Shipping to APO/FPO

[Displaced Buckeye]

I'm not posting this to complain, as I am completely fine with anyone selling to whoever they want on any terms they choose, but I am genuinely curious.

I've missed out on a few knives, and have looked over even more because the seller would not ship to an FPO. I understand there's the customs form that some Post Offices may require, but other than that, I don't think it's any different than shipping anywhere else CONUS. I'm not 100% on that as I usually shipped from the Post Office on base when I sent things to friends, and the rest of the time I've been the recipient. My wife hates shipping things, and she has never complained that it was too much of a pain to do. I'm even willing to pay extra for shipping for the "hassle" of dealing with the customs form, if required.

So, I'm just wondering, why some seem to be hesitant to ship out here? Again, I'm not looking to complain here, I just want to understand it.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

I've had that problem too, but it makes no sense. It doesn't cost any more, in fact flat rate costs less. Insurance costs exactly the same, and it goes to a US zip code. The only downside is it takes longer to get to the destination. Most sellers that I've dealt with have shipped to me over seas, even though their ad said CONUS only. Anyone that wouldn't doesn't get my business even when I'm stateside.

 

[Kevin Wilkins]

I have no problem shipping to an APO address. If the buyer uses PayPal to pay, the ship to address must be in the paypal you have funds email just like for any other customer. Shipments going to USA APO addresses are also exempt from German sales tax the same as any other buyer outside the European Union.

 

[Displaced Buckeye]

I've had that problem too, but it makes no sense. It doesn't cost any more, in fact flat rate costs less. Insurance costs exactly the same, and it goes to a US zip code. The only downside is it takes longer to get to the destination. Most sellers that I've dealt with have shipped to me over seas, even though their ad said CONUS only. Anyone that wouldn't doesn't get my business even when I'm stateside.

I've only had issues with a few members not wanting to ship. The only reason I'm ever given is because of the customs form. Most are more than happy to ship out here, and I do appreciate that, but I don't want other sellers to be under the impression that shipping over here is a big deal. It really isn't much different than shipping somewhere CONUS, as you said. I don't mind the wait, or like I said, even paying a little extra.

You're right though, one member was very off putting and I have his information noted as someone I won't be doing business with in the future.

I have no problem shipping to an APO address. If the buyer uses PayPal to pay, the ship to address must be in the paypal you have funds email just like for any other customer. Shipments going to USA APO addresses are also exempt from German sales tax the same as any other buyer outside the European Union.

Yeah, that was another point. I have my FPO address set up in Paypal so it's sent with all payments I make through them.

Are you the member that makes the nice grips for Griptilians and Delicas? When my Ritter arrives, I may be ordering a set or three from you for those and my Delica.

*edit*
I suppose I could have read your signature, and figured that out on my own.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

I've only had issues with a few members not wanting to ship. The only reason I'm ever given is because of the customs form. Most are more than happy to ship out here, and I do appreciate that, but I don't want other sellers to be under the impression that shipping over here is a big deal. It really isn't much different than shipping somewhere CONUS, as you said. I don't mind the wait, or like I said, even paying a little extra.

You're right though, one member was very off putting and I have his information noted as someone I won't be doing business with in the future.
.....

The last time I was overseas, my APO was confirmed in paypal. Plus, if you buy postage online the customs form takes less than a minute. I can't imagine charging someone to do that, and wouldn't like paying extra for a few mouse clicks and typing a description ("cutting tool"), a weight, and a value.

 

[Kevin Wilkins]

I am indeed _that_ member! Finishing up the first Titanium grips for the Delica today as well as a new run of WilkinsGRIP BMG X2 grips for the large folders.
It takes me a couple of minutes to fill out the customs form and stick on the box. If that was the biggest hurdle in life... ;-)

I have a lot of customers in the military.

Specops just created a smaller version of their Combat Master sheath for my Basic Military Fixed blade. I received the first production run today. As soon as I get the pics done, I will be posting these on my site with the knives. Finally I can offer one of the finest military service sheaths on the market as a perfect fit for my Basic Military!

