International shipping advice wanted!

[Johnson]

So when shipping domestically, I use USPS Priority w/ Signature Confirmation + Insurance as my go to. However, I tried to ship USPS priority international recently, and while I could get it insured, It wouldn't allow me to track the package (This was to australia). It was also rather expensive at about 50 dollars total (which included $650 worth of insurance). Long story short. Whats the best way to ship overseas that gives me the most protection, reliability, and affordability? Thanks in advance guys!

[bsic]

Hey Pete,

I use USPS express mail international. It gives delivery confirmation, and for shipping a typical pedal sized box insured for 400, it has run me right around 40... Pricey, which is why I charge more for going intl.

Curious to see what others say, I've often wondered the same.

[Johnson]

Thanks Bill!

[High Noon]

USPS with tracking and insurance is what I use (when I have pedals shipped to me in the UK) - pricey but cheaper than FedEx (the duty is a bitch though!!)

[Donner]

yup Postal Priority... and if you have alot of stuff the one price boxes are another option....

[Carlos]

(probably a little off topic) as a person who usually buys from the states and has it shipped down to New Zealand, depending on what it was, but for a pedal worth upwards of $400usdollars etc, i would probably appreciate all the protection possible sometimes, higher price = insurance and faster shipping with tracking (i prefer to have tracking), then so be it. it means its covered no matter whose fault etc.

less stress for both parties, and i don't mind paying extra at all for that............. just my .02c

[Carlos]

I can appreciate what sonictroubador says, and understand. I'm not the most clues up on paypal, but, do you ship before receiving the money? Or if not, can you not withdrawal the money before sending?

In my sales, I have no problem waiting for package to be sent, until the seller is happy he has a firm grasp on the money. Haha

Of course i try and discern if the seller is legit as much as possible so I dont get trampled, and will never try buy if I don't feel comfortable.

In saying all that, I'm not taking a dig. I have been turned down a sale many a times, and unless both parties are comfortable to do the trade, and agree to terms, including the way it is shipped, then I have no problem with a seller respectfully declining to trade. All with no Ill feeling.

[Carlos]

Carlos, in answer to your questions, above...

No, I do not ship before receiving the money, but I do ship the same day I receive it if there is still time to get to the USPS and, if not, the next day, for sure.

Yes, you can withdraw the funds before mailing; they're available as soon as they've hit your account.

You're absolutely correct that both parties in any deal should be comfortable with/in agreement on all aspects of the transaction. That's certainly always my goal.

Good luck. Have fun.

Thanks for answering my questions. Hopefully that info will help Me understand the deals a bit more. I've bought heaps in the past, but mainly from retail etc. So all new to dealing with paypal etc.

[fugot]

I have shipped way to many pedals to count using usps international priority with insurance. the customs # is your tracking # for all practical purposes. I accepted paypal always , they just had to have a paypal verified address. I have never had a problem with pedals, or even guitars. If they were ever lost, i would bust out my tracking/customs paperwork in a heartbeat to show the good folks at paypal that I did my part. I have never had a problem. Not once. I do however bubble wrap the pedal boxes completely inside the shipping boxes.

i also used the usps int. priority for guitars as well, BUT...many countries limit size of shipments and usps priority is limited to 79" in these countries-making express (with a larger size limit of 108") the only way to go. the other thing using int priority is a lot of european countiries limit insurance to $600, so factor that in... I also have sent guitars to singapore using usps int. express mail service. and australia as well. it amazes me that guitars can go 1/2 way around the world in 2 days and arrive safely.

side note--last week i shipped a guitar to mexico using UPS expediated, because the buyer insisted that was the best service----no problems it arrived safely in 3 days, but i have regretted the whole affair.. listen to your instincts when the flags start going up is my other advice....

of course I could just be lucky in all this. hope this helps