posted on February 6, 2001 06:38:02 PM
Just curious if I should insure this 70 dollar international shipment to The Netherlands.
I usually don't insure my items, but this is a big order AND overseas! I haven't insured an international shipment yet, because I have few of them and they have always been low dollar, so I don't know if insurance with Global Priority is even possible.
I trust the buyer and all, he/she was good to work with and payment came fast via BidPay, just took a few days of e-mails between me and the buyer to get payment through.
So, would you insure this shipment? Is The Netherlands mail service bad or good? Thanks!
posted on February 6, 2001 06:41:08 PM
Just my own experience: I always insure overseas packages, where feasible. Some countries do not allow it (they probably already know they will lose the package )...kidding
Have no experience with Holland, though...
******** Gosh Shosh!
posted on February 6, 2001 07:01:55 PM
My new policy is I insure everything, no matter how inexpensive or to where it is going. It adds a little to my shipping costs, but I, as well as the buyers, like the peace of mind.
posted on February 6, 2001 07:08:24 PM
INSURE INSURE INSURE.
Please insure your parcel. The biggest and most expensive item I have sold and sent overseas got broken in the shipping. Thank goodness for insurance, cause I wouldn't like to have to fork out the $300.00 odd that it cost.
It may cost you a few dollars out of your own pocket, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
posted on February 6, 2001 07:38:22 PM
If I read your post correctly, you have already received payment? What did you charge for postage? Why do I ask? Well, a few months back, I sold a piece of jewelry to someone in Japan. I went to the USPS website and looked up the cost of small air packet (at that time, you could not insure if you used that method). They DID offer a Special Delivery for a small additional cost and I decided that would be good enough!!!! So I quoted the small air packet + special delivery option which was about $6.50. She sent the money right away even added a little extra (she sent $10.00 instead of the $6.50 I quoted). Went to the PO got a new clerk and she had to use a book to look everything up and found JEWELRY to Japan HAD to be insured or sent registered! So she recalculated everything and it ended up costing me $25+ to mail the package! Live and learn. Of course, now some of the rules have changed and I have to start all over with "learning".
I won't quote prices until I have been all over the USPS site and read everything I can about the requirements of the country I am shipping to. There is a section of regulations for each country you enter to get the shipping info. It tells what each country allows/doesn't allow and the various shipping methods they may require. I also learned that not all postal clerks are up to speed on the rules and regs. I guess that is why you are instructed on the USPS site to print a copy of the shipping charges you just calculated and take it to the PO with you! I make sure I do that now.
You may be surprised at what that package will cost to insure and mail! Good luck!
posted on February 6, 2001 07:52:09 PM
I only charged the buyer 4 dollars for shipping, even after I knew they were international. The buyer paied 66 dollars for the item, and I really felt that that was a little bit high, so I gave her a break on the shipping.
Yes, she has already paied and the BidPay money order is on it's way.
I was looking at the international rate calculator, and it looks like I won't be able to insure it. I have good service with Global Priority, though, and packages are sent faster through that then with normal Priority!
I will make sure to pay the 25-75 cents extra to get a receipt of shipment form, incase the buyer tries to pull something over. This item can not be broken (it would take many mail truck tires to crush this baby), I am just worried about it being stolen/lost in transit.
Live and learn, and I am ready to eat any extra charges the PO may throw at me 0_o
)...kidding 
I make sure I do that now.