International Shipping & Ordering: Stories/Tips/Tricks/Advice

[Wino1]

KLM. 1 checked bag is free (ski bag in my case), second checked bag was $80 online ($100 at airport), third is $300 online. This is for economy international btw.

 

[csano]

What's the status on boxes from the online sites going through LAX recently? Have they been making it through customs?

 

[kscaldef]

What's the status on boxes from the online sites going through LAX recently? Have they been making it through customs?

Mine didn't

 

[csano]

Mine didn't

That's a bummer, man. What did you end up doing?

 

[sunnrider]

KLM. 1 checked bag is free (ski bag in my case), second checked bag was $80 online ($100 at airport), third is $300 online. This is for economy international btw.

Next time you book a flight that you know you´ll be coming back from with a bunch of beer, take a look at the price of business class/1st class seats. They usually include up to 5 bags checked in, which may actually work out cheaper than paying for bags. Also, use your points to get upgrades, if you aren´t going to use them for anything else.

 

[Abitker]

When sending cans overseas do you guys still write "glassware" on the customs form? Not quite sure what protocol is here.

 

[mrk_d]

When sending cans overseas do you guys still write "glassware" on the customs form? Not quite sure what protocol is here.

I sent a 4-pack of Heady Topper to a friend in Copenhagen via USPS, and labeled it as glassware without issue.

 

[RandomStrangerNL]

Just an FIY: when sending a box to The Netherlands, don't declare a high value as the recipient will be taxed for it.
Those taxes have to be payed in cash to the delivery guy, which for me is a real pain since I don't carry cash anymore.
On the top of my head declaring a value below €38 ($40-ish?) limits the chances of the box being flagged for taxing.

 

[flip1]

Just an FIY: when sending a box to The Netherlands, don't declare a high value as the recipient will be taxed for it.
Those taxes have to be payed in cash to the delivery guy, which for me is a real pain since I don't carry cash anymore.
On the top of my head declaring a value below €38 ($40-ish?) limits the chances of the box being flagged for taxing.

This is very important sending to Europe, unfortunately

 

[MDB315]

Hey all,

I'm about to send a box over the pond to the Netherlands. I'm sending 24x 16.9 oz bottles. (GI 15' bottles). A few questions..

Has anyone taped 2 12-bottle shippers together and shipped, will USPS accept a box that size? Details on their website are somewhat vague. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I could possibly get them all in a smaller double-box but I like the security and build of the styrofoam shippers.

I've been told to not declare a value of more than $40, and to declare as "collectible glassware", is this still the standard procedure?

Thanks all,

MD

 

[RandomStrangerNL]

Hey all,

I'm about to send a box over the pond to the Netherlands. I'm sending 24x 16.9 oz bottles. (GI 15' bottles). A few questions..

Has anyone taped 2 12-bottle shippers together and shipped, will USPS accept a box that size? Details on their website are somewhat vague. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I could possibly get them all in a smaller double-box but I like the security and build of the styrofoam shippers.

I've been told to not declare a value of more than $40, and to declare as "collectible glassware", is this still the standard procedure?

Thanks all,

MD

I'd highly advise against taping 2 12-shippers together and sending it as 1 package. Such a package would definately attract attention. I agree on the security of the styro as opposed to a double boxed version.
You could Always send the 2 12-shippers seperately?
The standard procedure you heard sounds about right, I'd even go a little lower on declared value. If customs considers the value to high they will tax the contents.

My suggestion would be to ask your trading partner how he would like you to send the beers so it becomes a Mutual journey.

 

[MDB315]

I'd highly advise against taping 2 12-shippers together and sending it as 1 package. Such a package would definately attract attention. I agree on the security of the styro as opposed to a double boxed version.
You could Always send the 2 12-shippers seperately?
The standard procedure you heard sounds about right, I'd even go a little lower on declared value. If customs considers the value to high they will tax the contents.

My suggestion would be to ask your trading partner how he would like you to send the beers so it becomes a Mutual journey.

Thanks man,

Great advice, I've asked him and he's been super cool about it.

I was thinking, I have the original Uhaul box that the 2 12 bottle shippers were sent to me in, I'm thinking about putting both shippers in there so it looks like one big box (and essentially is) from the outside, I'm mostly just worried about size, are there restrictions or additional taxes on size and or weight?

