About shipping guitars overseas

[fullshred]

Good morning everyone. I have a problem. I sold a guitar on Ebay and the high bidder is from Australia. USPS.com gave me a quote for $135.00 to ship there and that's what I quoted the buyer. I go to the post office and the "non-documentation" fee boosts the shipping to $250.00! Now I have to bite the bullet and I don't want to swallow anymore. The guy already got a great deal. The high bidder sent me an email and this is part of it: " I was talking about the purchase I made sometime last year. This US seller only charged me about $135 and it took 2 weeks to get here." Question: Does anyone know what service he's talking about that gave a US seller such a low rate? I've been to Fed Ex ($260) and UPS ($400+)! [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[mournblade]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

You might try DHL.

[fullshred]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

DHL wants $353.00 [img]/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

[Baum83]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

I've received several guitars from the US via USPS and usually it's been around 80-100 US$, plus import taxes. I've never heard of that "non-documentation fee" before, though, what's that all about?

[YetAnotherOne]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

I've shipped a few out of the US, Europe has always been $100-130 or so for a normal (Strat-sized) case. And I've never heard of the "non-documnetation" fee either though there are differing rates for document & non-document shipments to some countries. Australia has the same rate for document & non-document shipments so your web quote should be about right.

I'm betting that they skipped down a line or two to Austria (rate code 4 -> 6) or Azerbaijan (rate code 4 -> 8). I've had that sort of problem often with the post office, they often get the wrong line in the table and quote wrong charges, try to deny shipments claiming the package is too large/heavy, etc. Ask them if you can see the table they're looking at or better yet just try a different clerk / post office.

[Alexi7]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

i think i paid $350 AUD for my rhoads. Im in Sydney and it was sent to me from Florida through USPS, standard delivery. Keep in mind that rhoads cases are pretty large.

[YetAnotherOne]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

IIRC Newc sent a Roswell to Australia a while back, you might PM him to see what that cost.

[OnlineStageGear]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

Look at the size restrictions with USPS to Australia. Measure your box and make sure it will be within the limitations.

Matt

[Baum83]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

I received a Warrior from Easton Guitars via USPS and I definitely didn't pay more than 130 $US for shipping... of course the customs fees would have to be added, but you shouldn't be quoted such a high price on shipping really.

[skarhead]

Re: About shipping guitars overseas

i dunno, maybe shipping it seaways (ship) would be a good choice ( could take longer but it's less pricy)