posted on May 28, 2001 06:58:40 PM
I had an auction end Sunday night with a buyer from Japan. I sent the usual shipping quotes of Airmail letter-post and Global Priority.
Buyer informs me today that my quote was too low. I got to looking on USPS website about Japan restrictions and it said that jewelry (among other things) had to be shipped Insured parcel post. That makes shipping $18.10 for a $12 jewelry item. Does that sound right?
I like shipping international, I just don't want to offend, rip-off or get the buyer in legal trouble.
I read an old thread around here where someone mentioned the shipping to Japan would shock the seller but the buyers are aware.
I am just looking for confirmation from experienced Japan shippers.
I have a small town PO I use and am not sure I would trust what they would come up with as being fact.
In my experience, the buyers from Japan are aware of the high shipping costs. Overall, the item may still be cheaper than what they could buy it for in Japan; or, the item might not be available there at all.
posted on May 28, 2001 07:46:03 PM"securities payable to bearer; traveler's checks; platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not; precious stones; jewelry; and other valuable articles may only be sent in registered letter packages or insured parcels."
You might want to consider sending registered letter package- It will automatically be insured for up to $40.45 and if the package is 5oz it will be $11.65 and if it is 8oz it will be $14.35. My boxed jewelry items usually weight out at between 5-6oz.
If you go registered, the item must be in a box and contain a "letter" (I enclose a personalized invoice). Then it must be completely sealed with paper tape. The USPS then stamps the tape all over so that it becomes obvious if it is opened.
You will need a form CN 22 which is placed on the outside of the package. If you do not want to put what the item is on the outside, you will then need to get a Form 2976-A and have it filled out by the USPS as to the weight, ect. It is signed and placed inside the package then the package needs to be sealed (as stated above with the paper tape all over) and then you placed only the barcode from the CN22 on the outside of the box.
posted on May 28, 2001 08:04:31 PM
Yes misscandle That is where I did my research after the buyer said my quote was too low. I have both calculators bookmarked as I ship internationally (mostly canada) quite a bit. I am glad you came up with the same numbers, I thought I was seeing things!
sulyn1950 I like registered letter package, I never noticed that. I always send hand written receipt with my packages anyway so that wouldn't be any thing different. I am not sure I want it written on the outside what it is, either. Knowledge is not always a good thing, knowing what is in it may create sticky hands somewhere along the way.
I know about the CN 22 from shipping to Canada and a few other countries, this is the first I learned about the 2976-A (when I was researching on USPS website). I have shipped to Switzerland, England twice, Australia and Canada (not sure the last one is really international)
I do appreciate the tips. It's cheaper to do letter package and no more trouble than the other way.
posted on May 28, 2001 08:13:52 PM
Well, there's jewelry and then there's jewelry. Somehow, considering the other items listed in that regulation, I assume they mean FINE jewelry, not $12 jewelry. What I've done is clearly list the item as glass beads (glass beads always figure heavily in my designs, even if there are other components).
I just can't believe that ALL jewelry qualifies...down to your $3 dimestore pin; perhaps getting the "official" definition of jewelry is in order here.
posted on May 28, 2001 08:27:54 PMargh I wondered about that too, because it does say "valuable". I don't think this item is worth enought to qualify, but, I don't want to catch a grumpy inspector either. All my jewelry is cubic zirconia, not sure how to fudge that.
