.60+$13.25 for pickup
Airmail Parcel Post 4-10 days $198.15
Surface Mail 4-6 weeks $72.10
UPS Worldwide Expedited 7 days $362.17
FEDEX International Economy 7 days $387.58
DHL Worldwide Priority 2 days $415.61
All in all, freight to the land of OZ appears to be astronomical. Hmmm, could there be anti-competitive behaviour at play. I can't say, but there are allegations. The attached was in the paper this week: (The Age, Melbourne, 1 February 2007)
"$200 million class action against Qantas and six other major airlines accused of freight price-fixing......alleges the airlines formed a cartel to fix fuel, security and war-risk surcharges against Australian freight users, who were fleeced an estimated $200 million over seven years."
and it is alleged that this is not unique to Australia:
"German carrier Lufthansa has reached an $85 million out of court settlement in the US, guaranteeing the airline immunity from civil prosecution in that jurisdiction. The remaining claim against the more than 15 other airlines involved in the US lawsuit is estimated at $1 billion. Ms Parker said the Australian international freight market was one fifth the size of the US and losses were estimated at $200,000."
Hmm, one fifth the amount of air freight as the US and only one fifteenth the population. Economies of scale would suggest (all things being equal and I believe they are) that mailing by air freight from Australia to the USA should be cheaper than from the USA to Australia (as the scale is 3 times...that is every man woman and child sends or receives 3 times as much in Australia as against the US when distributed on a per capita basis so the Aussie end should at least be more efficient). A quick look and conversion from $US to $AU and it appears that the same service, if sent from australia is about 10% dearer. Now I have studied economics at a post graduate level. This one I can't fathom. Maybe americans get paid much less than Australians or have higher productivity.
HERES THE REAL KILLER, AIR FREIGHT FROM USA TO NEW ZEALAND IS 10% CHEAPER THAN FROM USA TO AUSTRALIA. WHAT GIVES! A LORD OF THE RINGS DISCOUNT! IS NZ FIGHTING ALONG SIDE U.S. TROOPS IN AT LEAST TWO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES?-NO! CAN U.S. NUCLEAR WARSHIPS VISIT NEW ZEALAND?-NO!. I am starting to want to move to NZ. Cheap second hand cars, no nucs, no drought, plenty of possums (love those little Aussie marsupials - Have two in the gum tree in my back yard) and now this.
Anyway, for a universal case at 0.19 each+shipping via USPS Global Express + Pickup, the total price for 200 is $253.85 or US$1.27 each (which is about AU$1.69 each). All I can say is that thank god the exchange rate isn't what it was six years ago when I actually had the bad timing of going to the states. Only US$1 for every AU$2 (now it is AU$1.33 for US$1). For Surface Mail, the cost is $72.10+$38=$110.00 total or US$0.55 per case (AU$0.73). This is far more resonable. I would even go as far as to say that Shoppers inc. should add $30 for packaging (tapping the two cases together) and effort (going to the post office and completing those customs forms). The total cost would then be US$140.00. Very Reasonable.
So how do we organise a mechanism to have these items easily shipped via surface post? TikTekTak has been leading the way, but even if he succeeds, I feel that this may not set a precedent that will stand (or be easily repeated) as these large companies weigh the risks of dealing with the public over untracked, lost shipments.
Surely there are people much smarter than me with a solution. Can anyone who has received a case find any indication of who, or what country, these things are made in? That might be a good start.
-
I think I have to say, and I do this with tears in my eyes, that even after bugging theshopperinc. for about 1 1/2 month I was not sucessful!!!!
It almost looked like it would work and they allready sent me the estiamted shipping costs with USPS which were really!!!!!!!! reasonable but now no word from them for a week. :'(
I proposed that I will order even 500 or more cases at once if they ship it oversea to make the deal more attractive but they seem not interested!
Maybe they know that they have a kind of a monopol in international shipping of those cases and just wait that people like me and you say, "Ok I'll pay the shipment because I need my cases soooooo desperate!"
But I say NO WAY!!! If they don't want to make business with me ok f**k you!!
