Need overseas shipping help.

[captain spaulding]

So someone is middle manning a deal for me and I was wondering what the best way to ship is. I am sending flatrate to him, but I am wondering on his end what is the best way to send the knife? Repackage? If so into what. Bubble mailer? What should he put on the customs form? Just general overseas shipping info would be appreciated. Thanks guys.


I think there was a thread on this but could not find it.

[zoidberg]

What are you sending and where are you sending it to?

[captain spaulding]

What are you sending and where are you sending it to?

Spyderco PM2 and I believe it's going to Great Britain.

[zoidberg]

I guess it depends on the middle man and the amount of work he is willing to do.
There are three options really:

You package for postage to GB then put that into the flatrate box, he opens the flatrate, adds stamps and posts your package.

You send it in the flatrate box, which he puts into a bigger box, adds stamps + customs form + address and posts on.

You send it in the flatrate box, he repackages it, adds stamps + customs form + address and posts on.

You or the middle man should confirm with the buyer re what to put on the customs form.
Normally I suggest it's marked "gift"(check box), "camping tool" and a low $ value to avoid import or other fees.
The catch to low balling is if it goes missing they'll only pay out that amount.
For an idea re import fees etc check out this thread, Guide for the international trader.

When I got my PM2, I had it repackaged state side and sent as standard mail with a low value on the customs form at my risk.
The plus side to this was saving a lot of money on the postage.
If I was to buy a Chris Reeve, I would have it sent registered with the full value declared and pay the import fees if there were any rather than risk losing it.

Other than making sure you have packaged it well, IMO the rest is on the buyer, they can choose the options depending on the risk they want to take.

[dks]

Low declared value is the most important.
Also you may want to tighten the pivot so that it will not be classed as a flick knife or oho etc. In the UK there are some unusual rules and methods for checking if it is legal.

Package really well so that customs can not claim that it fell out along the way... I think the UK based people will know more..

[derekmac]

Capt, are you not allowed to ship international?  It only takes about 30 sec to do the customs form, and the most I've paid to ship international was around $10 for both small boxes and bubble mailers.

For description, I'd put Spyderco Knife, and talk to the recipient and see what they/you'd be comfortable with putting for a value.  Also check it as a gift.

[Aloha]

I tape the package really well.  I use colored duct tape around all edges so there is little to no way it can escape.  On the forms I'll declare what the buyer or trader tells me to, typically used camp or fishing tool and a low amount so they don't have to pay extra fees. 

I also clear tape over the address so this doesn't get damaged along the way.  I've paid  less than $20 shipping from California to South East Europe and this was on a PST.

I've shipped all over the world Capt with no issues so far. 

 

[Breezy12]

one piece of advice for shipping a knife to the UK -- tighten the pivot to the point that it takes 2 hands to open the knife. apparently there has been a recent crackdown on anything that might be considered a "gravity knife". making the knife difficult to open will help it get through customs safely.

once the knife reaches its final destination, the new owner can easily adjust the pivot tension to his or her liking.

[dks]

Also you may want to tighten the pivot so that it will not be classed as a flick knife or oho etc.

 

[captain spaulding]

Also you may want to tighten the pivot so that it will not be classed as a flick knife or oho etc.

 

I will mention it to the middle man and see what the buyer wants to do.

[ducttapetech]

How's come you are not shipping it directly Spaulding. Should be cheaper that way?

Nate
That's us mobile

[captain spaulding]

How's come you are not shipping it directly Spaulding. Should be cheaper that way?

Nate
That's us mobile

I just hate doing international shipping and avoid it at all cost. I know it's pretty simple, but just do not like to do it.

[Weasel]

I've never had any trouble posting to the U.S. But I've only sent SAKS
I've always sent them international tracked and signed and it usually only takes a week which I think is very good. But I don't know if it's that simple sending from the U.S. To the UK

[zimchaz]

When I have sent spyderco in the past I usually zip tie them closed around the handles and through the hole.
As for international shipping ' I try to avoid the hassle as much as possible

[Weasel]

The zip tie idea sounds good