In a further twist of bizarreness beyond human understanding, I just checked the tracking of my Byrds box set ordered from Amazon UK via Amazon AU, and the DHL website says it was processed and departed from Barcelona in Spain. Go figure that one out.
They probably use whichever European Amazon warehouse has stock. The ‘per item’ shipping cost for Amazon UK drops quickly from $17.98 for 1 item to $12.99 for 2 items to $11.32 for 3 items to $10.49 for 4 items, so it pays to make larger orders or order higher priced items.
Then it would make sense for them to just get it over and done with and allow us to buy from any of their sites. Easier via Amazon AU for tax collection purpouses harder direct from various Amazon sites, but business wise it would make sense.
Problem is adding AUS$10 to the UK ones usually makes the US Imports then fall into the same range (with free shipping over a $49 total), meaning the UK import ones won't save you any cash. They *might* offer you things you can't get elsewhere though..which is fine.
Finally got the Police Don't Stand So Close To Me 6x LP box set. AU$164 plus shipping. Got a couple of other box sets to go with it, to cushion the blow of the shipping. Chose international priority as that was cheaper than expedited. I think this will be worth it for higher value items that are considerably cheaper than AU or US.
Annie Lennox - Nostalgia LP $18.30 https://www.amazon.com.au/NOSTALGIA...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-141 Elton John - Caribou LP $20.03 https://www.amazon.com.au/CARIBOU-R...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-159 Kim Wilde - Kim Wilde LP $21.70 https://www.amazon.com.au/Kim-Wilde...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-186 You Am I - Porridge & Hotsauce LP $22.48 https://www.amazon.com.au/PORRIDGE-...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-195 The Members - Greatest Hits LP $22.53 https://www.amazon.com.au/GREATEST-...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-196 Jeff Lynne's ELO - From Out Of Nowhere LP $22.84 https://www.amazon.com.au/Out-Nowhe...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-201 Paul Young - No Parlez LP $22.84 https://www.amazon.com.au/No-Parlez...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-202 Bryan Ferry - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 1974 LP $25.69 https://www.amazon.com.au/Live-Roya...n:5260927051&rnid=5260920051&s=music&sr=1-252
PRINCE EMANCIPATION 3CD $15.36 https://www.amazon.com.au/EMANCIPAT...rds=prince+emancipation&qid=1594448281&sr=8-1
RECKLESS NO FRILLS - CD $6.77 https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B003BI76XM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Damn I wonder if they’ve closed the loophole. Not everything is gone though. I noticed on Ozbargain a few days ago some UK deals being posted (computer graphics cards I think).
There's still some music as well, eg. last years Freddie Mercury reissue ($14.20) that never made it to Australia on cd: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07VFQMMLC/?coliid=I3Q0PPP7LN81OR&colid=1BVJFZIKQ6BJO&psc=1 I'd go for it if the shipping wasn't so OTT.
Elton John Tumblewed Connection SACD (these Greg Penny surround mixes are amazing) AU$31.12 (not super cheap but well worth it for the 5.1 mix) https://www.amazon.com.au/TUMBLEWEE...M7TBSYCFBB3&psc=1&refRID=RWK2JYKRXM7TBSYCFBB3 Madman Across The Water SACD AU$32.95 https://www.amazon.com.au/MADMAN-AC...P3XQM1T2X6F&psc=1&refRID=YJCRPQCRZP3XQM1T2X6F
It’s really worth splurging for the 2019 SHM-CD reissues while they’re still in print. elton john shm 2019 music | Discogs
I had the CD above in my cart and it has now been removed as it is 'no longer available from the seller you selected', ie. Amazon UK. It is still showing as available on the Amazon UK website, so Amazon AU may have now stopped the Amazon UK experiment.
All my items in the cart from Amazon UK have changed to other sellers as well. Amazon UK still has stuff for sale, just not much music: Amazon.com.au
Depeche Mode - Remixes 81-04 3CD Box $12.29 https://www.amazon.com.au/REMIXES-8...ic:6845356051&rnid=6963563051&s=music&sr=1-54