Sooner or later some Ebay guy or maybe another seller will see the market in sending those and other storage solutions worldwide and then we'll get what we need.
You know after all we're talking market economy here.... :)
You've just got to be patient my son...
Regards Seb
-
Upon inspection of my box, the info stamped on the sides reads:
Item #50-755
Clear F/S - Slim Univ.
Combo Game Case
G.W.: 23lbs
N.W.: 21lbs
Meas: 25 1/4 X 15 1/8 X 11
I believe the first case I purchased over a year ago was also clearly marked 'Made in China' (where else?)
I purchased mine from Mediashelving (both times) so I have no firsthand knowledge of the service from Videoshopper.
I do find it hard to believe that these 2 U.S. companies are the only companies in the world which import these cases for video stores. If there are video rental stores in Austria and Australia I wonder where they get their rental cases?
However, I am from the South, so as Lish pointed out, I may have to consider suggesting to my ISP the banning of this site.
-
Just out of curiosity, could someone on this board who lives in the US calculate the cost for the cases if he/or she reships them to Europe? I have the feeling that this would be still cheaper than anything TheVideoShopper offers. This would not be the best solution to this problem because you'd always have to find someone to help you out but at least it is a possibility.
-
I allready tried to ask some of austrians video stores....
I went to five different biiiiiiiiiig rental stores in vienna(capital of austria) but they all rather laughed at me.... ;D
They said that I'm searching for things so old the'd be never found in any store in austria because they simply don't have SNES, Mega Drive, ect. games for rental....
Even the companies selling the package stuff to them don't have such cases anymore.... I asked one but not only did he reply that such a case would be useless for them sell he also said that his company would never sell to a private person.... Double f**ked up....
Regards
-
Heres another site in the US that sells them:
https://www.specialtystoreservices.com/productchild.aspx?group=7673&img=7673.jpg&category=18
My appologies to everyone who lives in the Southern States. I have actually been to Alabama (and Kentucky...but I assume thats the start of the mid west?) and thought it was lovely. Nice people, great country fried chicken. I was even surprised to find emus at a farm when I was driving around with that silly steering wheel on the wrong side.
-
As best as I can figure (again, I am from the South)
These are the rates for 100 cases shipped in the carton received from the distributor, shipped parcel post (economy - 4-6 weeks) - using 23 lbs as a guide (weight shown on carton)
As I stated in an earlier post, My carton UPS label charged Mediashelving for actual weight of 18.8 lbs.
(I have no way here at home to weight this box acurately)
Estimated shipping for 1 carton of 100 cases:
$47.45 to Australia - has many restrictions, none affect the cases unless they would be considered Seditious
(also carton must not be stamped 'Anzac')
$47.45 to New Zealand - many less restrictions than Austrailia - cases are not radioactive.
$37.90 to Austria - few restrictions - cases do not contain any human remains.
$37.90 to Germany - about the same number of restrictions as Austrailia, carton will not have any political
or religious notations.
I know the restrictions do not apply here, but it made for interesting reading, and some are confusing.
I am not sure why you cannot mail playing cards to Germany (unless they are completely in the original packaging....) Knowing the Germans, there is probably a damn good reason for this. :)
P.S. any states which fought on the southern side of the war betwitx the states I consider southern.
-
Heres another site in the US that sells them:
https://www.specialtystoreservices.com/productchild.aspx?group=7673&img=7673.jpg&category=18
My appologies to everyone who lives in the Southern States. I have actually been to Alabama (and Kentucky...but I assume thats the start of the mid west?) and thought it was lovely. Nice people, great country fried chicken. I was even surprised to find emus at a farm when I was driving around with that silly steering wheel on the wrong side.
Unfortunately it says "NO SLEEVE" at the bottom :( So there's no place for a cover.
$37.90 to Germany - about the same number of restrictions as Austrailia, carton will not have any political
or religious notations.
I know the restrictions do not apply here, but it made for interesting reading, and some are confusing.
