Cheapest way to ship to Europe

CelinderMotoMan · #1 06-28-2007, 08:55 AM

What is the cheapest way to ship a bass to Europe? Is there a way to escape duty fees if it is a gift? Any help is appreciated.

Barkless Dog · #2 06-28-2007, 09:42 AM

Yeah, you can claim up to certain amount as a gift, but the object still has a value that is taxable to someone. Also I think if it is of value you would want to insure it, but them that would taint your claimed value.

It's better just to ship & claim it legaly, than playing games.

USPS used to be the lowest cost to ship to Europe, but the changed their box sizes. The best/least expensive way is to unbolt the neck when you ship a bass if you can.

pickles · #3 06-28-2007, 10:41 AM

Fedex and UPS cost about the same ... roughly $300.

DeliriumTremens · #4 06-28-2007, 10:45 AM

$300??? no way

AmazingGracePlayer · #5 06-28-2007, 10:59 AM

morf · #6 06-28-2007, 12:01 PM

USPS Global Air Parcel - around 150USD - you can skip the taxes by not declaring any value, or declaring a very low value so that the taxes arent much, but you lose out on insurance.

lefty007 · #7 06-28-2007, 12:10 PM

+1 on Fedex being aroubd $300 for shipping a bass with a full zise case. USPS has different size limitation depending on the country. If they accept is, it usually is around $130.

A few examples I've done lately:

-Ship a Sterling with original case to London: $130 via USPS.

-Same via Fedex: $300.

-Shipped a Fender Jazz to Germany with no case (smaller cardboard box): $90.

-Shipped a bass in two pieces (unbolted neck, no case) to Spain: $80. . .

Go to the USPS Web site and check the size limitation by country.

You could also try a local freight forwarder, if you live nearby a major airport. Those will charge a bit more than the USPS, but much less than Fedex.

mikoespanol · #8 06-28-2007, 01:29 PM

USPS is the cheapest and the way to go although it can take a number of days depending on the country. Italy usually takes the longest based on my experience.

DHL is cheaper than Fedex and UPS and they are fast. It cost me $240 to ship to Italy and other countries and the bass arrived in 2-3 days.

To duty fees, do not declare it as a gift. You need to indicate in the customs form that the bass is: "Used bass guitar for personal use only and not for commercial resale." It's up to you and the buyer on what to put for the declared value. 300-500 USD would be good enough.