Shipping Electronics to Thailand

[chiang mai]

I'm going to buy an electric lawn dethatcher (or power rake to some), it's really useful for removing dead growth from lawns, I've got a large garden and I'm unable any longer to physically rake it all.

I've looked everywhere in Thailand can't see them for sale here but they are inexpensively available in the US and the UK via the likes of Amazon.

But because it's an electrical unit I'm likely to get hit by Thai Customs and now wonder which is the best way to buy, direct via Amazon US or via Amazon UK to a friend who could then repackage and trans ship in a less conspicuous manner. Ironically the product is coming from China in the first place.

Any thoughts or tips on this, much appreciated.

FWIW here's the device and it costs USD 116. http://www.amazon.com/GreenWorks-27022-Amp-Corded-Dethatcher/dp/B0030BG1HM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456400539&sr=8-1&keywords=lawn+dethatcher&refinements=p_n_shipping_option-bin%3A3242350011

And yes, I do understand the voltage differences between the three countries, all of which can be easily managed I believe.

[Crossy]

And yes, I do understand the voltage differences between the three countries, all of which can be easily managed I believe.

Think again.

Kit from the UK can be used without worry, but if from the US and the unit has a motor then you could run into issues.

All consumer products are designed down to a price, at 60Hz you can use less iron in the motor cores and fewer turns on the copper coils so manufacturers do. Run such a motor on 50Hz and there is a danger the core will saturate causing excessive heating and eventual burn out.

Things like coffee makers, blenders and the like tend to be used in short bursts with long cool-down periods, so they survive. But your lawn rake will be running continuously for long periods ...

Pay a bit extra and get one from a 50Hz country.

[chiang mai]

Thanks Crossy, much appreciated.

[Crossy]

As to the main question, try a search here http://igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp to get an idea of the potential duty that you could get charged.

Remember duty and VAT are charged on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value, not just the value of the item.

Have you looked on Alibaba or AliExpress to see if you can get it direct from China?

[chiang mai]

It looks as though the Bosch model out of Amazon UK is my best option but I will look at Alibaba etc. Thanks again

[KhunBENQ]

DON'T buy a 110 V device and assume that it is "easy to manage".

Such a device needs significant power and a converter becomes quite expensive.

So many threads of unlucky buyers in the past months.

For some the best advice would have been: throw it to the bin.

I admit that it is not common in Thailand and you won't get it around the corner.

I am quite sure there was a thread where someone looked for a "power rake".

Still much better to have it shipped from within the country.

Will search for ...

[apetley]

Consider one of these.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/140740929113

Works brilliantly on a petrol mower too.

[chiang mai]

Consider one of these.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/140740929113

Works brilliantly on a petrol mower too.

I looked careful at that and I really thought it was the answer, but then I read the reviews and most people claimed that it removed far too much, if allowed to it would strip out everything. And I have Malay grass and not regular farang grass hence even higher risk.

[apetley]

Consider one of these.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/140740929113

Works brilliantly on a petrol mower too.

I looked careful at that and I really thought it was the answer, but then I read the reviews and most people claimed that it removed far too much, if allowed to it would strip out everything. And I have Malay grass and not regular farang grass hence even higher risk.

Yes it does do a REALLY good job for sure. I think some people have the engine speed set too high and so have a problem with removing too much grass. I cut the revs right down and am happy with how it works on my 'farang grass' but agree not a good idea to use on Malay as too much to get hold of.

[KhunBENQ]

Trying different ways to find something from within Thailand to no avail.

Totally unsuccessful.

Classical lawn gardening is rare and the high society has a gardener.

Visit a golf course and ask how they do it.

Likely with self imported machines?

[chiang mai]

Trying different ways to find something from within Thailand to no avail.

Totally unsuccessful.

Classical lawn gardening is rare and the high society has a gardener.

Visit a golf course and ask how they do it.

Likely with self imported machines?

I appreciate your efforts, really.

[connda]

You can buy lawn mowers here. I've bought a blade attachment in the US that was used for thatching. So, you might want to find a lawn mower here, measure the blade, and attempt to order a thatching attachment from the US. Just a thought.

[chiang mai]

You can buy lawn mowers here. I've bought a blade attachment in the US that was used for thatching. So, you might want to find a lawn mower here, measure the blade, and attempt to order a thatching attachment from the US. Just a thought.

See post 7 and 8

[connda]

You can buy lawn mowers here. I've bought a blade attachment in the US that was used for thatching. So, you might want to find a lawn mower here, measure the blade, and attempt to order a thatching attachment from the US. Just a thought.

See post 7 and 8

I just replied to the OP, I didn't read the thread. Bygones.