International shipping questions

[yh125d]

So I'm shipping a secret santa gift (not ATOT SS) US -> UK and I've never done it before and got some questions. Medium package, about the medium newegg size.


I googled a bit earlier and read a lot but I just got confused by all the info. Will I have to go fill out a big customs form and shit? Are they (USPS) gonna be all snoopy and crap or what? How specific do I need to be with contents?


I'll probably just go down to the post office tomorrow and talk to them, will it be as simple as like telling them where its going and they can tell me all my options for service (priority, express, etc) or will it be complicated?

What all info will I need to take with me (besides address, contents)?

Whats this gonna cost me?


Anything else I might need to know?

 

[quikah]

You need to fill out a customs form (which one depends on which shipping method you use). USPS doesn't really care whats inside as long as it doesn't violate their shipping rules. UK customs may inspect the item or they may not. Just write a generic description of the item, but be truthful, don't write hat if it is obviously a laptop, that could get the customs officials attention.

 

[irishScott]

I would like to introduce you to the internet:
http://www.usps.com/international/welcome.htm

 

[IronWing]

Global Priority flat rate boxes start at ~ US$20.
First Class International is cheaper and about as fast ~ a week or so to UK.
Fill out simple customs form.
No matter what, declare the item is a gift (in this case, that would be the truth).

Also, if the item can be shipped in a padded envelope that will be cheaper to ship than a box. Envelope = letter-like thingy; box = package = higher rate.

 

[Dream Operator]

I shipped an envelope w/ two CDs in one case to the UK the other day. I went through the USPS for $12.30. For a medium package, up to 1lb., I believe it's about $25. Snooping? Maybe, but doubtful. Depending on what you label the contents as. I labeled mine as "Gift - Used CDs", just as the recipient did when they sent me a similar envelope (For 1.53 pounds, I might add. Much cheaper than sending back to them!!). The package I received did not get opened by customs.

You can sign up with USPS online, check out the cost and print a label, if you want. You will still need a customs envelope of sorts (they put the shipping label inside, then adhere it to the box). I went to the post office for mine.

If you go to the post office, try to go at an off hour. They are getting busy in my area!

 

[yh125d]

Fuck me. A 12"x12"x5" flat rate box is $53 on the cheapest service. Even a 5lb package is $40 on the cheapest I can find. Ughghghghguhuhughguhg this is stupid. The guy I'm shipping it to recently sent a similar package to the us for only about 10 quid (like $16)


I.... may be in a pickle

 

[Dream Operator]

Fuck me. A 12"x12"x5" flat rate box is $53 on the cheapest service. Even a 5lb package is $40 on the cheapest I can find. Ughghghghguhuhughguhg this is stupid. The guy I'm shipping it to recently sent a similar package to the us for only about 10 quid (like $16)


I.... may be in a pickle

That was my pain as well, though on a lesser scale. My conclusion: shipping overseas sucks.

 

[frostedflakes]

Also, I've always read to mark the item as "gift" on the customs form to avoid the recipient from getting dinged with duty fees.

edit: Yeah, I avoid international shipping whenever possible. There are plenty of buyers here in the US, there's rarely a need to search for them internationally. Just not worth the headache.

International shipping isn't bad for items that are a few pounds. Heavier than that, though, and it really starts to get expensive.

 

[yh125d]

I may just have to find something I can buy from a UK based company and have it delivered to him and just mail a letter explaining


I didn't have to pay for anything I was going to send, so I'm not out any cash yet

 

[brblx]

i've shipped internationally for ebay auctions. i sent a guitar pedal to france once, and i seem to recall it not being that expensive through fedex.

 

[frostedflakes]

What are the circumstances of the sale? Was it an item you advertised for a price that included shipping? If so, I think the buyer kind of took advantage of you, he would have known that international shipping was much more expensive than domestic. I wouldn't feel guilty at all about backing out of the sale. Either that or require him to make up the difference between what international shipping and domestic would have cost you.

edit: I'm an idiot, guess I missed that this was a secret santa gift first time I read through your post. Your idea of buying an item from an online UK store sounds about as good as any. You could probably find a retailer that does giftwrapping and stuff like that if it's something you wanted.

 

[grrl]

Since the USPS eliminated surface mail you pretty much get screwed whenever mailing packages internationally now.