Aust Post sets up warehouse in US

Ever been charged oodles more for US products just because you live Down Under?

Australia Post may have the perfect Christmas gift for you.

The postal service has set up a warehouse in Oregon to give Australian consumers a US address.

Using Australia Post's ShopMate service, launched last week, subscribers can have their parcels sent to their "US address" before they're forwarded to their Australian address.

Parcel Post general manager Kelly Heintz says the service will cut the annoying price difference suffered by Australian consumers.

She says the service also means Australians won't have to wait any longer than Americans for products that haven't yet hit local stores.

ShopMate isn't the first service of its kind in Australia, but it's the first that won't rely on more costly international couriers.

Australia Post charges a base rate of $24.95 a parcel, with a weight rate of $5.95 per 500 grams.