Shipping Internationally?

[Former_Member]

I know the international market is a large customer base for use in the United States. I don't want to exclude anyone but how do you quote them a shipping rate?. When I use the postage calculator on the USPS website it's giving me ridiculously high quotes (even for Canada)! How do you guys ship internationally? Any advice is appreciated.

[Former_Member]

USPS is always the way to go, versus FedEx or UPS because of their expensive surcharges. I found a Team for International Shipping who may be able to address specific questions, here's the link:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7421/international-shipping

[Former_Member]

To clarify, in MY experience USPS has always been the most reliable/best price. Correct me if I'm wrong, Etsyland! :)

[EviesToolEmporium]

I agree with Southpaw that USPS is the way to go!

I'm not familar with the team, but I just checked out the link!

GoTo is on the team and she is super knowledgable so I would say that would be a wonderful team to join!

Best of luck as you expand your horizons!

[Former_Member]

I believe its a hit and miss. Last week I went with UPS as they were cheaper. Yesterday, oh yesterday. USPS was to be $13, I thought I will go with UPS. Are you ready? $91 bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I went back to the USPS.

blessings, jilly

[Former_Member]

I agree that USPS is the way to go, at least for smaller items. First Class is what I use for international shipping. It's much more affordable than anything else, and I've never had any issues or complaints.

[BeijaFlorNaturalsOak]

USPS first class is the best. If you have an idea of how much your items weigh (for me things are pretty much 4oz, 8oz, or 16oz) you can go to the USPS site and see how much it would be to ship this weight to certain countries that buy a lot on etsy. (for me its: Australia, Canada, UK, certain places in Asia etc). I have a round about figure, pay the difference when I get an order (if need be) and change my prices to the exact cost once I've shipped to internationally. Yes, I've lost a few dollars doing this but I have benefited from a lot of international business. Good Luck!

[GoTo]

I posted in the other team but I'll post it here too:

Sounds like you are being quoted Priority Mail rates--First Class International goes up to 4 pounds and is much more reasonable. :)

More info here:

~~Shipping Basics~~
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6382394



sunnyvillecottage says
I believe its a hit and miss. Last week I went with UPS as they were cheaper....


~~~For international packages, UPS tacks on 'brokerage fees' they don't tell you about when you ship. Your buyer just receives a notice that additional fees are due, so be careful when shipping international--here's a chart of their brokerage fees for package to Canada:

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


(Hi Evie! There've been so many shipping questions on this team that I joined this one too a while back.)

[EviesToolEmporium]

GoTo-
You are so very, very wise and I appreciate the fact that you are always so patient with everyones questions!
Good to know you're on this team as well!
Thank you for your dedication to us!
Michelle-

[Former_Member]

International First class usps is usually under $4.00 for me.

[Former_Member]

I looked at your store (awsome!) - I can't imagine that any of your items are terribly heavy. I would pack up an item (unsealed) the way you normally ship it & take it over to the post office on a slow day and ask them to give you the shipping rates.

You will also need to get some customs forms from the post office. These need to be filled out (by hand unfortunately) and submitted to the post office when you mail an item internationally.

It is worth it to add international shipping options - as long as you are able to do so without padding the shipping rates too much. So far, I'd say about 20% of my sales have been international (mostly Canada).

[Former_Member]

I ship USPS First Class International.... I found this post really helpful to help me set my costs....

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5354738

Hope this helps! :o)

~Lisa :o)

[SpiderwoodHollow]

I ship USPS First Class International as well. I have gotten a surprise a few times when I forgot to weigh in the weight of the packaging.

All in all I am happy with USPS.
Thanks for all the information. Good to know.

[GoTo]

Glad to help Michelle! I learned a lot in the old forums now I pass it on. :)

[Former_Member]

Here is the site I use to figure postage:

http://ircalc.usps.gov/

I ship small packages that are usually only a few oz.s (2-4) First Class International.

[Former_Member]

Great timing as I was just asked to ship to Canada today : ) Thanks for all the links everyone : )

[KathyDee]

I ship international daily however my boxes all weigh the same 3 0z. so it is pretty easy. I ship USPS first class and my post office just got new international shipping slips that are so much nicer and quicker. The only problem I have is shipping time. 27 days to Canada! Out of control. The child is a size larger by the time the shoes arrive! LOL

[GoTo]

Canadian customs is notoriusly slow!

If you use the USPS Shipping Assistant to print your First Class International labels, it prints the customs form right on the half-sheet of paper/label for you--no need to keep the forms on-hand (still need stamps to cover the postage). More about it in the link I posted on p 1. :)

[Former_Member]

THANK YOU EVERYONE!
I got such great advice, and now I can feel better about my new shipping quotes!

[Former_Member]

I have shipped internationally a few times and it is difficult every time. Remember, many countries require invoices in double or triplicate, this speeds things up significantly. Also, if it is not a gift there are taxes to be paid and these can be rather high. Make sure you package very carefully as it is expensive to replace an item and insurance only covers so much and is extremely expensive to purchase. Very heavy packages can be over $100 if it doesn't fit in a flat rate box (USPS). Good luck, I have found it to be worth the extra work and every customer has been a true delight to work with.

[GoTo]

You're welcome & good luck teslas90!



themadplanter--You might want to read the posts linked to from the thread I posted on page 1--it should make things easier for you.

Countries only require one invoice in a package, but a triplicate customs for for Priority Mail packages (except the small flat rate box & flat rate envelope which still use the simple customs form).

Insurance is only $1 for about $100 in coverage if you use a third-party insurer, you can even get it for First Class International which goes up to 4 lbs (so long as the package isn't oversized).

Flat rate Priority Mail boxes (except the small flat rate box & flat rate envelope) are rarely a good deal if your package isn't over 2 lbs for domestic shipping, and even less often for international shipping.

[DecoratingYourself]

You might wish to check out my blog post for internation first class plus insurance...
http://decoratingyourself.blogspot.com/2011/02/shipping-choices-are-part-of-your.html

[Former_Member]

Don't use the online calculator its always high. Shipping to Canada from the USA is so cheap. Go to your local post office and inquire for rates take a standard parcel size with you that you normally ship.

[Former_Member]

Stick with USPS. I have been with them for over 3 years, and have NEVER had any problems or any lost mail shipping internationally.

[Former_Member]

Great discussion, thanks for starting it. I've learned enough to get brave and I added Canada to my shipping profile.

I shipped a package to Canada a while back, in a Priority Mail flat rate box as the buyer requested. Click-N-Ship guided me through the process including the customs form. It did take a long time for the package to arrive, though. Weeks, not days.