Question about shipping from US to overseas

GTR-MAN · #1 03-20-2007, 05:46 AM

I have a question, I'm currently selling a guitar in evilbay, I have an interested party in Spain. I normally don't ship overseas because I'm unfamiliar with shipping out of the US.
I went on UPS.com & FedEx .com and the shipping came out to over $300. On USPS.com shipping was a little over $100. The USPS site didn't ask the dimensions of the package, just the weight. It also didn't ask the amount the package is worth for customs. UPS & FedEx asked all those questions and was way more expensive.

How can there be such a discrepancy in prices ? What would be the best way to ship to Spain from the US ?

I appreciate any insight from those of you who are experienced in this matter, thanks

Steve aka GTRMAN

**elcid** · #2 03-20-2007, 06:51 AM

I always use USPS when shipping overseas, it's much less expensive, usually around $115-$130

supergirl20_06 · #3 03-20-2007, 07:30 AM

Hi,

Be sure that the best way to ship is usps Airmail Parcel Post service, it is good and not very expensive service.

When you have to go to the post office to do the shipping you will have to write a custom receipt with the amount of the item you ship to any outside usa country, with your name and the name of the buyer. It is not hassel at all it takes you 3 minutes. Later in Spain or any other european country the buyer must pay the custom fees so you don´t must care for anything after you ship.

One advise, keep the usps receipt until the pack is delivery and send the buyer the number that beguns for CP...........US with this one he and you can follow the packed.

I hope this helps

voodoo_child · #4 03-20-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR-MAN

The USPS site didn't ask the dimensions of the package, just the weight.

There IS a limit on the package dimensions with the USPS various services. You might have to hunt around the site to find it. Its something like the longest side cant exceed x inches, and the combined L+W+D cant exceed y inches.

http://ircalc.usps.gov/mailpiecedimensions.asp has the various definitions of what they class as 'large' 'extra large' etc

GTR-MAN · #5 03-20-2007, 08:04 AM

Hey thanks, that helps clear some things up. So it sounds like if I were to ship UPS or FedEx the customs fees are included, that would be why they are so expensive. While the USPS has a cheaper fee because the buyer, or person receiving the package would have to pay the customs fees when they receive it instead of paying everything up front? Thanks for your help, I knew this was the place to go to for help.

voodoo_child · #6 03-20-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR-MAN

Hey thanks, that helps clear some things up. So it sounds like if I were to ship UPS or FedEx the customs fees are included, that would be why they are so expensive. While the USPS has a cheaper fee because the buyer, or person receiving the package would have to pay the customs fees when they receive it instead of paying everything up front?

I don't think so, but i may be wrong. Im not aware of any 'customs up front service'. I think UPS or FedEx are simply more expensive.

7Plagues · #7 03-20-2007, 09:23 AM

i have shipped guitars overseas with usps and it has always been cheaper compared to fedex or ups or whatever. it would probably run you 120-160 USD

Demiurge · #8 03-20-2007, 10:47 AM

The package size limit is 108" inches total length plus girth. Most "guitar"-sized shipping cartons are 105", so no worries in that. Global express has the same requirements but the package can't be any longer than 46", but that's not the case for EMS or Parcel Post I don't think.

I hate filling out the customs forms, and not to sound xenophobic, I don't like hearing all the international shipping nightmare stories so I list everything CONUS only on the 'bay. Still happens all the time that someone overseas wants something I'm selling, so I tell them that I only ship overseas if the buyer agrees to pay the "Buy It Now" price, pay full shipping, and not hold me responsible for any fees, loss, damages, delays, etc., once the item leaves US soil. Also, with those "Automatic Postal Center" stations at the PO, sending a package domestically takes 3 minutes- waiting in line to send something international (because of the customs forms) takes 30 minutes (lousy city PO's).

GTR-MAN · #9 03-20-2007, 10:57 AM

The dimensions are 47"x 21" x 6" , aprox 30lbs. Yeah I list US only too(only due to the obvious confusion I've had w/shipping out of the US), but someone in Spain would really like a shot at it, and they were really nice when I 1st told them no due to the conflicting prices between UPS/FedEx & USPS. I know that some guitars are hard to get over there & wanted to give that person a shot. That surprises me that w/ the expensive ones a person would still have to pay customs, it would be cheaper for a person to buy a guitar over there for that price. I prefer UPS, but not at that price. If the person wins they'll have to chance it with USPS.

Yeah I should've said "buy it now" price too, didn't think of it. Maybe someone domestically will win it instead.

Thanks again for everyones help, you are awesome !

voodoo_child · #10 03-20-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR-MAN

. Maybe someone domestically will win it instead.

If he wants it, he'll win it now that you've given him permission to bid.

It depends what it is of course, but nearly everything is more expensive in Spain & Europe. Even with shipping and customs, he'll still be prepared to bid higher than a US bidder, because he'll be saving money regardless. There is usually a couple of hundred $ in price between auctions that only ship US and those that ship worldwide (depends of course on the item & price, and feedback of the seller)

If youre happy to spend an extra few minutes filling in a customs form, and TRUST the guy (feedback etc), then it can only be a good thing - more money for you

Rich · #11 03-20-2007, 12:53 PM

If they pay by bank wire ship it any way they want. If they pay by Paypal only a fool would ship anything under GEM or GXG, without clear tracking Paypal will reverse funds on any claim.

voodoo_child · #12 03-20-2007, 01:03 PM

GEM offers tracking

What do you mean by 'clear tracking'?

Rich · #13 03-20-2007, 01:31 PM

Which is why I included GEM. Some people think you can ship airmail and track by the insurance number, you can't. "Clear tracking" just means it's clear where it is [or where it just was anyway].