Help! Shipping to Ireland...

[Former_Member]

I received a custom order for a baby hat from a customer in Ireland. The hat is all ready to go, except my head is now spinning with customs forms, duties, etc. Has anyone shipped from the US to Ireland before and can point me in the right direction? From what I'm understanding, customs forms are needed both for the US and Ireland - am I understanding that correctly? And, will VAT and duties be assessed to the customer?

Thanks so much for your help!

[FlorigamiAndMe]

I don't know who you ship with but I'm a huge fan of USPS, that's all I use. Check out http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/il_006.htm. That's all the info and specifics about shipping to Ireland. All the required forms are there too

Hope this helps :)

[Former_Member]

I just had my first shipping to UK and all I had to do was fill out a small form at post office which was 3 copies, I have one, one is put on the package and I assume the post office keeps the other. I didn't notice any extra fees unless it's already included in what they charged me, which it was a small package, under $4. Any fees on the customer's end, that I don't know.

[Former_Member]

I use Endicia, it is a computer program that you pay a monthly fee for, but it also saves you on shipping. If you ship enough, it is worth the monthly fee. The customs forms is part of the Endicia program. You might want to write up in your shipping infor that any taxes or duties are the responsibility of the buyer.

[LaurasLastDitch]

Just go to the post office, properly addressed, and come armed the value of your item. You can fill out the form there, and there's no extra fee to you. The buyer, depending on the value of the item you're sending, may have to pay some import taxes, but I find that international buyers are familiar with that, so it shouldn't cause you any problem.

There are ways you can do it without going to the post office, but if you expect just the occasional international sale, you might just want to go to the PO for now to keep it simple. You'll find it's really not difficult at all.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, all - you are FANTASTIC!!

[LaurasLastDitch]

One additional little thing is that you'll want to keep your packaging as light as you reasonably can, because the cost per ounce on international shipping is much, much higher, and it can get expensive fast.

[Former_Member]

As long as it is under 13 ounces you only have a tiny form to fill out at USPS. Really easy and ask for a few to take home with you so you can be prepared next time. The forms are free. They will hand you a stack no questions asked.

[GoTo]

You might find this helpful:

International Shipping & Customs Forms
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/10488094/

[SelkieCrochet]

yay for Irish customers :)

[3friendssignature]

Your USPS customer service person will be able to assist you. Just go there, and when you are ready to mail, they'll ask all the questions: insurance? contents? etc. You'll be given the form to fill.
It's not bad at all.
Best wishes!