For sale INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING QUESTION....HELP!!!!

fenderhutz · May 24, 2008

Nope. Refund.

And wrong forum.

jasper383 · May 24, 2008

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 · May 24, 2008

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 · May 24, 2008

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 · May 24, 2008

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 · May 24, 2008

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 · May 24, 2008

FL Knifemaker said:
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 · May 24, 2008

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 · May 24, 2008

Kubs said:
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 · May 24, 2008

+1 on a sticky!!!

David Santos said:
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 · May 24, 2008

FL Knifemaker said:
Kubs said:

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. ??

Click to expand...

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 · May 24, 2008

Kubs said:
FL Knifemaker said:

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

Click to expand...

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 · May 24, 2008

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 :hmm:

Kubs · May 24, 2008

FL Knifemaker said:
Kubs said:

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.

Click to expand...

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 · May 24, 2008

tradernick said:
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 · May 24, 2008

fenderhutz said:
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 · May 24, 2008

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. :rollno:

If one gets lost the other is worthless and your still out. Twice the chance or loss or damage. :eyebrow:

Kubs · May 24, 2008

MoonDoggy said:
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 · May 24, 2008

Dr Funk said:
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....

MoonDoggy · May 24, 2008

I would feel ok shipping it for the $650 and feel safe that it would get there, but it's not my choice. The buyer does not want to risk it and I want to honor his wishes.

Also, I refuse to fudge the customs information or claim it as a 'gift'.

I'll let you all know what becomes of this particular shipment since it's giving me so much trouble.

Kubs said:
and then I say dont bother about it, at least buyer spare on taxes...(many times I talk with seller about declared price, and most of I let sellet write down price about 50 USD because of customs taxes...its not absolutely legal, but I am student so each dollar i count so I dont give you any ideas to doing it but say it could be positive for buyer

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