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

[Max Spevack]

Karlie,

Many thanks for that insight.  We've definitely been nailed on customs 
costs before by not declaring something a "gift" when in fact it was being 
sent to someone at no cost to them, which certainly falls under my 
definition of "gift".  :-)

--Max

On Thu, 15 Jun 2006, Karlie Robinson wrote:

> 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
>
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-- 
Max Spevack
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