I'm not trying to sound cheap but sending the 2 shippers individually would almost double the cost. I knew it wouldn't be cheap sending overseas I'm just trying to limit the damages

Thanks all,

MD

 

[pmoney]

Thanks man,

Great advice, I've asked him and he's been super cool about it.

I was thinking, I have the original Uhaul box that the 2 12 bottle shippers were sent to me in, I'm thinking about putting both shippers in there so it looks like one big box (and essentially is) from the outside, I'm mostly just worried about size, are there restrictions or additional taxes on size and or weight?

I'm not trying to sound cheap but sending the 2 shippers individually would almost double the cost. I knew it wouldn't be cheap sending overseas I'm just trying to limit the damages

Thanks all,

MD

I would be more concerned with limiting the suspicion of sending that massive/heavy of a box and expecting anyone to believe its value is ~$30.

 

[RandomStrangerNL]

I would be more concerned with limiting the suspicion of sending that massive/heavy of a box and expecting anyone to believe its value is ~$30.

Pretty much this ^
It's going to be a massive and heavy box with a note attached saying "nothing to see here, just $30 worth of glassware"
Chances are relatively high that it will draw attention...

I'd say you have 2 options:
- ship as 1 big box and run the risk of the box getting taxed (usually about €50-ish)
- pony up the extra shipping costs and ship 2 separate boxes.

Still, it's between you and your trade partner, maybe he's willing to take the risk with you...

 

[flip1]

In Spain, for example. Limit is 45€ for no taxes, but usually you pay But this is a lottery. I've received a 12 shipper with $30 value declared and i've paid taxes (maybe for the box dimensions), but my two las boxes, no taxes . $7 declared and no problems with the difference between value declared / size box

 

[MDB315]

Greetings all,

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that chimed in, hoping to relieve the nerves as I'm a little worried...

- I emailed the guy I had setup the trade with, i explained what I learned here and gave him the option of me sending 2 smaller boxes or 1 large one. I also offered to help offset customs taxes if additional taxes came up.

He told me to send one large box as "i have never had a box that was rejected at the border so a larger shipment isn't an issue".

I dropped it off boxed up to survive anything within reason, the first thing the lady at USPS asked was if there was alcohol in the box, I'm no saint but lying multiple times to her made me nervous. She accepted the package and it went into the system.

I didn't get a tracking number, but did get an alpha numeric number for customs, and passed it along.

Crossing my fingers here and hopefully this works out, this will be my first and only INTL trade I think!

 

[MDB315]

So USPS just called with suspicion that "it sounded like liquid in the box".

I was put on the spot and apologized saying I might have mixed up that box with another one, I told them I'd be right down.

Crap..

 

[RandomStrangerNL]

Well, you discussed it with your trade partner so you did your due dilligence I'd say.
Still.. ballsy move, keeps us posted on progress ok?

Good luck!

 

[RandomStrangerNL]

So USPS just called with suspicion that "it sounded like liquid in the box".

I was put on the spot and apologized saying I might have mixed up that box with another one, I told them I'd be right down.

Crap..

Oh crap... If you have to take back the box, repack it with more bubble wrap and add some noise disguiser like rice, pasta or screws. Maybe you should drop it off again at another drop off point.

Even more good luck now!

 

[Abitker]

So USPS just called with suspicion that "it sounded like liquid in the box".

I was put on the spot and apologized saying I might have mixed up that box with another one, I told them I'd be right down.

Crap..

They usually don't ask any questions related to alcohol so thats a bit weird. Did you use a 12 bottle shipper? if you can hear liquid sloshing around maybe throw an empty pill container with a new nuts and bolts or something like that in there. I'd just go to another post office and try there.

 

[apatrick17]

So USPS just called with suspicion that "it sounded like liquid in the box".

I was put on the spot and apologized saying I might have mixed up that box with another one, I told them I'd be right down.

Crap..

Did you accurately fill out all the customs forms online (including the weight being spot on), and print them out before dropping off the box? I found that to be a huge help when I did my first international trade a few months ago. I basically just dropped it on the counter at USPS, and the guy told me to have a good day.

 

[MDB315]

Did you accurately fill out all the customs forms online (including the weight being spot on), and print them out before dropping off the box? I found that to be a huge help when I did my first international trade a few months ago. I basically just dropped it on the counter at USPS, and the guy told me to have a good day.

