Page 14 - 2015-12

GETTING THEM THERE … Postage and Other Methods

Mike Trickett

For those who buy or sell films, the cost of postage often exceeds the cost of the film.
In recent times, I have been exploring other methods of getting them there.

Australia Post’s postage charges vary considerably, and for those in Northern Queens-
land or Western Australia buying films from the South Eastern States, the postage
charges can often exceed the value of the film or films.

A look at Australia Posts rates show that sending a film from say … here in Geelong to
Melbourne is very reasonable indeed. The base rate of $10.40 applies to all parcels
between 1 and 22 kg. The same rate applies between Sydney and Wollongong, and
other similar distanced locations near state capitals.

Looking at a practical situation of say … a 16 mm
feature film, which on plastic reels would weigh in
at a bit under 5 kg, the postage rate to places
further afield becomes quite significant

A 5 kg parcel between Melbourne and Adelaide
would cost $18.80, from Melbourne to Perth it
would be $28.80 and from Geelong to Perth it
would be $31.90. Bear in mind, that if you want
tracking and/or insurance, an extra fee would be
payable.
Australia Post does offer a cheaper alternative, the Pre-paid Satchel. These satchels
come in three sizes ½ kg, 3 kg and 5 kg. The 5 kg satchel costs $17.60

500 g 220 x 355 mm $ 8.50
3 kg 310 x 405 mm $ 13.80
5 kg 435 x 510 mm $ 17.60

A 5 kg satchel is large enough to post a regular 16 mm feature, either 2 x 1600 ft or 2
x 2000 ft reels (plastic reels). This is quite a bargain if you have to send a feature to a
distant location, as irrespective of the destination, the same price applies.

Make sure you buy the RED satchel, the Yellow ones are Next day delivery and are
twice the price.

14 REEL DEALS December 2016