International shipping help!

[starlightwoods]

I am looking for economical yet dependable international shipping carriers. I recently shipped a wholesale order to South Africa ( I have shipped there about 5 other times with no problem) well, I usually use USPS first class as that was the most economical choice. The problem that i had was that this most recent order was lost for about 2 weeks and I could not track and USPS was absolutely no help. It finally did turn up today but I have learned my lesson as not to ship such a valuable shipment with USPS first class international.

So, what shipping method do you all use for international? What are the best prices you have found with your carriers?
Thanks so much for any help here!

[Former_Member]

The issue is there is a disconnect between the shippers here....and their shippers there.

All of them seem to do that. Kinda a well its tracked until it hit thats countries postal system, then shrug.

Sorry know that wasnt a help.

[GoTo]

There's no economical way to ship internationally with tracking. Often the least expensive way is to use First Class buy to pay $11.75 for Registered Mail, but because the package is checked in at every transport along the way it can be slower.

International Extra Services and Fees
http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/notice123.htm#1403102

Otherwise, Priority (not the small flat rate box or envelopes) offer some tracking, Express should give you full tracking.

We usually go with First Class and insure if the item is pricey, irreplaceable or fragile. See the "Shipping Insurance" blog post for info on third-party insurers:

~~Shipping Basics~~
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/10577585


If you ship through courier services there are brokerage fees that often make them cost prohibitive (FedEx--pay online and you'll see those fees up front in the shipping price, pay at the counter in a FedEx location and your buyer will be surprised when the package gets to their country and they're are extra fees before they are allowed to get the item. UPS doesn't collect up front so the buyer always gets the nasty surprise.)

[starlightwoods]

I understand now about that disconnect, how frustrating! Just wondering if another shipping method is any better...How about UPS or DHL, has anyone had any luck with them?

[GoTo]

I haven't tried DHL, I'd look into their brokerage fees before trying them out.

[Former_Member]

Lisa, Try FEDEX they are even running a special rate for etsy sellers.

[Former_Member]

Here is the link
http://www.etsy.com/sell/offers?utm_source=etsy_success&utm_campaign=etsy_success_092512_2217479154_...

[SewMuchFabric2010]

as previously stated if you fed ex the receiver will be charged a huge penalty in addition to the taxes. please, please consult with the purchaser first.

[Former_Member]

I have found USPS to be the most economical - but yes, this can happen Lisa. Stinks! I have only had a couple of items go missing and easily replaced without issue (other than the pain to re-make and I felt bad for the customer who needed it fro a gift)

BUT... check into that country and see what works. UPS has hefty duty fees and fed-ex has a lot of options too.

either way... no easy quick answer. Just varies country to country

[Former_Member]

I use USPS FCI and have never had a problem. For a large order like wholesale, I would probably have the customer pay for tracking.

[KriyaDesign]

I'd say the most economical is till USPS. No I've never sent something over $200, I might imagine yours could be since its a wholesale order.

UPS and Fedex have brokerage fees. Which most buyers would not be willing to fork their money out. Since they are costly.

Have you tried registered. The lady at postal office, recommended it to me when I was fussing about a large order to... UK I guess. Still quite close huh!

Hey I've tried USPS priority shipping, that flat rate thing. It seems to have tracking all the way to European countries. Not sure about South Africa though. Buyers paid for priority shipping. But then you've got to tell them higher shipping is a safer option. And then they might not be too happy about it.

Let us know if you find a better, economical option. I am marking this thread.

[lippybrand]

I dont know what to tell you about who to use. I guess its just risky to ship overseas thats all.

But wanna say- SO awesome the package did turn up! I shipped a wholesale order to alaska via usps first class mail 4 years ago. It got lost and never turned up. It had at least $300 worth of product in it, sick-N-ing. And the post office was no help to me either. Still shaking my head about that one!

[starlightwoods]

Thanks for all this great advise. I tried Fed Ex and input some numbers, weight, dims and came up with $131 for shipping- YIKES! I think I will go to the UPS Store and fed ex and speak to someone directly. I never know where to start online and usually end up doing it wrong.
USPS Registered may be the way to go, I at least want to be able to track it and get my money back if it never arrives, this was quite a nail biter!

[GoTo]

The $131 FedEx rate includes those brokerage fees we mentioned.

If you pay at the counter, sometimes you don't pay them when you ship BUT they are still collected from the buyer before the package can delivered and that's a nasty surprise.

Often the clerks at the store fronts know nothing about it, but you can see the info here:

http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html

http://www.fedex.com/ca_english/international/customsservices/index.html