Just got my first international order!

[Former_Member]

So, I just got my first international order and i'm super nervous probably for no reason at all.

Any tips for a newbie at international shipping?

[Former_Member]

All my orders have been international except 1!

Tips... ask the post office how long it usually takes to ship to the country you are shipping to.
and when you send your shipping notification, give the customer the estimated time of delivery + or - a few days.

[PrintDesignsbyJessa]

Congrats!! Exciting news! My first ever canvas painting sale went to Northern Ireland + I was super excited about that.
And ditto about the shipping info- it was sent surface mail + I was told that would be 4 weeks. The customer was a bit worried after the 3rd week that it hadn't arrived but it arrive right on time!
Anyhow, congrats again:) Here's to many more!

Tia

[Arthlin]

Hello Emily,

You will need to fill a declaration form at the post office to list what's in the package you're mailing. If you prefer to print your shipping labels with Paypal, you can order these international forms for free from the USPS website for your future international orders. I also agree with Krystle!

Congrats on the sale! :o)

[Former_Member]

Congrats! Very exciting. :)

[Former_Member]

Don't forget your customs form! I usually grab a few to take home with me so I can fill them out ahead of time.

[Former_Member]

Thank you! I'm taking it to the post office today! Super excited.

[OneFairfaxRoad]

Emily, you may want to check FedEx ground rates vs. the Post Office. I have recently found them to be cheaper for larger items.

[Former_Member]

How fun! Now you are an international shop!
I had an order from Sweden last month. The shipping wasn't as expensive as i was expecting.

[Former_Member]

Congratulations! My first one was from a friend in Australia. Shockingly took less than 5 days to get there through regular post.

[BundleOfJoyShop]

Congrats!

[WildWildernessPhotos]

I have only had 2, I was nervous as well, but it all turned out fine!

[Former_Member]

I'm from the UK and I order a lot from America. If they are anything like me, and in Europe? you expect a long wait! It can take up to a month sometimes longer! Just let them know how long it will take when you ask at the post office and try not to get stressed if they get stressed with the wait! Congrats on your sale, brilliant news!

[JDWolfePottery]

Do not use Fed Ex or UPS for international, there are hidden fees that your buyer has to pay in addition to regular custom fees.

[amostroutstudio]

Great! I sent a print to Canada- so I qualify too!

[adfabinidaho]

Make sure you fill out all the custom forms right and completly.
I've done 2 sales overseas, the last one the customer told me he had to pay $50 more to get his items because of VAT ( value added taxes) and import fees.
Depending on the weight of the package depends on which form you need to fill out at the post office, if it's under 4 lbs. it's the short form, if over 4 lbs. it's the longer form. Make sure you get extras for your next international orders.
Congrats!!!

[CutenCraftyDesigns]

Congratulations! I've also had my first international order sometime ago, and have not yet mailed it, but I'm nervous too. I'm glad I read this post, because I didn''t know I had to fill out an international form. Thanks for the info.

[Former_Member]

Congratulations! And thank you all for your suggestions.

[KthysKreations]

Thanks for the info. I don't currently sell international - too nervous about it, but I've had 2 requests from overseas so far, so will probably do so coming up. :)

[Former_Member]

Congrats Emily! I have had my first international sale this week too (I'm in the Uk), it was for Canada and a couple of days later I had one for the US too. I am really excited about it. I was also really nervous about them getting the orders by standard Airmail, so I upgraded the shipping to generate a track and trace facility, it means I have covered the cost, but I think I needed that peace of mind of being able to track it for the first couple! Well done and good luck :)