INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING QUESTION....HELP!!!!

[MoonDoggy]

I have a bass to ship to Madrid, Spain. If it's a bolt on bass (which this is), I usually ship via USPS because they are the cheapest. BUT I just found out that the max you can insure an International USPS package for is $650. This particular bass is nearly $2K.

The cheapest quotes from UPS and FedEx (fully insured for $1950) were $450 and $440 respectively. I know DHL is about the same as well.

And if it's a neck-thru bass, apparently USPS is not possible because of their new rules regarding international package sizes.

Is there any cheaper way around these ridiculous rates without risking insuring the bass for a lesser value???

Thanks in advance TB.

Dan

[fenderhutz]

Nope. Refund.

And wrong forum.

[jasper383]

No way around it if you need to fully insure the bass.

I would send the bass in two pieces, two smaller boxes. Cheaper, less per box to insure, and less likely to attract unwanted attention.

I have successfully sent a couple basses to the EU lately in hard cases, but you've got to get the box as tight around the case as possible. This means cutting the box down and wrapping it well with tape. "Girth" (length plus circumference) will be about 100" this way, still within USPS regs.

[MoonDoggy]

I boxed the neck and the body up separately last week and the combined price of 2 smaller boxes (with insurance divided in half too) was much more than 1 slightly larger box.

I chose this forum because this is where the basses get bought and sold. I assumed it was relevant and that I'd get the most feedback here. I was hoping people would share similar experiences to shed some light on my situation and maybe help out others as well. Maybe this could even become a stick thread! (Of course, not now that I said that!)

[jasper383]

I am very surprised that the 2 boxes added up to more than the 1 large box. Usually, size is what jacks the price up, more than weight.

[David Santos]

Basses in Europe are much more expensive than in the states. Usually, even after montruos taxes and shipping values, it compensates to buy from the US. Even more now that the dollar is loosing its value compared to the Euro.

I guess that if you guys could find the best method to ship overseas comparing everybodys experience you all could be selling your basses much easier. It is regularly seen on TB international buyers trying to jump on good deals but, because of the trouble, I guess, lots of sellers prefer to keep their basses inside US. A sticky with the different possibilities and shipping costs, would make everybody's life much easier. I have troubled lots of talkbassers asking: "How much to ship it to Portugal insured?". If the best way to do it was already available in a sticky with the shipping values people wouldn't loose their time checking on USPS, UPS, FEDEX, etc. I guess that there won't be much difference between sending a bass to Lisbon-PORTUGAL, Madrid-SPAIN or Paris-France... Hey, and I'm talking Europe here but the same goes to Asia, Africa, South America or Australia.

Even if this doesn't "stick" this could be an interesting thread to check whenever needed.

Adding everyone's experience we could get to somewhere. Come on every one, start sharing!

lBest regards to you all.

David Santos

[FL Knifemaker]

Don't bother insuring if you ship through USPS because you will NEVER collect on it anyway. USPS is one big SCAM

I only ship internationally if the cusomer will allow me to use their FEDEX or DHL account. That way, you pack the bass, call the carrier for pickup and forget about it If an international customer isn't willing to do that, they're SOL!!!

[tradernick]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

Don't bother insuring if you ship through USPS because you will NEVER collect on it anyway. USPS is one big SCAM

I only ship internationally if the cusomer will allow me to use their FEDEX or DHL account. That way, you pack the bass, call the carrier for pickup and forget about it If an international customer isn't willing to do that, they're SOL!!!

I believe you about using only Fed-Ex if you want to deal with competent people.

To the OP, I wanted you to know that I recently dealt with USPS on a shipment to Canada. At first they told me the same thing that they told you - international shipments have a limit of $650 for insurance. However, I had to call them back to ask one more question and the next guy I got told me that this is not true. There exists with USPS another way to ship which carries a $2000 insurance limit for international shipments.

What I found is that the USPS phone staff are barely able to do their job. You have to keep calling back a few times until you get the right person.

Anyhow, I just thought I'd mention it. Sorry I can't recall the exact name of the service they mentioned but it does exist.

[Kubs]

USPS Express Mail International is best way, and insurance is not necessary....you know refund from USPS will be hard fight...and I obtain about 6-7 basses and guitars and NEVER have any problem with USPS....my friend obtain bass cosmetically damaged but it was because customs office opened box with guitar and when they inspected guitar they didnt returned guitar to bubble foil and send it without box filling so guitar get little scratched...and it not depend on way you sending....DHL or USPS c.o. could f*cked it up with both....worst on it is that if anything similar happen you have to send it back to USA and then wait if they accept your insurance claim (and believe me they most of casses find reasons why not to pay you, for example bad packaging....but proof them that customs office change package...)

[FL Knifemaker]

[quote=Kubs;5767470]USPS Express Mail International is best way, and insurance is not necessary....you know refund from USPS will be hard fight...QUOTE]

So you would be 100% responsible for any damage, loss, etc. ??

[gillento]

+1 on a sticky!!!

Originally Posted by David Santos

Basses in Europe are much more expensive than in the states. Usually, even after montruos taxes and shipping values, it compensates to buy from the US. Even more now that the dollar is loosing its value compared to the Euro.

I guess that if you guys could find the best method to ship overseas comparing everybodys experience you all could be selling your basses much easier. It is regularly seen on TB international buyers trying to jump on good deals but, because of the trouble, I guess, lots of sellers prefer to keep their basses inside US. A sticky with the different possibilities and shipping costs, would make everybody's life much easier. I have troubled lots of talkbassers asking: "How much to ship it to Portugal insured?". If the best way to do it was already available in a sticky with the shipping values people wouldn't loose their time checking on USPS, UPS, FEDEX, etc. I guess that there won't be much difference between sending a bass to Lisbon-PORTUGAL, Madrid-SPAIN or Paris-France... Hey, and I'm talking Europe here but the same goes to Asia, Africa, South America or Australia.

