Help with shipping to another country.

[Pin Pal]

I am about to finalize a trade with someone from Scotland. I have never shipped anything outside of the US. How do I go about doing this as cheaply and reliably as possible? I also want to make sure I have some kind tracking number as well. Thanks in advance!

 

[starry_solo]

Unless you pay extra for tracking (and it's a lot extra, like $10-15), the only type of "tracking" you will get is with the customs label that you need to attach to your package. You can "track" it while the package is in the US, but once it leaves the US, no more tracking. Even the darn insurance you can purchase doesn't let you track it.

 

[Pin Pal]

Oh, that's a shame... Do things normally get delivered without issue, or are lost pins a common problem? Also, do I just go throught the post office? How much does it normally cost?

 

[starry_solo]

Oh, that's a shame... Do things normally get delivered without issue, or are lost pins a common problem? Also, do I just go throught the post office? How much does it normally cost?

You can go to the USPS for a quote here:
http://www.usps.com

But I seem to recall that a one ounce package to the UK (England) costs $3! You need to fill out the customs form for packages (I think it's #22 or something like that, but it is a triplicate form so be sure to write hard so your copy [the bottom one] is legible). So far, I have had all my packages delivered without issue (knock on wood).

 

[Pin Pal]

Thanks for the info, and the quick replies!

 

[Disneyqueenuk]

I have been trading internationally for over 10 years and have never had any issues, good luck with your first trade.

 

[latemetal]

Only country I have had issues with is Italy. That one seems to be a nightmare to ship to. The rest are usually good if you are trading with a good person.

 

[movingthestars]

Just wanted to say that shipping internationally is never as expensive as you think it is going to be, and I have never had anything lost on its way to me!! Happy international trading!