They usually don't ask any questions related to alcohol so thats a bit weird. Did you use a 12 bottle shipper? if you can hear liquid sloshing around maybe throw an empty pill container with a new nuts and bolts or something like that in there. I'd just go to another post office and try there.

So just an update...

After getting some "liquid courage" I went back into the USPS location. I was honestly nervous, I always hear about lying to USPS or sending alchol is a crime/felony. I walked in the door and the only person at the counter was the person who had helped me.... I walked up smiling and she calmly looked away towards the back and says..

"Ok, he's here"

I honestly freaked for a second, the huge package sitting right in the middle of the table, a big dude come around from the back and points to the box..

"Is this yours?"

I explained that I had sent the wrong box and accidentally tried to send some olive oil. I apologized and they gave me a refund, the guy was actually pretty cool about the whole thing and a few signatures later I had my refund and box.

I immediately talked to the guy I'm trading with, explaining what happened and what's next.. here is my plan..

1. Buy brand new 12-bottle Styrofoam shippers, pack them VERY well and add "noise" in the form of rice or beans? (Any suggestions?)

2. Ship boxes individually, it's going to cost more but my blood pressure and making sure this guy gets his beer is the priority.

3. Pre-print and fill out all forms before heading in, and drop them off at a larger busier post office location.

Hopefully this all works out! Thanks again for all the help and advice.

 

[thejukes]

So just an update...

After getting some "liquid courage" I went back into the USPS location. I was honestly nervous, I always hear about lying to USPS or sending alchol is a crime/felony. I walked in the door and the only person at the counter was the person who had helped me.... I walked up smiling and she calmly looked away towards the back and says..

"Ok, he's here"

I honestly freaked for a second, the huge package sitting right in the middle of the table, a big dude come around from the back and points to the box..

"Is this yours?"

I explained that I had sent the wrong box and accidentally tried to send some olive oil. I apologized and they gave me a refund, the guy was actually pretty cool about the whole thing and a few signatures later I had my refund and box.

I immediately talked to the guy I'm trading with, explaining what happened and what's next.. here is my plan..

1. Buy brand new 12-bottle Styrofoam shippers, pack them VERY well and add "noise" in the form of rice or beans? (Any suggestions?)

2. Ship boxes individually, it's going to cost more but my blood pressure and making sure this guy gets his beer is the priority.

3. Pre-print and fill out all forms before heading in, and drop them off at a larger busier post office location.

Hopefully this all works out! Thanks again for all the help and advice.

Step one was actually "write a narrative describing my attempts to illegally ship alcohol through the USPS and intentionally defraud the U.S. government of revenue by false invoicing, then post the narrative to a public, open-source forum."

I'm just busting your balls. Good luck; I hope it works out.

 

[Marksy]

So is it fairly typical for Etre to take their sweet time shipping? I was invoiced and paid immediately on Monday morning, no updates since.

 

[CornAndBeer]

So is it fairly typical for Etre to take their sweet time shipping? I was invoiced and paid immediately on Monday morning, no updates since.

It's probably in the mail, email just not sent

 

[RandomStrangerNL]

Any recent experiences with sending/receiving through ISC Miami?
Is customs still a pain there? Trying to figure out if I should take the risk.

 

[Brubaker1]

My first BiaB box is en route. I'm curious as to what exactly a few of the statuses mean on bpost tracking:

Item in delivery: Does this just mean it's cleared customs and is in the process of being delivered, or is it more like "on truck for delivery"
Arrival at international office of exchange: I'm assuming this means its in customs, right?

 

[stupac2]

My first BiaB box is en route. I'm curious as to what exactly a few of the statuses mean on bpost tracking:

Item in delivery: Does this just mean it's cleared customs and is in the process of being delivered, or is it more like "on truck for delivery"
Arrival at international office of exchange: I'm assuming this means its in customs, right?

Think of updates on international packages like Whose Line is it Anyway? The points are made up and nothing matters. Your box will show up sometime and you may or may not ever be aware of it because of the tracking.

 

[wyatt1]

I had a box that was shipped from the Netherlands on 3/10 and arrived in Chicago on 3/13. No customs updates or departing chicago updates. Then last night at midnight I got an email that it was in Louisiana and would be delivered on 3/21.

Don't worry if you don't get timley updates. Sometimes no news is good news. The box will usually arrive.

 

[Brubaker1]

So apparently "Item in delivery" does mean "out for delivery". Or at least that's what it meant today

Now I have the "Item presented - addressee absent - message left" status.