Help Starting World Wide Shipping

[Former_Member]

I am a relatively new shop, and started with shipping to the U.S. and Canada only. I am nervous about shipping anywhere in the world because of variations in taxes customs regulations. Does the Etsy Customs Declaration take care of all this when I purchase a label through Etsy? Is there anything else I should know?

Are there any region- or country-specific regulations I should know about for shipping internationally (i.e. VAT, EU restrictions, etc.) Or, has anyone had problems shipping to specific countries that I should be aware of?

I've read enough other discussions and threads that I am comfortable sticking with USPS International 1st Class rate for what I sell (beads and jewelry). And thanks to all who weighed in on the rate increase last month, I think I can figure the postage rates.

I need a little hand holding in making this transition. I want to sell world wide, but have never done this. Happy to pursue any links you can pass along. All help will be much appreciated.

[Former_Member]

If you are shipping to Canada you are already shipping internationally.

So why not add other countries to the list?

Its not up to you to know all of the countries' import and taxation restrictions but rather your buyers responsibility. Just as when you purchase something from another country its up to you to know what the USA import laws are.

Since you already know the weights of each item you are selling, all you really need to do is look at the USPS rate table at usps.com to see what the international rates are.

I tend to use Germany and Australia to calculate my 'everywhere else' rate as for me, those are the highest ones.

[Former_Member]

crochetgal,
Of course your right, shipping to Canada means I am already shipping internationally.

Thanks for the encouragement. and good to know who has to worry about import restrictions and taxation. Just trying to be careful.

Thanks for the heads up about what countries to base my rates on and why.

This all started because I had someone from France contact me about a purchase. And I wanted to follow through.

Feeling more confident.

[Former_Member]

Go for it! I'm in the UK - if we don't ship internationally, we might as well not bother. Well, not strictly true, I know some manage with just UK buyers but I certainly couldn't. It's fun shipping ot new countries!

Just be sure to always tell the truth on customs forms, sometimes I hear that buyers ask a seller to mark as "gift" to avoid paying duty, it's a huge risk and not worth it.

[Former_Member]

Heather,
Thanks, I had read about that gift issue.

I do include a free thank you gift with each purchase but my post office worker said that as long as the customs declaration gives the value of the order, and I mention the free thank you gift, I am OK.

I look forward to shipping to more countries. I convo folks around the world right now anyway. Your words are very encouraging.
Jody

[weekendjewelry1]

Mystic, the only 'restriction' I pay attention to or discuss with my customers, is that in the UK, if the value of the package goes over 15 pounds (I think that's the limit) - the customer ends up paying an import fee. Sometimes I've had customers order, say, $40 worth of vintage jewels - and I ship in two separate packages, so the value of each is about $20 USD. Sometimes that won't be possbile with jewelry of course - it's just something to keep in mind.

I'm always truthful on customs forms - as others have said, it's totally not worth lying to Customs! But I'm also careful about what words I use. Earrings for example, could be "craft earrings" or "fashion accessory" - one doesn't have to say "pearl earrings", which might be more attractive to a thief.

[Former_Member]

totally agree about careful wording. some people call jewellery "fashion accessories" too.

i don't know what would happen if the two parcels under £15 (yes, that is the correct limit) turn up at the UK post office at the same time from the same seller, might they decide it was deliberate avoidance of tax? I understand why you'd do it, the amount we pay on top is crazy, but I wonder if you're opening yourself up to trouble?

[Former_Member]

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pa...

if you scroll down to point 2.7 it states that if there is more than onepackage the values will be added together. It's talking about gifts in that section, different I know, but I suspect if that applies to gifts it will also apply to sales. can't find that part right now though

[HanoverMerryMakers]

I have been open about 6 months, and have posted internationally from the start. I will say it's been fairly easy, our PO in the UK has a table of what parcels cost internationally. I found in the forums that it was best to write about taxes etc. in your postage policies found in shop policies.

[Former_Member]

Heather, I've had a few cases when someone from the UK has ordered from me and the value has been over the threshold. What I've done in the past is send multiple packages but stagger them by a few days each. That way they have a lesser chance of arriving at the customs office all at once.

[HanoverMerryMakers]

Thats a good idea crochet gal. When I buy I'll ask the seller to consider that for me. I have also found sometimes parcels just go through customs without a charge.

[HanoverMerryMakers]

Thats a good idea crochet gal. When I buy I'll ask the seller to consider that for me. I have also found sometimes parcels just go through customs without a charge.

[Former_Member]

good idea!