[meteorite-list] International shipping isssues

From: Adam Hupe <raremeteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri Mar 31 16:25:13 2006
Message-ID: <02ef01c654e8$d5c8f2a0$6401a8c0_at_c1720188a>

Dear List Members,

Thank you for all of the responses in regards to international shipping. This seems to be an uncomfortable subject for many as they responded off-list. After analyzing the input of several List members, checking my own notes and doing some searching online, I have come to the following conclusions:

The delay problem is not with the German postal system but lies with German customs.

When shipping to Germany, about 1 in 22 packages will be delayed for more than six weeks. I got this number through feedback over the years and this ratio reflects my personal experience. There may be more delays than this because many may go unreported.

Envelopes stand a better chance of not being delayed. I always use a crush-proof box regardless of what is being shipped and this may trigger a delay in some cases. On the positive side, I have never received any reports of broken items.

There are times in the year when the problem is worse like around Christmas for obvious reasons but there are other times that seem unpredictable at this point.

A solution would be to use a very expensive service like USPS Global Priority, Fed Ex or UPS. In most cases, these options would not be cost effective.

Other companies refuse to ship to Germany as can be seen in the link below. I don't consider this an option at this time but if a few more claims for a PayPal refunds come in after only a few weeks of delay I will be forced to reconsider. This is costly and frankly, it takes the fun out it. Mike Farmer posted to the List some time back that he was out several thousand dollars because of a similar experience with a shipment to Germany.

http://forums.monstersmallbusiness.com/lofiversion/index.php/t12981.html

I am happy to ship to Germany as there are a great number of collectors represented in this country, many of who I consider important contacts and friends. All I am asking is to be patient when receiving a package because it could take a considerable amount of time. If the possibility of a delay will not work for you, please make other shipping arrangements. So in closing, I will put the following disclaimer in my auctions:

A US Priority Mail fee of $4.05 will added to the final auction price. An international shipping USPS Airmail fee of $5.50 which includes a new sturdy shipping box will be charged in addition to final bid price for those overseas. We combine shipping on multiple orders. Please wait until the end of the auction session and we will promptly send an invoice including combined shipping. We ship the vast majority of items within one business day of payment.

A special note to our friends in Germany: It has been our experience that about 1 in 22 packages are delayed for some unknown reason. Packages usually arrive within a week or two but in some circumstances may take from six to eight weeks when using USPS Airmail even though they are shipped within 24 hours of payment.

Kind Regards,

Adam



 
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Received on Fri 31 Mar 2006 12:26:46 PM PST