Ever shipped an item to U.K. or E.U.?

[14tokihorn]

Trying to strategize an EBay auction.

I know that there's probably a lucrative bunch of bidders 'across the pond', esp. in the U.K.

How difficult is shipping, using FedEx or UPS? Have you ever had experience with any additional (shipper) forms?

All details appreciated.

Thanks

 

[texaszete]

I've recently sold a bunch of stuff overseas to people in the UK and EU. UPS and Fedex charge ridiculous prices overseas so I never used that option.

You may want to consider USPS. If it's under 4lbs, then you can mail it 1st class (which is just as fast as priority mail) and it'll only cost you about $15 or so.

If it's heavier, get ready to pay ridiculous fees for priority mail overseas. Just make the overseas buyers pay a premium in the shipping fee if they win, I usually charged $30 or so for an item under 4 lbs., double check the USPS site for rates though. There's also no tracking for shipments overseas, just something to keep in mind. I've made about 10 or so shipments overseas with USPS and everything's made it there too, though they get held up at customs for a few weeks sometimes.

 

[valencia]

When ever I mail anything I always check USPS rates. Many times they are cheaper inspire of UPS commercials. UPS has raised its rates many times since commericials last ran.

 

[14tokihorn]

Did you fill out customs paperwork, for U.K, or is that even required?

I'm up to speed on the costs and the different shippers, it's the paperwork that I am asking about.

 

[texaszete]

The customs paperwork depends on the weight. If it's under 4lbs and you send it First Class Mail, you fill out a really small form with your address, the shipping address, contents, value, sign and date. It should take no longer than 30 seconds if you have all your info right there.

If it's over 4 lbs, then you have to fill out this bigger form with the same information, but it asks a few more things like what to do if it can't be delivered and there are several carbon copies that get made so it just takes longer, maybe about a minute to fill out.

I'm willing to bet that Fedex and UPS both require the longer form that USPS uses regardless since it's about the same size as one of their domestic forms.

 

[14tokihorn]

Good Info, Thanks 'texaszete'.

One last thing, what is a rough price range for shipping, to, say GB, for items < 1 lb?

(actually, the carton will probably weigh close to the contents, so lets say, 1.5 lb)?

 

[texaszete]

If you can fit it into one of those large padded or priority mail flat rate envelopes, about $15-$20. I would charge $25 to be on the safe side and to build in a premium I would say.

 

[Dusty]

Be sure your UK buyer knows he/she is responsible for the custom’s fee.

 

[valencia]

To figure out the charges go toThe Link
it will even tell you what customs form you need.