Thread: Reasonable international shipping?

Originally Posted by Pete_S

A little off topic, but I'm kind of curious, has anyone here actually had something lost in the mail? I dont mean under suspicious circumstances. In my experience the mail seems very good at getting things delivered (knock on wood). The only time I've had things "not delivered" were when they were sent to some bunch of Gov't morons who would get to charge me money if they didnt get the paperwork I was sending.

I have,Two yrs ago I sold on the bay A hamilton 950 B,Mint,14K to a stellar buyer from Germany,Fully insured express mail was 65 USD,The watch got as far as New york and disapeared,I filed a claim, after about a month I was told the USPS would refund my $65 but not the $2600 insured and paid for value.
The lesson I learned was: Watches are considered Jewelry By the USPS and as such need to be shipped registerd mail,Full disclosure was made on the customs docs,WATCH,Value,$2600,the moron behind the counter said nothing about registerd mail being required,major loss for me

Something else to take into consideration on high dollar razors or hones. Most USA to Europe via USPS limits insurance to a maximum of $600.00 USD. I've shipped stuff worth more and kept my fingers crossed that all would go well. So far so good, knock on wood.

Originally Posted by Pete_S

has anyone here actually had something lost in the mail?

Yup. A package headed to Brazil got lost at a distribution center in Kansas City. The tracking showed it going there and never leaving.
The postal service was completely useless about making an effort to even try to find it.
They also made it a huge PITA to go through with the insurance claim. I never did get anything from them for it.

I did have a package from Estonia go missing but ultimately arrive about 3 weeks late, after the seller had refunded my money.

Originally Posted by Sailor

It says something about razors and knives. Guess i've broken those restrictions as i've sent several Finnish work knives to friends in USA

It just says no switchblades. Razors should be no problem they are mailed all the time here and I receive them from UK regularly.

I live in Australia, that's a long way from just about everywhere
Post prices to us do vary a great deal from about $5 USD to $50 USD
And from Europe is about the same variations in price, though it can easily get to 70 euro at times

A lot depends on the seller and how they send the item
I always weigh up the item cost against the shipping cost
Ebay stuff can be prohibitive cost to post a $30 or less razor here
I like to carefully check the sellers feedback and if that is good just live with the risk
New hones and such I will pay for registration & insurance
Just have to do your checks when dealing on the bay