[Fedora-ambassadors-list] Shipping 101 - was Fedora Stuff @ Cool Stuff Store

[Karlie Robinson]

Max Spevack wrote:

> ...because clearly the shipping costs are insane out of the US.
>
> Shipping costs is the biggest problem that we have with swag, and we 
> know it needs to be dealt with.
>
> --Max
>
Shipping costs from the USA to international locations have never been 
insane.  A little expensive, but never insane. 

It all comes down to the mail room and the knowledge and flexibility of 
the people working there to get things from point a-b at a reasonable 
cost. 

Like the Pens Thomas Chung would like to ship... 

Air Mail Letter Post to most locations would arrive in about 7 days and 
be less than $2.55 postage.  As an added bonus, when something is less 
than 1 pound customs forms aren't required. 

So take a t-shirt.  If it's packaged in a light but rugged package, like 
a tyvek envelope, you can get it under 1 pound.  You also have the 
choice of using USPS "Flat-Rate" envelopes (no need to buy the tyvek 
ones now) and shove as much into it as you possibly can for the same 
price.  (BTW - Global priority, Large Flat Rate to France - $9.50 but 
it's only about 1 day faster than the lower cost Air Mail options, but 
you'll save if your package is heavy)

Now, if you're talking bulk discs...
100 DVDs should be 5 pounds or less (including packaging)
Again, going plain old Air Mail Parcel Post - $28.70

If you'd like to significantly reduce the import Duty... Some cases 
eliminate it...the key is mark GIFT on the form.  (the reciever is going 
to get slammed if you declare $500 value)

If the intention is to give the discs out at events free of charge and 
there is no cost to the person you're mailing them to, then GIFT would 
apply on the customs forms. 

Please keep in mind, the reason I haven't quoted UPS or FedEx is because 
volume plays a large role in the shipping price with the commercial 
carriers.  If you're business is shipping 1-2 items a day, the USPS is 
going to be the price leader.  But if you're shipping 100+ daily, the 
volume discounts come into play and ounce for ounce will be less than 
the United States Post Office.

Karlie "I ship for a living" Robinson