Shipping to Australia

[Former_Member]

I just received a request to ship an order to Australia and have no idea of what to expect shippingwise. I googled shipping costs there and found some estimates. It would be 4 sets of note cards. Does anyone know where I can look to find out more information about international costs?

Thanks

[GirlpowerKnits]

Try this
http://ircalc.usps.com/?country=10013

type in your package type and weight. The click "see all" when it shows costs.
The top is highest costs, goes down to lower.
It's not hard!

[Former_Member]

Australia takes a little longer, but when I've shipped there it has been a smooth process! Best wishes on your shipment!

[GabriellasTreasures]

Agree with Emily - I use usps calc all the time!!

[Former_Member]

I think it's roughly double what it costs to ship to the US. But yeah, usps.com can help you more specifically.

Also it's good to note that shipping to Australia is the most expensive from the US, and most other countries are a little cheaper (since they're closer), so if you set your International shipping price to cover a package to Australia, you should be good for every other country as well.

[Former_Member]

Jennifer M., thank for that info. I've been meaning to set up international, but most of my items are digital files. However, the note cards have been very popular lately.

Thanks, everyone -- as usual, great team support!

[TheVintageOrangeJar]

I ship to Australia from both my etsy shops all the time too. I also use usps and I haven't had any trouble at all. Shipping is definitely the most expensive going to Australia.

[Former_Member]

Definitely what the others are saying. USPS.com for shipping calculator. It's more time consuming that guessing or assuming but it's worth the time. I can't tell you how many threads I've seen on here about sellers losing big time on their first Australia order.

[beatroad]

Yes, check USPS site and weigh your cards and all shipping materials to see how much postage will run you. You should be able to ship First Class to them. It does take a while to arrive (up to 3 weeks) but I've never had any issues. Good luck! :)

[GiftsbyGaby]

Under 4 lbs can go parcel post through USPS but over 4 lbs must go priority - that's where it gets expensive. That's about all I know. :)

[Former_Member]

Try to avoid shipping through priority mail internationally. Especially with small items. You can ship through first class mail and it should get there under 15 business days. You can't ask for tracking internationally, but I've only gotten one item lost, and never to Australia. A lot of people don't know that you can ship through first class up to I think two or three pounds (you can't do this within the US). It's the fastest and most economically way to ship smaller items. Just remember, don't ship through priority or a flat rate box those = super expensive!

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!

[Former_Member]

My international orders are increasing too! I just shipped scrapbook journals to Australia, Singapore and Switzerland in the past few weeks. I have also checked the forums and used the advice to ship first class international. No surprises yet! I have created an shipping estimate for U.S., Canada & "Everywhere Else", but there are so many locations under that umbrella. I would like to differentiate more so that I can be more accurate but I am not sure how detailed I want to go with specific rates for specific countries. What is everyone else doing?

[hydeandstitched]

Just as a warning, I've had a shipment take a little over a month to get from US to Aus. It was my first international order...I've shipped plenty since then and haven't had a similar event (except one that made a round trip to Germany and back, but using my limited German, it was because the recipient never picked it up).

Best of luck, I'm sure you'll have no problems, but don't be suprised if it is less like 15 and more like 20-25 days.

[PIXELGRINphotography]

I suggest using a Flat Rate box, it's 18$ USD for the small Flat Rate Box which is all I ever use for shipping, and have shipped a few times to AUS, CAN and other countries. Priority mail doesn't give you tracking but, Express Mail (Flat Rate) does, but is more expensive.

As others have expressed you can use usps.com and the AUS postal code to get a pretty decent estimate. It might be cheaper to use your own packaging if it is light, which I guess it is for note cards. My items are heavy to its the best method for me, but I stand by it! !

[GoTo]

You might find this helpful:

Getting a Handle on International Shipping
http://www.gotogreatpanes.com/blog/2008/02/21/getting-a-handle-on-international-shipping

More help with labels, insurance, etc here:

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