Even if this doesn't "stick" this could be an interesting thread to check whenever needed.

Adding everyone's experience we could get to somewhere. Come on every one, start sharing!

lBest regards to you all.

David Santos

[Kubs]

[quote=FL Knifemaker;5767492]

Originally Posted by Kubs

USPS Express Mail International is best way, and insurance is not necessary....you know refund from USPS will be hard fight...QUOTE]

So you would be 100% responsible for any damage, loss, etc. ??

yes, I know it sounds crazy but when I buying bass(preamp, effect, guitar....) I take all responsibilities...its my own risk, you know its "price" for much more lower price than on our national market...
I' ve sent to USA about 7000USD for random items(basses,guitars, effect, heads, preamps) last 2 years and only one thing has lost and it was one pack of strings(and got refund from seller )

So maybe Iam lucky, maybe it is standard....

You know most of overseas buyers buying form USA because of price(for example Fenders+shipping are still much more cheaper..not talking about musicmans-they are insanly expensive here in EU...)-and when we use DHL, FEDEX etc. they raise price to unacceptable value.
So we have to use USPS....and its again at begining - we want lower price so we have to manage with USPS and risk-but as I said I never have problem(ok one but insignificant) with USPS....

I know you think I am crazy but its my experience and I cant do nothing with it, i dont say USPS is perfect service but for me suit well

[FL Knifemaker]

[quote=Kubs;5767557]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

yes, I know it sounds crazy but when I buying bass(preamp, effect, guitar....) I take all responsibilities...its my own risk, you know its "price" for much more lower price than on our national market...
I' ve sent to USA about 7000USD for random items(basses,guitars, effect, heads, preamps) last 2 years and only one thing has lost and it was one pack of strings(and got refund from seller )

So maybe Iam lucky, maybe it is standard....

You know most of overseas buyers buying form USA because of price(for example Fenders+shipping are still much more cheaper..not talking about musicmans-they are insanly expensive here in EU...)-and when we use DHL, FEDEX etc. they raise price to unacceptable value.
So we have to use USPS....and its again at begining - we want lower price so we have to manage with USPS and risk-but as I said I never have problem(ok one but insignificant) with USPS....

I know you think I am crazy but its my experience and I cant do nothing with it, i dont say USPS is perfect service but for me suit well

I understand your situation. One problem you must realize is not every post office here in the US is familiar with international shipping. If I HAD to use USPS, I would have to go the the office in town to find someone that knows what they are doing The office near my home is staffed with a bunch of halfwits.

[fenderhutz]

I agree Knifemaker, my local post office doesn't even have running water and a outhouse. I can provide pics if needed.

You can guess the level of service I get if I have a special needs package

[Kubs]

[quote=FL Knifemaker;5767615]

Originally Posted by Kubs

I understand your situation. One problem you must realize is not every post office here in the US is familiar with international shipping. If I HAD to use USPS, I would have to go the the office in town to find someone that knows what they are doing The office near my home is staffed with a bunch of halfwits.

and I understand your situation...what I heard USPS's employees sometimes try customer patience, and its more comfortable pay better service from DHL etc. which pickup package at yours doors, no messing with possible package loss etc....and also understand why many of sellers for such reasons dont want to ship outside USA...

[MoonDoggy]

Originally Posted by tradernick

I believe you about using only Fed-Ex if you want to deal with competent people.

To the OP, I wanted you to know that I recently dealt with USPS on a shipment to Canada. At first they told me the same thing that they told you - international shipments have a limit of $650 for insurance. However, I had to call them back to ask one more question and the next guy I got told me that this is not true. There exists with USPS another way to ship which carries a $2000 insurance limit for international shipments.

What I found is that the USPS phone staff are barely able to do their job. You have to keep calling back a few times until you get the right person.

Anyhow, I just thought I'd mention it. Sorry I can't recall the exact name of the service they mentioned but it does exist.

So what exactly is this USPS shipping method that allows you to insure for up to $2000 called? The $650 insurance limit is posted on their website and my local post office told me the same thing.

I've found that FedEx is cheapest for larger domestic packages, but USPS is best for International. I've shipped 100s of items via USPS and never had a problem. I don't ship UPS because of their prices, but I've received 100s of packages and never had a problem.

I have no preference with any of the shipping companies as far as how they handle packages. I'm just looking for the best price.

Keep the replies coming. The more experiences posted, the more it may help me and others.

Thanks TB.

Dan

[Kubs]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

I agree Knifemaker, my local post office doesn't even have running water and a outhouse. I can provide pics if needed.

You can guess the level of service I get if I have a special needs package

yes, same all over the world....

[Dr Funk]

I have shipped 3 basses out of the country in the last month or less. One to Croatia and it went USPS insured for $1000.

On the notion of shipping in 2 separate boxes, it's not the wise choice for loss protection. If one gets lost the other is worthless and your still out. Twice the chance or loss or damage.

[Kubs]

Originally Posted by MoonDoggy

So what exactly is this USPS shipping method that allows you to insure for up to $2000 called? The $650 insurance limit is posted on their website and my local post office told me the same thing.

and then I say dont bother about it, at least buyer spare on taxes...

[Kubs]

Originally Posted by Dr Funk

I have shipped 3 basses out of the country in the last month or less. One to Croatia and it went USPS insured for $1000.

On the notion of shipping in 2 separate boxes, it's not the wise choice for loss protection. If one gets lost the other is worthless and your still out. Twice the chance or loss or damage.

only one advice, use Express mail, it is trackable so at least you have control about where package is and it has guaranted 5 day delivery....i think more faster delivery is more safer it is....