International shipping?

[fl0w3n]

I couldn't find anywhere that seemed obviously appropriate for this thread, so I just choose here. Mod's feel free to move if this isn't okay.

I'm just wondering if I could get some input on international shipping from those who have done it. Which carriers are cheapest? Are non big name brands reliable, i.e. not UPS/FedEx/USPS?

I'm considering selling my two DCUII 580's to some one in Uruguay and just want to make sure it's something I'm willing to go through before committing. Are there any special steps I have to go through, besides the outrageous shipping price, other than just packaging the box and paying and leaving it at the appropriate shipping center?

Thanks

[Hondacity]

i use usps only...but i haven't tried shipping a big box...big boxes costs alot.

i sent to brazil, and many parts of europe lol

[fl0w3n]

i use usps only...but i haven't tried shipping a big box...big boxes costs alot.

i sent to brazil, and many parts of europe lol

I'm trying to get an estimate from them now, but their site is damn confusing.

I wonder if I can just put the cards in anti static bags and wrap in lots of bubble wrap and then fold down the manuf. boxes to save space...then again I think I'd like them to stay safer for such a long travel. It's up to the buyer I guess, he's paying shipping.

When you say you haven't tried shipping a big box, what do you consider big? What size box do you normally ship international?


Wow, I'm getting a $65 quote from USPS for Priority and I got a $400 quote from UPS...how is that even possible?

[CedricFP]

I ship international all the time, partly selling on here, and every day at my job.

We rely on regular post and rarely are there any issues. There is an odd misunderstanding that most people have and that is that the post in countries is really bad. But it is not - for the most part, it is good. For example, you might think Russia would have a bad postal system, but theirs is excellent, though can be a bit tardy. France, conversely, has problems with mail theft and lazy postmen. Johannesburg... well good luck sending anything there and having it arrive at your intended address. Italy has some crazy customs and stuff from abroad can take up to a month to clear.

Generally speaking, though, countries have good postal systems. Sending special courier like FedEx / DHL is great and all, but if you're looking for a more cost effective way, the local post is always a good bet. Just buy tracking, and insurance if you want it, and the local post will do what they can to help you in the unlikely event something bad will happen.

USPS is generally excellent to work with in my experience, as are Russian post. DHL local in Germany are hit and miss, but mostly good.


As to the pricing discrepancy - think bulk USPS probably rent space on planes where as UPS own their own planes. Big cost differential.

With graphics cards, my advice is to bubble wrap and double box (manu box inside cardboard box). They almost always survive the trip. I had a motherboard sent to me just in the manu box wrapped up in paper. That didn't work well, it was DOA and I never got a refund

[CharMz]

If this is your first time, i recommend calling the different providers USPS/UPS, or actually going to one of their locations..nothing is better than actually speaking with someone that can answer all your questions and concerns..

Dont want to mess up sending 2 580s..

[fl0w3n]

I ship international all the time, partly selling on here, and every day at my job.

We rely on regular post and rarely are there any issues. There is an odd misunderstanding that most people have and that is that the post in countries is really bad. But it is not - for the most part, it is good. For example, you might think Russia would have a bad postal system, but theirs is excellent, though can be a bit tardy. France, conversely, has problems with mail theft and lazy postmen. Johannesburg... well good luck sending anything there and having it arrive at your intended address. Italy has some crazy customs and stuff from abroad can take up to a month to clear.

Generally speaking, though, countries have good postal systems. Sending special courier like FedEx / DHL is great and all, but if you're looking for a more cost effective way, the local post is always a good bet. Just buy tracking, and insurance if you want it, and the local post will do what they can to help you in the unlikely event something bad will happen.

USPS is generally excellent to work with in my experience, as are Russian post. DHL local in Germany are hit and miss, but mostly good.


As to the pricing discrepancy - think bulk USPS probably rent space on planes where as UPS own their own planes. Big cost differential.

With graphics cards, my advice is to bubble wrap and double box (manu box inside cardboard box). They almost always survive the trip. I had a motherboard sent to me just in the manu box wrapped up in paper. That didn't work well, it was DOA and I never got a refund

If this is your first time, i recommend calling the different providers USPS/UPS, or actually going to one of their locations..nothing is better than actually speaking with someone that can answer all your questions and concerns..

Dont want to mess up sending 2 580s..

Thanks for the help guys. I will definitely be going in first to just talk to them to make sure I'm on the right track with pricing and everything. I spoke with another friend on a different forum who used to own a USPS shipping hub so he was able to answer a decent amount of questions.

[lutjens]

I done a fair bit of international shipping (and receiving) so I'll relate my experiences.

UPS--forced to deal with them for some things. Very inefficient customer support and a very difficult time trying to get compensation from them in the event of package damage, regardless of insurance purchased. They are unable to hold a package for pickup, even when you call ahead of time to request it, unless a delivery attempt has been made. Even after this has occurred (which usually is irrelevant because they often leave packages at the address out in the open without obtaining signatures) it'll take 1-2 business days to process. Their customs clearance is easier and less obtrusive than Fedex's. Slightly cheaper than Fedex.

Fedex--the opposite to UPS. Excellent customer service and very easy to have a package held for pickup, even in advance of the delivery date. Downsides are a greater difficulty in clearing high value packages and prices that are quite high. I use Fedex primarily, especially for critical items I'd like to receive in one piece. They never leave packages without signatures.

USPS--generally pretty good, but tracking can be spotty and service times vary (likely due to inefficiencies of foreign post offices). Cheapest prices by far.

[squawker]

Generally speaking, though, countries have good postal systems.

USPS--generally pretty good, but tracking can be spotty

My MIVE was imported from EUA and arrived in Brazil without any problems. Even a Lian Li PC V1110 arrived intact.

A curiosity i learned recently is that tracking number is an intenational code, so i can track on brazilian postal site an USPS shipping since the order was posted until my home

[CedricFP]

My MIVE was imported from EUA and arrived in Brazil without any problems. Even a Lian Li PC V1110 arrived intact.

A curiosity i learned recently is that tracking number is an intenational code, so i can track on brazilian postal site an USPS shipping since the order was posted until my home

That's not always true. Not all country's postal services allow for the tracking of foreign inbound tracking. For example, Royal Mail with UK doesn't if it is just regular registered - only express.

DHL Germany change the tracking number on inbound sometimes, as do the post in Holland, making the tracking # you get useless unless you contact and find out the new tracking. That's a weird system.

[saint19]

UPS and USPS to Colombia.

[-=DouglasteR=-]

USPS is the norm here in Brazil, anything else you will be raped

[Poci]

Parts, uhh ok to ship. But last time I shipped my own rig from the US to europe, uhh customs raped my rig. Dead mobo and fubar TT case that was opened with a friggen crowbar or something. And this was with USPS..... and I had insurance.... which I couldnt claim and had to rebuild this rig out of my own pocket.

[CedricFP]

Ouch that sounds like a terrible experience.