I am not sure why you cannot mail playing cards to Germany (unless they are completely in the original packaging....) Knowing the Germans, there is probably a damn good reason for this. :)
$37.90 for shipping to Germany? My DVD player had higher shipping costs some time ago and it was shipped within Germany :D For that amount I'd consider being all nice and sweet to a fellow board member to have him/her reship the cases to me :)
Oh, and you'd be surprised, playing cards are a deadly weapon in the hands of a German. That's something your airport security didn't think of... :)
-
Hi guys,
Remember, the problem with shipping by USPS is that items do quire often get lost (I have seen news reports of posties houses lined with VCR's and other goods). Commercial companies won't take the risk.
Also, it takes effort to grab the box, trip down to the post office, wait in line, fill out the customs forms and mail. The companies prefer to simply have a courier collect daily dispatches. They prefer UPS etc. because they guarantee delivery and track shipments. Our 40 bucks or so is possibly 1 millionth of their annual turnover.
Whilest we are happy to accept the risk of loss, they are more reluctant.
With regard to a previous comment about sourcing these items on Australia or Australia minus the "al", these cases are sized for the NTSC SNES soe were not intended for the Australiasian or European Markets (although Europe+australasia is a pretty big market and maybe there is or once was an alternative)
Like most things in life, there is a solution and I/we will find it.
-
I've tried doing a little bit of research. The best I can offer so far is that the cases may actually be manufacturered by Pride Plastics Div Ufe Inc in the U.S. (or they may not. I haven't confirmed this - They have a patent on a universal storage case that takes cartridges and disks). If this is the case, then it looks like time to save and pay those international courier costs for those who are desperate enough.
I have asked a local chinese importer here to do some enquiries with their wholesalers in China. These are the people who turn up with all sorts of plastic disc cases at the computer markets. If I am wrong about the manufacturer being U.S. based, they might be the ones who would know. wshbrngr believes that one of the boxes he received was marked made in China, and I am inclined to think he is right,
-
Hehe Lish ...... New Zealand possum's are different to Aussie ones, are regarded as a pest, carry TB and should be killed on site as a result.
Man I'm thankful I live here rather than Aussie-tralia especially now I hear we have better postage costs for delivery of game cases ;D
-
As long as it wasn't a regular occurence, I'd be glad to act as the middle man for a few of you in order to facilitate the case shipping. In fact, I should just find out what it takes to be a reseller of these things since there is obviously a market for them. Can we confirm who the manufacturer of the cases is and I'll look into it?
-
I've just sent an inquiry to mediashelving.com asking them if they could tell me the manufacturer of their universal game cases.... Awaiting word from them.
Regards Seb
EDIT:
This is what mediashelving replied:
We deal with their American counterpart whom has direct vested interest in the overseas facilities (in China I believe).
They do not make us privy to the actual details of their manufacturer due to proprietary issues, sorry.
Thank you,
Diane Reddick
Customer Service
http://www.mediacases.com
http://www.mediacases.ca
http://www.mediashelving.com
http://www.libraryracks.com
http://www.wiredisplays.ca(new)
-
OK,
I am now 99% sure of this.
The cases are made in China for a U.S. company called Protect-O-Products. Protecto-O-Products are media case manufacturers. Coincidentally, they appear to be a subsiduary of shoppers inc. which also owns the video store shopper. The unit price of US$19.00 per 100 seem to correlate with a wholesale price.
Snowcone:
If you plan to be a reseller, I would suggest that you consider buying from the video shopper for $19 a box and on-selling for at least $42 per box + the cost from Simi valley to your residence + the paypal charges + GST if applicable. This of course would only be an option if you lived in CA (the worlds fifth largest economy - yes bigger than my little country..Actually, greater LA is 20 million as per my entire country) or nearby so that the domestic courier costs when added to the $42 and international postage is not cumulatively expensive.
There is some postage risk. The products would be insured by USPS at no additional cost, but you would need to make sure that any inurance claim includes postage costs, or the purchaser accepts the risk (not you). I have had quite a few items sent by surface post, including some consoles off ebay from europe and thus far there have been no problems.
