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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: Ramage on Wed, 23 December 2015, 19:19:29

Title: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: Ramage on Wed, 23 December 2015, 19:19:29
I wanted to ship a keyboard case to the UK from California, US. Fedex and UPS say it's about $100 which seems outrageous to me.  Is there a better way? What service do you guys use to ship things internationally?
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 23 December 2015, 19:21:15
USPS

How much did it weigh?
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: Ramage on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:22:12
It'll weight about 1.5 lbs
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:30:21
Are you wanting to insure it?
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:31:03
I don't recommend First Class International, but it is the cheapest method, via USPS. I would go priority. Under 4 lbs is probably cheaper to use your own box. Over 4 lbs, and find a flat rate priority box to ship it in. Prices are Sm/Md/Lg $26/$60/$80.

Int'l shipping isn't cheap any more, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:39:30
Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:31:03
I don't recommend First Class International, but it is the cheapest method, via USPS. I would go priority. Under 4 lbs is probably cheaper to use your own box. Over 4 lbs, and find a flat rate priority box to ship it in. Prices are Sm/Md/Lg $26/$60/$80.

Int'l shipping isn't cheap any more, I'm afraid.

I just had an international first class package get from me to delivered in the UK in ~3 days :eek:

But yeah international priority USPS using your own box is what I'd go with.

I sent ~8lbs to Australia priority international insured for ~$80, it's still on the way.
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:40:43
Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:31:03
I don't recommend First Class International, but it is the cheapest method, via USPS. I would go priority. Under 4 lbs is probably cheaper to use your own box. Over 4 lbs, and find a flat rate priority box to ship it in. Prices are Sm/Md/Lg $26/$60/$80.

Int'l shipping isn't cheap any more, I'm afraid.

Last time I shipped something heavy international (over 11 pounds) I was informed that flat rate boxes have a weight limit for international, I think the cut off was 4 pounds.  For mine, the cheapest shipping was just wrap it in bubble wrap and slap a shipping label on it.  Was a plate of steel.
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:42:12
Max. weight for Int'l Priority flat rate is 20 lbs.
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:47:53
Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:42:12
Max. weight for Int'l Priority flat rate is 20 lbs.

It was a while ago, and could have been partly the dimensions as well. I was shipping a piece of steel 9"x19"x1/4" to Noko.
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: 1swt2gs on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:49:29
Last I tried to ship a single keycap in bubble wrapper TRACKED USPS wanted ~45 dollars...

(https://darcynorman.net/images/gifs/KillMe.gif)

Edit: US -> UK
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 23 December 2015, 21:23:06
Quote from: 1swt2gs on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:49:29
Last I tried to ship a single keycap in bubble wrapper TRACKED USPS wanted ~45 dollars...

Show Image
(https://darcynorman.net/images/gifs/KillMe.gif)


Edit: US -> UK
You're doing it wrong. That shouldn't cost but a little over $6.
Title: Re: Cheap international shipping? How do you do it?
Post by: Ramage on Wed, 23 December 2015, 21:55:36
Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 23 December 2015, 20:31:03
I don't recommend First Class International, but it is the cheapest method, via USPS. I would go priority. Under 4 lbs is probably cheaper to use your own box. Over 4 lbs, and find a flat rate priority box to ship it in. Prices are Sm/Md/Lg $26/$60/$80.

Int'l shipping isn't cheap any more, I'm afraid.

Good information, thanks. I'll definitely be going that route, I might be able to fit it inside of a flat rate envelope which would only be $26. I don't think I'll insure it.