Given Up On Global Sugar Art... So Where Can I Get My Gear From?
Decorating By auntiecruel Updated 22 Oct 2013 , 10:43pm by auntiecruel
Hi - situated in Norway and cake decorating isn't such a big thing over here - I pretty much have to import everything from fondant to cutters.
After gasping my way halfway through checkout @ Global Sugar art where a parcel with the value of $20 ends up costing $120 because of their insane shipping costs I'm kinda lost. Not only are their shipping costs out of this world - I also have to pay customs for it. Seriously GSA; change your name or be blunt; you don't really want customers overseas.
Enough of the QQ - where can I find a decent supplier of nozzles & bags & cutters & colors and everything else I need for decorating my cakes and cookies? Any ideas?
Best, Auntiecruel
Thanks Godot - but that's not really an option, their prices are triple what they are in lets say USA. So I get to pay the same.
Other ideas? Links are good ;D
AOf course prices in Norway are going to be 3x that of the USA. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world and the US is all but bankrupt.
Try places in England. Even though Norge isn't in the Eu the shipping might be cheaper.
I've tried Sugarshack & the Cakedecorating company - both delivering to Norway for around $30 no matter if the parcel is containing 1 or umpteen items. They used to forward things by air mail but have for some odd reason changed to DHL prices.
I am totally aware of the Norwegian prices - this, and the fact that the variety of cake decorating equipment is very poor here, is the reason I'm looking elsewhere ;D
Oh and edit... Sugarshack actually wants £55 to send a parcel to me with just a few nozzles and colors - that's only about $ 88....
One could say that ;D
I am still hopeful that another solution might be found - this is a forum where magical things happen :P
AHave you looked into how much it actually costs to ship something from the US to Norway? They may be charging closer to the actual shipping cost than you think.
Where do local bakeries buy their supplies?
I'll check Ebay closer LizzieAylett, thanks ;D
@ Jason_Kraft; I'm not sure I'm buying that argument, that this is actual cost. If so, how come the alternative with AirMail is so much more fair (only we're not given that alternative ;)?
Another reason is that it appears to be just as costly - if not more - to send same items from the UK. And UK is kinda right next door compared.
Local bakeries use a wholesale option called Pals - more or less a monopoly going on there and they trade only with companies. Not much of interest there to me either - they don't have cutters etc.
I get most of my cutters, molds, etc. from China through e-bay at ridiculously low prices. Once got a fish cutter/mold for 30 cents including shipping. Items arrived within two weeks. The US has a special trade agreement with China that keeps the postage low. Norway probably does not have the same agreement, but it's worth checking. If not, do you know someone in the US who could receive your items then forward them to you for just the cost of forwarding postage? Just a thought. Not sure what postage to you from China or the US would be. Good luck!
AI just checked pricing for US Postal Service priority mail to Norway, a medium size flat rate box starts at $60. Many businesses have contracts with UPS or Fedex, which are typically somewhat more expensive than USPS.
AIf you're close to Oslo this might be worth a try: http://www.nelso.com/no/place/300143/
Anticruel, I feel for you, I live in Paris and shipping is a fortune. I've taken to having items delivered to my family in the States and then when I or someone I know goes they bring it back for me. I got a 60€ tax bill last time I shipped something which really annoyed me esp as I paid so much for postage & I've sworn of having stuff shipped.
You might find it cheaper to go up to London to buy in bulk - I sometimes do that, alternatively Amazon (the English) site has a fair choice for baking & cake decorating & their shipping is more reasonable so maybe try that?
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If you're close to Oslo this might be worth a try:
http://www.nelso.com/no/place/300143/
Going to this cake shop has been part of my christmas traditions since I was a wee un-cruel thing, Jason ;D
They have the best cakes in the world! Never ever seen a cookie cutter for sale there tho, hm....
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I get most of my cutters, molds, etc. from China through e-bay at ridiculously low prices. Once got a fish cutter/mold for 30 cents including shipping. Items arrived within two weeks. The US has a special trade agreement with China that keeps the postage low. Norway probably does not have the same agreement, but it's worth checking. If not, do you know someone in the US who could receive your items then forward them to you for just the cost of forwarding postage? Just a thought. Not sure what postage to you from China or the US would be. Good luck!
Thanks a mill Carrie - will look into that ASAP ;D
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Anticruel, I feel for you, I live in Paris and shipping is a fortune. I've taken to having items delivered to my family in the States and then when I or someone I know goes they bring it back for me. I got a 60€ tax bill last time I shipped something which really annoyed me esp as I paid so much for postage & I've sworn of having stuff shipped.
You might find it cheaper to go up to London to buy in bulk - I sometimes do that, alternatively Amazon (the English) site has a fair choice for baking & cake decorating & their shipping is more reasonable so maybe try that?
I guess we just have to cry on eachothers shoulders here, Claire - and meet up in London for some hardcore cookie cutter shopping ;D
Amazon.co.uk has proven to be an invaluable source in the past. The trick is to find the sellers that have all the items you need AND send them at a sane cost outside UK.
Definitely plan on that Godot (might bring 2 just in case). Would love to meet up with any CC members there, I'll be there on sunday 10th.
AYou could definitely try the eBay option with stuff coming from China. However I will say that stuff is hit or miss. Sometimes it turns out to be a good find....other times it's a piece of crap. Just keep that in mind should you decide to go that route
AUk id bad enuff with shipping but I wud say try ebay. Even if the shipping is abit expensive u can usually import from china pretty cheap. I bought my non stick fondant rolling pin for £10 (gbp) whereas my local cske supplier sells it for £40!! Try ebay or amazon hun good luck xxx
UPDATE:
Wow - what do you know.... thecakedecoratingcompany.co.uk actually got in touch to figure out what's wrong and behold! I can still get my gear from there as Airmail for lightweight orders is still an option
I've ordered heaps from these guys in the past, so couldn't for the life of me get why the airmail was no longer an option... Problem solved, auntie happy!
CALJAVAONLINE.COM i get almost all my cake gear from them!!! great deals and fast shipping!
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CALJAVAONLINE.COM i get almost all my cake gear from them!!! great deals and fast shipping!
Looks great - but alas... they just sell to US market
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