Shipping out of USA

B . Buxton

B . Buxton

Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
3,623
I have a piece that going to Switzerland and I'd like to ask makers and collectors both their opinions on how to send it so it would be sure and get there safely.

Thank you,

Bill
 
Bill, After sending one to Italy a few months ago I would suggest sending it in a larger package than what you would use in the US. I was really relieved to hear it made it. I used a section of the heavy cardboard tubing thats used in rolls of carpet. There just wasn't enough surface to accept all the custom papers that had to go along with it.
 
Bill,
I would send it fedex or DHL, I think that you can track both internationally but I would check first.

Do not use the USPS.

Regards,
Chuck
 
I have sent knives from Brazil to Switzerland many times. Their customs is a pain in the ass. Be sure to triple check with your costumer how to fill in the customs papers, follow his instructions closely, or they may keep the knife or overprice the import taxes.

Jeff Velasco
 
Chuck Gedraitis Knives said:
Bill,
I would send it fedex or DHL, I think that you can track both internationally but I would check first.

Do not use the USPS.

Regards,
Chuck
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As an overseas frequent buyer, the best service I had is from USPS Express Mail international. I don't know exact figures for Switzerland, but for France packages make it in 3-5 days, and are fully trackable all the way. All that for $30.50
As I'm not at home during weekdays, UPS and FedEx are a pain to get the package delivered (they don't deliver on saturday and can't leave it at the local post office). They are very fast from USA to France but take 3-5 days more once they land, unless you are at home for the first delivery.
 
I agree with this:

I have sent knives from Brazil to Switzerland many times. Their customs is a pain in the ass. Be sure to triple check with your costumer how to fill in the customs papers, follow his instructions closely, or they may keep the knife or overprice the import taxes.

Jeff Velasco
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According to the Customs prohibited items section on the USPS website Switzerland prohibits the importation of "arms and weapons". The Customs Inspectors would probably decide on what items they consider arms or weapons.
 
Bill, be sure to declare it as a "Forging Sample".
Whether across the state, or out of the country, ALL of my knives ship in a wooden box. I rip 1X10s in three strips and a sheet of 1/4" luan lasts a looooooooooooooong time!
All of my knives go in a zippered pouch as well.
I've shipped maybe a dozen knives to England alone and they all arive safely and intact.
I never worry about the condition of one of my knives.
IwanGeldart-1.jpg

Cottle.jpg
 
i don't know the best way to ship but as for packing i have recieved knives form makers inside pvc pipe with foam in the middle....it was beyond sturdy.....ryan
 
Bill,

I ship all my overseas packages; USPS Express Mail, with no problems and fast dlivery.

Like said, don't put 'knife' on the form, put forging sample, machining sample etc.

I have also shipped a bunch of W2 overseas, using USPS Priority, with no probs either.
 
I have sent many items to France and to Canada (about 40ish .. so far nothing missing - knock on the wood). The best way is USPS int'l express mail and I think the best way is stated as repaired item ... along with invoice stated as a repaired item and put low value ($60-$100) unless you gonna insured it (BUT there is max insurance .. depend on the dest. country... Like France.. max .. (if I am not mistaken) was $600)
 
I recommend USPS Express Mail and declaring it as "Collectors Cutlery".
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PLEASE DON´T DO THAT UNLESS THE COSTUMER SAYS SO!

Collectibles have, in general, high value, and the import taxes will go UP. Your costumer probably bought knives from the USA before, so he/she will know the best way to declare the goods.
 
I agree USPS Express Mail (EMS) is a good choice. I've had many packages incoming and outgoing to the US using this type of service as well as overseas. I've never had a problem.
 
Whenever I have opportunity to ship a knife I have used terms such as 'Utility knife' 'Camping tool' 'Display knife' etc. Generally we keep the value down, as Customs agents think a $400 knife is expensive.

YMMV

Coop
 
Thanks everyone for all the great advice, I really appreciate the fast responses also.

Best Regards,

Bill
 
I shipped one to Australia once using the USPS, it took 3 weeks. Label it a camping tool, per customer. Find out what the customer want's and keep in touch till it arrives.
 
Bill,

Let your customer decide how it should be shipped / described. He will know better than you what will work best at his end. Also make it clear that you cannot be responsible for duties / taxes or any other fees levied by Customs at his end. Most seasoned collectors will take this as a given, but if he's a new customer to you, better to be clear.

For me, USPS Global Express or International Priority are by far prefereable to any courier service. Half the price and I get a note on my door letting me know that the package is sitting at my local post office, 5 minutes away. To pick up an undelivered package from FedEx, I am looking at a 1 hour round trip. I routinely have the items declared as "cutlery". A significant percentage are opened (30% or so) but the only seizure issue I have ever had to deal with was on piece with a very white mammoth ivory handle that they mistook for elephant ivory.

Good luck.

Roger
 
SharpByCoop said:
Whenever I have opportunity to ship a knife I have used terms such as 'Utility knife' 'Camping tool' 'Display knife' etc. Generally we keep the value down, as Customs agents think a $400 knife is expensive.

YMMV

Coop
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I wouldn't use the "knife" word. As a collector, I always ask the maker to mention "camp tool", and no actual value. I never had any trouble.
 
Pretty much sums it up for me...

RogerP said:
Bill,

Let your customer decide how it should be shipped / described. He will know better than you what will work best at his end. Also make it clear that you cannot be responsible for duties / taxes or any other fees levied by Customs at his end. Most seasoned collectors will take this as a given, but if he's a new customer to you, better to be clear.

For me, USPS Global Express or International Priority are by far prefereable to any courier service. Half the price and I get a note on my door letting me know that the package is sitting at my local post office, 5 minutes away. To pick up an undelivered package from FedEx, I am looking at a 1 hour round trip. I routinely have the items declared as "cutlery". A significant percentage are opened (30% or so) but the only seizure issue I have ever had to deal with was on piece with a very white mammoth ivory handle that they mistook for elephant ivory.

Good luck.

Roger
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Patrick M. said:
I wouldn't use the "knife" word. As a collector, I always ask the maker to mention "camp tool", and no actual value. I never had any trouble.
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Funny, I do quite the opposite and it works too :)
For all my folders incoming from the USA I ask them to be marked as "pocket knife" (which they are). For the fixed blades "knife" or "camp knife" if it's big. In some cases the sender wanted to mark it as camping tool so the postal clerk on his side doesn't freak out, I agreed and it worked fine.
The only items that are slightly more difficult to get are autos. It's perfectly legal to import and own them over here but if I got it right they can't be shipped across state lines in the USA and shipping outside the country means crossing state lines.
 
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