Suggested Shipping Option from US->France

[russ_c]

I have a potential buyer in France (first time for non-ebay, over the pond transaction) and obviously the individual would like to use the most economical option. The problem is there is no real "middle ground" on shipping.

USPS First Class (no tracking) ~$8
USPS Priority with Tracking ~$45
UPS "Saver" ~$79

This is for a 6oz package...ridiculous. Any recommendations on something I've missed? Amusing stores to make me feel better?

Russ

[HarlequinZero]

No, you're not missing any options. Shipping to Europe is expensive.

If it was me I'd ask the guy what he wants to do. If this is a purchase on his part and not trading I'd offer the following. If he is paying by wire transfer or some kind of international money order I'd let him pick what kind of shipping he wanted. However, if he wanted a non-trackable option he'd have to offer you some kind of blanket immunity from BTR or negative references if the package got lost seeing as he chose to go cheap instead of safe. However, if he is paying by PayPal you MUST insist on tracking.

Let me tell you a little story about why. About 5 years ago I sold a pair of FW Eldar Revenant Titans on FeeBay to a guy in France. My auction ad stated that trackable shipping was a non-negotiable part of my deals. It had to be included. Anyways, this Frenchman won the auction and paid very quickly, but only gave me half the listed cost of shipping and told me he didn't want tracking. This set off the alarms in my head, but since the lot was around $500 I didn't mind sucking up the extra $8~ to get tracking. (I also love busting scammers at every opportunity. ) Needless to say, about 5 days after the package arrived, (which I could verify via tracking,) this individual filed with PayPal that he didn't receive anything and he wanted his money back. At that point I sent PayPal both an e-mail and a physical letter including all the tracking details. (The physical letter contained copies of all the shipping receipts and customs paperwork.) Because I was able to prove that the package had been delivered to his address on file with PayPal he was shut down cold. If I HADN'T had tracking he would have had my Revenant Titans and his $500 right back in his pocket.

-HZ

[HarlequinZero]

Also, I'd look at NOT using a flat rate box. I haven't shipped via the USPS in like 10 years, but is a box YOU pack trackable? If so, it looks like it would be about half the cost of the medium flat rate box to just send it yourself in your own box. Just a suggestion you might want to check on.

[porkuslime]

Yes.. a box you personally provide is trackable. While the Flat Rate boxes are nice for a lot of metal, or books, frequently using a re-cycled box is cheaper for things like plastic or resin. Or something that is small, but would require a lot of packing material that is light.

Also, to the OP.. is the dollar value of the transaction something you feel you could absorb if lost in the mail? I mean, selling $20 worth of figures is silly for $45 in postage.. but if you are selling $700, then that is more reasonable.

[kturock]

I just went to usps.com.
Doing a quick run thru the rate calculator for a 6 oz package to France, comes up with several options based on size; small flat rate is $13.95. So you found a lesser rater using size.

BUT you overlooked the 'add special services' button.
You can add 'Registered Mail' for $11.50. It gets signed for every time it's handled.
It can be added to any type of mail; letter or package.
BUT it must be sealed a specific way, with a specific type of tape. Paper tape, not masking tape, but paper sealing tape. Most USPS window services sell it. You can probably buy it anywhere that sells packaging supplies.

It doesn't show it online, but usually you can add insurance.

[MagickalMemories]

When I initially saw the post, kturock, I tried that, too. When I looked at it, though, the site said that Registered Mail isn't available on the small flat rate box.

Eric

[kturock]

Dunno what you did MM, I just ran thru it again, and for France, Small Flat Rate box can be reigstered.

http://ircalc.usps.gov/ExtraServices.as ... &o=1&mt=13

here's where I ended.
$25.45 is the total, for a Flat Rate box to France with Registered Mail.

[MagickalMemories]

Weird.
When I did it last night, it said "not available" for online and in person. Now, it's only not available online.

Hmm.

If I COULD HAVE added it, my end cost would've been the same as what you came up with, BTW.



Eric

[russ_c]

I just had my company run this through their Fedex system, as they are experienced at shipping "proper" to France since our Euro headquarters is in Lyon. The assistant weighted and did the computer form in front of me and it was $42.00 for the most reasonable option (i.e. on an airplane with tracking, but not expedited).

Russ

[HarlequinZero]

I've never seen a package shipped via UPS or FedEx wind up being cheaper than a package shipped via the USPS. Couriers are usually more economical for businesses, but not for a regular joe looking to ship one small box.