Shipping advice for overseas.

jmbstudios · #1 07-21-2011, 08:34 AM

I have a Mesa 400+ for sale and a guy in Italy wants to buy it. So he asks me how much it would cost to ship it.

I have never shipped anything over seas and when I went to calculate the cost on FedEx and USPS I was floored.

So I figure I must be doing something wrong....

Has anyone shipped heavy bass heads over seas??

Any tips?

Thanks!

lomo · #2 07-21-2011, 08:43 AM

Cost of overseas shipping is very high, and you'll need mega padding for that beast. I suspect you were not doing anything wrong. Also beware, as delivery confirmation, etc, can be sketchy overseas. I have shipped to Argentina, Aus and Holland, but ONLY if paid on advance by money order and with the specific understanding that I bear zero responsibility after the package leaves. If the buyer uses Paypal and claims they never got it, unless you have signature proof they did, Paypal will issue them a refund. I'd also take pics in box to prove how it was packed.

jmbstudios · #3 07-21-2011, 08:55 AM

That is very good advice.
I would not do paypal on this. I have heard bad stories of overseas shipping and paypal..

The estimates I was looking at were in upwards of $300-$500.. That seems pretty outrageous.

beans-on-toast · #4 07-21-2011, 09:25 AM

I've shipped cabs and amps overseas. It can be very easy or very time consuming, depending on who you deal. To get started, you will need to determine the approximate shipping weight and dimensions, and the closest airport and/or your postal code and the destination airport and/or postal code. With this you can get an estimate.

Companies like FedEx have freight divisions that are less expensive than their standard services. This could be your easiest option.

Airlines offer freight services as well and the rates can be very good. With this option, you would need to go through what is called a freight forwarder company. They will do all the paperwork and even pick up the item and arrange for packaging. Look up "freight forwarder" in your area. It would be easiest if you selected an airline that has service into the destination airport.

It would be easier for you, and less liability on your end, to have the buyer arrange for the shipping pay for it. With companies like FedEx, the buyer can get an account that is charged to their credit card. They provide you with an account number, the type of shipping, and you have no worries. The local office can complete all the shipping and customs paperwork if you take it in to a drop-off center.

The item is going to require packing that will meet the insurance standards. Some companies will do this for you and it is easier if there is an insurance claim. It isn't necessary though.

You are going to have to sign a customs declaration stating what the item is (used musical instrument amplifier) and the value. You should include a copy of a bill of sale with the customs documents.

On the buyer's end, they will have to arrange for a customs broker so that they can import the item. The courier can serve as a customs broker if it is indicated on the paperwork when you take in the item. Some companies, depending on the value, require that the buyer sign a power of attorney for them to handle the importation. This isn't a big deal but it is extra paperwork that they should enquire about at their end. If it is done in advance, the shipment won't be held up once it arrives.

beans-on-toast · #5 07-21-2011, 09:32 AM

One extra point, some services include brokerage charges. Some don't and you have to pay extra for them to do the paperwork (often $50 and up). I've found it most cost effective to pay more for a service that includes brokerage charges.

I once went with 2nd day air which included brokerage charges and it was cheaper than freight + brokerage + several days extra in shipping time.

IncX · #6 07-21-2011, 09:35 AM

yep, i have had an ampeg svt 4 head shipped to me for $400 ... and it arrived dent on the sides. the ebay seller never responded to my inquiries and insurance claim requests. i was still nice enough to leave him a neutral feedback lol

as for basses, i usually pay $200 + taxes (sometimes they are good, but most of the time, you pay something that could get you another boutique pedal).

i used to save on shipping by letting the shipper separate the neck from the body (just my luck that pretty soon, i was into NT basses)

-*-

i was lucky to find a 3rd party shipper there in the US. so which explains, why i am shopping in the classifieds again

if you are shipping to some guy in the Philippines, i could give you the web address of the service (shipping is a lot cheaper).

-*-

tip:

before you ship, take pictures of your item or video the whole process from the shipping to you getting the package on FedEx and signing the shipping documents. in this way, there is no way for the d-bag to file a claim over paypal and win (i do this).

also ask for stuff like a scanned copy of a legal ID - only applicable if you are the buyer and you do not know how to look for the seller in case he disappears.

jmbstudios · #7 07-21-2011, 09:51 AM

Well if I do decide to ship overseas I will not be using paypal.

I have heard to many bad strories of folks getting screwed by paypal. So if someone wants to buy it and have it shipped abroad it will be on my terms. I don't want to lose money and the head.

lomo · #8 07-21-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmbstudios

Well if I do decide to ship overseas I will not be using paypal.

I have heard to many bad strories of folks getting screwed by paypal. So if someone wants to buy it and have it shipped abroad it will be on my terms. I don't want to lose money and the head.

That's how I roll. I see no reason for me to assume the risk in a case like this, and IME buyers have understood, esp if you have good feedback.