 

[Displaced Buckeye]

The last time I was overseas, my APO was confirmed in paypal. Plus, if you buy postage online the customs form takes less than a minute. I can't imagine charging someone to do that, and wouldn't like paying extra for a few mouse clicks and typing a description ("cutting tool"), a weight, and a value.

I think some might also be under the impression customs will not let a knife through. I'm not on here buying swords either. We're talking about basic folding knives, and I've had some guys send me knives with a full description of what was in it, down to what type of steel. No issues.

It would probably be better if no one would ship out here. I might not spend so much money. I can't buy new firearms, so knives are what I've been stocking up on out here, so it's nice to be able to come here and some of the sites to get them instead of buying whatever they have at the PX.

I am indeed _that_ member! Finishing up the first Titanium grips for the Delica today as well as a new run of WilkinsGRIP BMG X2 grips for the large folders.
It takes me a couple of minutes to fill out the customs form and stick on the box. If that was the biggest hurdle in life... ;-)

I have a lot of customers in the military.

Specops just created a smaller version of their Combat Master sheath for my Basic Military Fixed blade. I received the first production run today. As soon as I get the pics done, I will be posting these on my site with the knives. Finally I can offer one of the finest military service sheaths on the market as a perfect fit for my Basic Military!

Titanium? I think I might have to get some of those if I'm able to.

 

[Kirkwood]

I have no issue shipping to APO/FPO. But then I also don't have much of an issue shipping overseas as long as the buyer is reputable and pays the additional fees.

Side note: I recently bought Kevin's Ti grips for a Mini Ritter, and they make it amazingly better.

 

[RevDevil]

The only thing I can imagine is sheer laziness combined with ignorance.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

My personal attitude is if someone, anyone, not just for knives, won't ship to APO/FPO, they do not deserve my business under any circumstances. An APO/FPO is technically a CONUS address because the APOs/FPOs are located in CONUS. To my knowledge if the USPS accepts it, the military mail delivers it. Heck, they even shipped a case of picante sauce to me in the Indian Ocean, delivered by COD - Carrier-On Deck-Delivery.

 

[FLymon]

For those of you who know,
An APO/FPO can be a PayPal confirmed address that is eligible for seller protection?
If the item sold is over $250, a signature can be collected on delivery?

It's a deal breaker if I can't meet the PayPal seller protection requirements to the letter, but if there is no more risk than shipping to a standard domestic address I would have no problem with it.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

For those of you who know,
An APO/FPO can be a PayPal confirmed address that is eligible for seller protection?
If the item sold is over $250, a signature can be collected on delivery?

It's a deal breaker if I can't meet the PayPal seller protection requirements to the letter, but if there is no more risk than shipping to a standard domestic address I would have no problem with it.

Yes, I've signed for more than one knife over there.

 

[Displaced Buckeye]

For those of you who know,
An APO/FPO can be a PayPal confirmed address that is eligible for seller protection?
If the item sold is over $250, a signature can be collected on delivery?

It's a deal breaker if I can't meet the PayPal seller protection requirements to the letter, but if there is no more risk than shipping to a standard domestic address I would have no problem with it.

Yes, I've signed for more than one knife over there.

Same here. Our company mail rep gets one of those "Sorry we miss you" slips, then you must physically go into the Post Office on base with government ID to receive the package. When I was still in and lived on much smaller places, it was the same thing, except the mail rep was allowed to take the package, but was required to get a signed slip back before delivering it.

As far as Paypal goes, my address out here is verified with them, so it shouldn't be any different than shipping to another US address. Paypal actually specifies that it's a US address as well.

 

[FLymon]

Yes, I've signed for more than one knife over there.

Same here. Our company mail rep gets one of those "Sorry we miss you" slips, then you must physically go into the Post Office on base with government ID to receive the package. When I was still in and lived on much smaller places, it was the same thing, except the mail rep was allowed to take the package, but was required to get a signed slip back before delivering it.

As far as Paypal goes, my address out here is verified with them, so it shouldn't be any different than shipping to another US address. Paypal actually specifies that it's a US address as well.

Sounds good.
Thanks for the info :thumbup: