posted on December 24, 2000 06:58:11 AM
I'm a Brit who's flying out to the USA in a couple of days. Whilst there I am planning to post an auction win (very small value British stamps) to someone in Canada. Unfortunately I can't understand the USPS site at ALL when it comes to fulfilling all the customs regulations.
Ok. The package is in a white Jiffy bag measuring 10 inches long by 6 inches high. It is less than 1/4 inch thick. It weighs less than 3 ounces but more than 2 ounces. According to the USPS site it should cost me $1.00 to mail it by regular mail (4-7 days).
Nowhere can I find any details that make sense to me regarding whether or not I can enclose a letter, or what customs forms are required, or whether I need an airmail label or can just write 'by air mail' on the front.
Over here in Britain, provided we affix the correct postage, adhere to all the packaging rules and fulfil all customs requirements as regards affixing the right forms etc. we can just mail small packets in post boxes without having to stand in line at the post office. And have a real expectation of it getting there. Boxes or very large envelopes we have to stand in line for, obviously, but I can live with that.
I'm not keen to have to face the postal clerk because it is a small town and the last time I tried to mail anything out of the country (to my sister) he insisted on Global Priority and it ended up costing me big time $$$ even though it was just a small paperback book. I wanted to argue but being a foreigner in a foreign country makes it hard sometimes when there are locals standing behind you and you know they are thinking that their business has to be more important than yours.
I won't be too upset if this item gets lost because it is small value and can be replaced. Plus the recipient knows I will be away and is in no hurry.
Advice, please!!
[ edited by fallen_madonna on Dec 24, 2000 07:06 AM ]
posted on December 24, 2000 07:44:49 AM
I'll try and help. I'm in Canada. Typically I receive envelopes this size as a regular letter with no customs form.
I'd use an airmail sticker which you can get when you purchase the stamp.
If you are concerned about a small town postal clerk, just ask for a $1.00 stamp and an air mail sticker. Don't show them the envelope. Then leave the counter, affix the stamp and sticker and deposit the envelope into a slot or mail box.
posted on December 24, 2000 08:02:38 AM
Works for me Bill. I am starting to see a lot of CD's and DVD's (without cases) being mailed like this, in a long plain envelope folded over with a standard US stamp. I think the only reason for non-delivery would be insufficient postage - the $1.00 stamp should be more than enough to ensure delivery. The airmail sticker may be overkill (all letter mail from the US to Canada seems to come that way anyway), but it can't hurt.
posted on December 24, 2000 10:05:05 AM
fallen_madonna....JAN...welcome to the good old USA....hope you have a wonderful time! Happy holiday to you. Janet
