posted on January 27, 2005 10:08:17 AM new
I am looking into expanding internationally with my jewelry. Could any jewelry sellers shed light on this subject? I hate to say it but I am really confused with the information provided by USPS. My items weigh about 2 ounces. What method is the best way to ship or should I say cheapest with best ship time? What countries do you ship to and do you know of any restrictions on jewelry in these countries? Do you need special envelopes or stickers? Last but not least is there a way to purchase postage online and deal with customs forms online? Any help would be appreciated. Thank You
posted on January 27, 2005 10:20:27 AM new
I don't sell jewelry... but maybe I can shed a little light on the subject of international shipment. First, 2 ounces is probably going to ship cheapest via USPS airmail letter post. However, if you need to insure your item, you'll need to switch to a more expensive USPS airmail parcel post OR send it via USPS Express Mail (EMS). Airmail is going to typically be delivered in 4-10 days, while EMS usually gets delivered in 3-5 days.
I wouldn't think you'd need any special envelopes (if you can ship from coast-to-coast in the US, it will probably reach foreign countries all right). I don't know of any way to deal with customs forms on-line (although you can order them from the post-office on-line store). I don't use on-line postage either, but you might be able to use services like Endica... I'm not sure.
Your biggest obstacle is going to be the restrictions and prohibitions. Is your jewelry made with any precious metals (gold, silver, platinum)? Or, does it have any precious stones? (diamonds, rubies, etc...). Each country has their own list of prohibitions and restrictions... and most of them prohibit any mail with precious stones/metals. Some even flat-out prohibit jewelry. You can find out more about specific countries at:
http://pe.usps.gov/text/Imm/Immctry.html
In most cases... I think opening up eBay sales to an international market is an excellent idea. However, with jewelry, I'd have to really think about whether or not it would be worth all the hassle.
posted on January 27, 2005 10:25:37 AM new
Hi thanks so much for the great info. All my jewelry is handcrafted with sterling silver and gold. I have checked briefly and most countries prohibit jewelry and metals. I do see so much of my competition selling international so I assume that they are just taking thier chances(?) I get so many emails from international bidders that opening uo more avenues seems the way to go.
posted on January 27, 2005 11:43:43 AM new
I do sell jewelry and never had any problem but I sell costume jewelry so you would need to check it out to be sure on the real thing.
Most jewelry can be boxed and then put into a global priority envelope and shipped for a flat rate - $5 or $6. I ALWAYS get a certificate of mailing as much of it can't be insured like eauctionmgnt said so you want proof that you mailed it.
If they want it sent air mail or other than global - I box and ship in a padded envelope. So far so good.
I don't take paypal on international over a few dollars.
International can be a pain but 90% of the time it as smooth as silk
posted on January 27, 2005 12:38:06 PM new
I sell jewelry (or in euro speak jewellery) internationally so maybe I can help. Warning - what I am about to say will send the rule police into a tizzy.
I ship a minimum of 100 packages a week "across the pond". 95% go to the UK but I also ship to France, Denmark, Netherlands (one actually paid this week!!) Germany, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand. About half of my shipments go simple airmail letter post in a jiffy envelope with no customs for a 92 cents or 1.60 depending on item. The other half are larger lots that go either Global Priority or Express depending on how much postage they pay. If the combined postage charges cover an upgrade in method, I upgrade. If they almost cover but there has been a healthy profit, I eat the extra couple bucks and give the upgrade.
I only put customs forms on upgraded shipments and I usually mark as commercial sample or give value as the actual wholesale cost as opposed to price paid (and pieces are described as uninviting "metal parts" as opposed to jewelry item that says Please inspect or steal me - learned that one from a supplier). I'm more interested in obtaining repeat customers than in ensuring that the German government gets their cut of my sale to one of their citizens.
I've been doing this for a couple years now without problems. The only problems I have really ever had is when I forgot to tape those pathetic global priority envelopes. The glue sucks and they have arrived empty once or twice.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on January 27, 2005 12:49:28 PM new
No matter how you ship it make sure the package is tamper proof by sealing the edges with tape so any theft or tampering is immediately apparent to postal carrier and the recipient.
Also I'd suggest not accepting credit cards or PayPal as you'll lose in any dispute for international transactions even if you can prove signature delivery as prohibited items are not covered. Or the recipient can claim 'not as described' i.e. gold plated and not solid gold, or CZ etc.
fenix03,
I'd concur that marking items as 'metal parts' is probably the best method of ensuring they arrive intact, and getting repeat customers (whom you steer towards your even more profitable website). Insurance is a 'no-no' as it cries out 'steal me!'.
You can reinforce those pathetic USPS Global Priority envelopes with tape along the INSIDE edges and also by placing your items inside a heavy duty plastic bag taped to the inside of the Global Priority envelope so it will still get there even if the package splits enroute.
[ edited by agitprop on Jan 27, 2005 01:01 PM ]
posted on January 27, 2005 01:40:18 PM new
I like the "metal parts" idea! I've hated having to put "jewelry" on an overseas customs form. So far so good, but still, there's a real risk.
For what it's worth, I have frequently wrapped the jewelry first in tissue and then in bubble wrap (the big bubbles), then into a priority envelope or even a bubble envelope I use for books. The big bubbles form a really good barrier to protect the jewelry.
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Is it true that the only difference between a yard sale and a trash pickup is how close to the road the stuff is placed?
posted on January 27, 2005 01:55:44 PM newDSI will INSURE yer INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC packies WITHOUT any INS markings, and at a FRACTION of the USPS rip-off!
These guys are the AVIS of INS & truly "try harder..."
Tell'em: "Tom & Ralphie sent me..."
"For too long, too many people dependent on Social Security have been cruelly frightened by individuals seeking political gain through demagoguery and outright falsehood, and this must stop.The future of Social Security is much too important to be used as a political football." ~ Ronald Reagan
posted on January 27, 2005 02:06:44 PM new
When it comes to actually protecting the jewelry, there are a number of great sellers right on ebay where you can pick up small jewelry boxes for a few dimes depending on the size of them. The great thing is that you can include them in the shipping cost AND use them as a sales tool when you state in your item descriptions that every item includes a free gift box. Protects your investment and adds to the percieved value on arrival.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
