Shipping Overseas

J

jfive

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Feb 12, 2006
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Hey folks,

I'm not sure if this is the right subforum for my concern...but I hope it is ;).
So I could use an advice on shipping knives from the USA to Germany (which is probably no different to shipping knives from the US to France, Italy, Austria, and so on).
I think of one to two medium fixed blades like an RC4 or a Bark River Bravo for example. Which contractor would be the best choice? USPS? And which shipping option is best? I don't care if it takes 3 days or 3 weeks as long as it arrives finally. So reliability and price is what I care for. I hope you guys have a nice idea in store ;). I already checked the USPS website by the way :D

Cheers,
J5
 
I prefer flate rate usps shipping.
It's quick and cheap.
For about 13-14 dollars.

I have had more expensive types of shipping that cost twice the price and took a lot of time. And because of this more expensive shipping customs did also charge me tax. At least 17 euro but dependable of the worth on the package.

So i always take the risk to send it with no tracking and not ensured because most of the time tracking does not even work so why pay extra.

I have had fast shipment by flat rate usps in about 4 days.
The more expensive shipment did take over 4 weeks:confused:.(and cost a lot of extra money).
 
I am overseas and respect the decision of those who will not ship overseas and there are countries that I would not ship to too. The hassle is just not worth it with those countries, India being an example from experience.
Any sale must be safe for both parties, hence I like PayPal as it protects both parties; for shipping I find USPS Priority International the best all-round. There are faster USPS options depending upon size and weight so you will need to agree this with the buyer. Insist for some kind of signed-for option so that you are both protected.
For items with more weight, FedEx is best. When I order from Knife Kits, they ship FedEx and it takes only 4 days and of course signed for. KnifeWorks insists on an order that is at least US$100, but signed for USPS shipping is US$33.59, covers 4 knives and takes 4 days.
Hope this helps
BP
 
Shipping from the USA to Germany, it's a matter of balancing cost vs. security.

USPS is a good, reliable alternative and the package will be delivered by the German Post / DHL in Germany. Be sure and include a bill of sale with a CLEAR description of the contents. The majority of packages will be opened by German Customs and the buyer will have to pay 19% sales tax and duty on the value of the goods and the shipping. The days of packages sailing through uncheckes are pretty much over. Prohibited items will be seized and depending on how "prohibited" the buyer may be prosecuted. Generally, I think the US Postal Service is the best alternative for shipments with a value under $1000.

UPS is more expensive and usually very reliable. The will also charge the buyer a premium for "processing" the shipment through German Custom IN ADDITION to the shipping and fess already collected from the seller! This is why I always request sellers NOT use UPS.

FedEx is also fast and reliable and REALLY expensive. I'm not sure if they also have a little added fee for the buyer upon receipt.

I generally use DB Schenker Air Freight for anything of real value or weight. That way I can specify airport pickup.
 
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