I, tiktektak, and I assume Kaiser would appreciate your doing us a favour if you so wish and do not plan to be a reseller, but I fear this type of thing may snowball. I don't know how many hit's this site gets from outside the US, but the cases could become very popular.
-
I know I'm kinda late to jump on this train, but I need to buy a sagnifigent amount of Universal Media Cases to hold by best 100 NES, 30 SNES, and 20 N64 gamees. I checked out the full sleeves deal for .27 each at the video store shopper. $40 is all fine and dandy with me with cases, but whats the kicker is the shipping. These cases are being shipped from the US, and I live in Canada. CANADA! You know, that country to the nouth that isn't on the other side of the globe?
Shipping here is $51.77 USD. Thats ADDED to the $40, making the grand total $91.77 USD for 150 UMC from the video store shopper. Yikes! Are there any more retailers out there that offer a more resonable fair? I could understand if I was ordering something heavy AND I lived where some of you guys do (no offense guys ;D) but come on....90 bucks AMERICAN for a bunch of plastic? doesn't seem right.
So just to sum up, I'd like to know if there are any online shops becides the video store shopper that sell full sleeved UMC, where I can buy in bulk (if as Lish says, they ship in 100s) then I'd be willing to buy 200 rather than 150..assuming the shipping cost is a little more resonable. Thanks in advance.
Cheers.
-
Again it appears that it is due to UPS. I know the cases ship from Kalifornia somewhere, but to send a case (100) from San Antonio via UPS is $32.00 standard delivery.
www.meadiashelving.com (http://www.meadiashelving.com) also sells the cases. I am not sure if they ship to Canada. They also only sell in units of 100.
They do show a site for Canadian customers: http://www.wiredisplays.ca (http://www.wiredisplays.ca)
But that site does not have a section for the media cases. But maybe you can contact them and special order the cases. Its their item #50755.
Sometimes its easy to forget about Canada... you know, all tucked away down there......
(That is a Homer Simpson quote)
-
Hey thanks wshbrngr, I'll check it out and let you guys know what I discover.
Also, I love how Americans think of Canada being a small country because in terms of land size Canada is actually bigger than the United States, even if you include Alaska (which really should be part of Canada, but whatever). Population wise no where close but yeah.
-
in terms of land size Canada is actually bigger than the United States
Not once the snow melts ;D
even if you include Alaska (which really should be part of Canada, but whatever)
although I am not quite sure how you figure this... due to its geographical location maybe?
-
right. Alaska is as much north as the rest of Canada. thats all I mean. I didn't intend to offend anyone, sorry.
-
No offense was taken, I was just wondering what your thinking was, thats all.
Sort of like the snow melting thing, I was just kidding around.
On the other hand, feel free to take Vermont ;D
I live in Texas, we should be grabbing up Mexico........ It just makes sense if we live with the poeple, we should have the land that goes with them ;D
That is just a joke also..... or is it? hmmmmmmm
-
Any news on the case shipping help or something like that?
I'm getting desperate on getting some cases for my dust collecting little cartridge friends.... ;D
So desperate that I'll order some of those cases from videoshopperinc. if there isn't some solution soon....
I just need to save a little bit of money to afford the shipment.... :)
Regards Sebastian
-
Sebastian, I know the temptation is high, but don't be too rash to pay the UPS postage costs until Snowcone has had the time to decide if he can help.
I would feel guilty for you if you went ahead and two weeks later Snowcone advised that he had a solution.
If after investigating the options. Snowcone decides that he can't help, I am sure that he will post and let everyone know. Only then would I recommend trying again directly from the U.S., and I would suggested tracked global express from USPS as it is exactly the same service as UPS for 60% of the cost (and delivery in 5 days as opposed to UPS's 7 days).
-
I tried suggesting various shipment options to our beloved shopperinc friends but as it seems they just WANT to send their packages with UPS.... It's not a question of choosing unfortunately......
