Freight Forward Ski and Snowboard Gear

We have to talk about the conundrum posed by sending skis and snowboards home.

This is a problem many of my customers face.

I will just come out and say it. It's going to cost about $500NZD minimum for me to send your gear home (NZ > UK/US/CAN/SINGAPORE/JAPAN).

This is the same across the board for all freight forwarders in New Zealand (all quotes will come back at about the above rate), even sea freight (which is often the same price, and many companies do not deal in unaccompanied 'baggage').

This is because skis and snowboards have high volumetric sizing, so it pushes the price up based on their bulk. I also usually have to hunt for suitable boxes, as skis and boards are bulky and need protecting, which costs time and energy to send.

So, before you engage my service, consider:

• The actual value of your gear, and condition.

We all know gear often does not hold its value, and is worn out from successive seasons. A board + bindings setup that might have cost you $900, might only be worth $300 after a couple seasons. $500 of freight is a sunk cost.

• How cheap gear is in the country you have moved to

There are plenty of good deals from various retailers, who offer cheap and cost effective shipping, often internationally. What can you buy for the cost of freight?

I am good at finding deals, often I can find the snowboard or skis you wish to send for the same price, brand new.

• Tax and GST on your own goods.

This really sucks. Often countries will tax you on your own gear, at the border. I do my best to direct customers to the relevant Customs website(s) for the correct paperwork, as well as declaring goods as personal effects, but it is still a risk the customer needs to be aware of.

What I can do instead:

• I offer a sale service!

• I will list and photograph your gear on Facebook Marketplace or Trademe, on your behalf, and send the profit via International Money Transfer (Wise or XE, to keep fees low).

I offer this service for 30% (FB Marketplace) or 38% (Trademe) of the total sale price.

This allows you to re-invest the money from your old gear, into new gear in your home country. I can even help scout deals, meaning you have to invest little money into a complete brand-new upgrade.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!