WTB: US shipping - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2014, 11:12:46 am
content: I am interested in a single item for sale on Ebay US, but the shipping is a killer. Ebay global shipping comes to about $180 with import taxes (estimated!) and the vendor says he will ship for about $210. Both prices are far too high.I have read about the shipping companies that will accumulate stuff for you and ship en bloc. However, I don't have an account with any and probably won't require their services again any time soon. Is there an idiot's guide to doing a one-off cheap shipment via these services? Can anyone recommend a particular one?

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2014, 11:58:36 am
content: Which country are you in?

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2014, 12:05:16 pm
content: http://www.shipito.com/shop-pricingis rather popular here.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2014, 12:12:15 pm
content: Entirely depends on which country you're in.Here in NZ we have "YouShop" a service offered by our main postal company (NZpost) they have a US, UK and China postal address and will redirect packages from there to NZ for a very reasonable fee.Signing up only takes a few minutes.You might have something similar in your country, just have to find it.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2014, 12:47:44 pm
content: QuoteAh, sorry for flying under the radarI am in the UK.QuoteLooks interesting, thanks. My virtual sample package (10kg, 30x30x30cm, $100) comes in at $88, less than half the originals!QuoteYes, well, it's that finding it bit that I am attempting on here

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 04:53:32 am
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on December 24, 2014, 11:12:46 amSounds like the vendor is quoting you UPS or FedEx. The cheapest US -> UK shipping method is to find a forum member who will transship via USPS. You can check the relevant rates at usps.com

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 07:08:57 am
content: I've received packages for EEVBlog members before and re-shipped them to foreign destinations. I ship internationally daily with USPS.. so if you need somewhere to ship it to here who will re-send it to you, I'm happy to help.Whatever you decide, take a look atwww.usps.comfor shipping quotes. First Class is cheapest, but often doesn't have tracking and takes 2-3 weeks. Priority Mail is more expensive but has tracking and can be insured, about 1-2 weeks. Express Mail is fastest, about 3-5 days and has full tracking door-to-door, but is the most expensive.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 12:16:53 pm
content: QuoteYes, he said as much, and also that they won't ship USPS. No problem at all with me providing my own courier (obviously, the insurance and everything would then be my problem) and they will even ship to a local drop box for free.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 12:18:36 pm
content: QuoteThat's a very generous offer, thank you

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 06:44:21 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on December 28, 2014, 12:16:53 pmAnother option is that you should be able to print a tag online atwww.usps.com, and email it to him as a PDF file. Then all he needs to do is stick it on the box and leave it for his normal mail carrier.Just a way to possibly get it shipped USPS without him having to deal with it.

author: cosmicray
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 07:08:17 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on December 24, 2014, 11:12:46 amUS eBay prices (and pretty any other venue) are before sales tax is applied. Our sales tax is (more or less) your VAT. Unless you find a US person willing to mis-report the facts, any customs form (correctly marked) is going to get you a largish bill from HMCR. The difference here is that eBay GSP may be collecting and pre-paying the VAT, so that you do not have to upon delivery.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 08:06:37 pm
content: QuoteAh! That looks quite doable (from 3000 miles away). I am dithering still (it is overpriced tat, but when you want it...) but if I succumb I'll see if he will try that. Thanks

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 08:08:30 pm
content: QuoteI can usually reclaim VAT from HMRC, so that part isn't a problem. Duty is a pain, but on $100 value it shouldn't be much. Hmmm... don't they include shipping cost now in that calculation? That could triple the costs