I desperately hope Snowcone will help us but I forebode that he simply hasn't got the time to do so.... :'(
Regards
-
I'm gonna stick my neck out here and say .... and I hope he doesn't kill me .... but I have wshbrngr to thank for sending me the vast bulk of my cases for my collection.
I cant say whether he'd be willing to help you guys out BUT ... and it's a really big BUT .... if he did then I think the only way it would work would be ...
1. You pay Shopperinc for the box to be delivered to his door. I think he said UPS cost $32 ..
2. He would get a price to ship surface/airmail to your destination with/without insurance if it is available
3. You use PAYPAL to pay him for your preferred delivery option
4. He sends the box and emails confirmation.
There would be some proviso's that you'd HAVE to agree with though
1. No way is he going to open your box and check for damage etc ... for his own security ... period!!!!
2. He can be called away from home at a day's notice from work. And he may be away for weeks at a time ... and there's nothing he can do about getting your box delivered during that time ... period!!!!
I had a little damage and 2 or 3 game cases destroyed in transit ... thats the risks you take.
I knew those proviso's and indeed it was the case with me where I had to wait 1 1/2 months. But I was happy with the above and value my friendship with him far more than worrying about getting cases in a hurry. So it worked for me ...
Lastly .... remember .... you're paying twice for delivery ... once to him via UPS ... then to you ... so unless you go surface [4-8 weeks] you may find the difference in costs negligible if you take airmail anyway.
And that's if he's in a position to help out. Wive's can be tardy if their men are not tending to house chores because they're always at the post office. :o
-
I'm gonna stick my neck out here and say .... and I hope he doesn't kill me .... but I have wshbrngr to thank for sending me the vast bulk of my cases for my collection.
shhhhhhh :)
-
Well, that would be terrific, but I would need to do a return favour for wshbrngr. Maybe my second born child (due in 5 months)?
err. I wasn't serious about my second born child, but I wish I had something to offer in return.
-
Yeah ... I'm expecting he'll be finished with my boy in another 6 months or so. I hear he only has another 10 acres of scrub to clear on wshbrngr's ranch before I get him back ;D
-
I tried looking around, but the only place that I found that sells Universal Media Cases to Canada is shopperinc.
91.77 USD for 150 cases...ugh.
Its a shame I can't buy them in bulk and get them cheaper..otherwise, I'd buy 200.
-
Found something I thought I should share:
http://www.myus.com (http://www.myus.com)
Basically you sign up on this site and get a valid U.S. mailing adress. You can then buy stuff from shops in the U.S. that won't ship internationally, your stuff will be delivered to your U.S mailing adress and will then be send from this adress to your actual adress anywhere in the world.
simple example:
sign up on myus to get a U.S. mailing adress - buy Universal Game Cases - Have them delivered to your new U.S. mailing adress - have them forwarded to you anywhere in the world!
I read numerous posts in a German games magazine message board regarding myus and they were all positive. I'm sure I'll be checking this out somewhere in the near future.
-
Not a bad idea to use this company for small things BUT I think the package of 100 UGC cases weighs around 20lbs.....
When I put that weigh in their shipping calculator I get a price off 100 dollars for shipment to austria.... With the 40 dollars from videoshopperinc to my myus address that would be 140 dollars for shipping to my doorstep so again really really much....
Anyway for light small packages that service should be truly great!!!!
Regards Sebastian
-
I think Mediashelving is in Simi Valley, CA... which is where I unfortunatyl live... I'll see what I could do.
-Mis
-
I hate to be one to post something like this, but can someone post links to every site that currently offers UMCs? I'm in Canada for those who don't remember. I'm looking to buy somewhere in the neighbourhood of 200-250 cases. Thanks.
-
I hate to be one to post something like this, but can someone post links to every site that currently offers UMCs? I'm in Canada for those who don't remember. I'm looking to buy somewhere in the neighbourhood of 200-250 cases. Thanks.
http://www.thecoverproject.net/forums/index.php?topic=336.0
;)
Regards Seb
-
thanks, but a lot of those links are dead. Snowcone, you might want to update that.
-
thanks, but a lot of those links are dead. Snowcone, you might want to update that.
I think the only shops selling UGC's are mediashelving and thevideostoreshopper.....
The links to their sites are:
http://www.mediashelving.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=W&Product_Code=USCG&Category_Code=VHS (http://www.mediashelving.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=W&Product_Code=USCG&Category_Code=VHS)
http://www.shopperinc.com/product.htm?pid=572959 (http://www.shopperinc.com/product.htm?pid=572959)
There are no other stores i know about where they have UGC's.... But you're luckier than I because I think they at least ship to canada.....
Regards Seb
-
Yeah I placed an order at the videoshopper for 230 and the guy called me and said I HAVE to place orders in increments of 100...so I'm going to probably end up with way more than I need, because I need somewhere around 220. 200 alone isn't enough. Since I know there are people here that would like the cases but can't access them, would anyone be interested in re-buying my unneeded ~80 or so cases? Canada Post could easily ship them internationally. That is, assuming they arrive undamaged. Man I still can't beleive some of what you guys have been through.
-
Yeah I placed an order at the videoshopper for 230 and the guy called me and said I HAVE to place orders in increments of 100...so I'm going to probably end up with way more than I need, because I need somewhere around 220. 200 alone isn't enough. Since I know there are people here that would like the cases but can't access them, would anyone be interested in re-buying my unneeded ~80 or so cases? Canada Post could easily ship them internationally. That is, assuming they arrive undamaged. Man I still can't beleive some of what you guys have been through.
If you could hold 50 off them until july I would take them in an instant.... I just ordered 50 from another forum member yesterday so this month my budget for UGCs is used up but as I said next month.....
Just if it's possible for you.... :)
Regards Seb
-
I'd be interested in a few
Sent you and email ;)
-
I never got it.....PM me instead.
-
Okay people.....I have a new problem. I'm going to call the video shopper tomorrow to try to work things out, but this is what it looks liike.
300 UMCs - $126 USD
Shipping - GODDAMN $250 USD
+ undisclosed interional customs taxes/fees.
That seems rather.......rediculosuly expnesive. And I'm just in CANADA! So I'm in a bind here. What can I do....maybe that sending it to the US and then back to the country you need thing some of you have done? But as said, I'm going to call again tommorrow and see if I can strike a deal with videoshopper. If not, is there any other alternitive seller of these cases? Maybe my questions and concerns have already been answered, Ill have to completely read the earlier posts later, but I'd like some assistance if possible. Thanks everyone.
-
Okay people.....I have a new problem. I'm going to call the video shopper tomorrow to try to work things out, but this is what it looks liike.
300 UMCs - $126 USD
Shipping - GODDAMN $250 USD
+ undisclosed interional customs taxes/fees.
That seems rather.......rediculosuly expnesive. And I'm just in CANADA! So I'm in a bind here. What can I do....maybe that sending it to the US and then back to the country you need thing some of you have done? But as said, I'm going to call again tommorrow and see if I can strike a deal with videoshopper. If not, is there any other alternitive seller of these cases? Maybe my questions and concerns have already been answered, Ill have to completely read the earlier posts later, but I'd like some assistance if possible. Thanks everyone.
;D I know those problems with the videoshopper very very well! I can assure you that they'll never offer you any cheaper shipping options.... You can talk to them for ages and the'll still say sorry but that's our shipping carrier....
Maybe mediashelving will ship it cheaper? I think I once read on their site that they ship to canada as well...
Regards Seb
-
Okay well I've contacted mediashelving too, which seems to be more organized. Since the cases are heavy (the guy at the videoshopper said 300 cases = ~50 lbs) shipping goes incredibly high, espically for international orders. I'm wondering for those who have already bought them: does it make more sense to simply buy them 100 at a time? If I made three seperte orders of 100 cases, I think shipping overall would be cheaper. That's my theory anyway.
-
Mediashelving is much more reasonable...
300 cases = $126.00
Shipping = $79.85 FedEx Ground Shipping
total $205.85 (FOB Simi Valley CA)
I'm still worried about extra customs charges though...