question for shipping to the UK from US

[Chaser]

i know some here have sent items across the pond and my bessa has been recently aquired by a rff member in the uk and i would like to know how to go about shipping it so that he doesn't have to pay any extra duty or taxes or anything...does anyone have some expiriance with this?

 

[back alley]

send as a gift and for a low price.

for a description say something as old broken camera used as parts for repair, $10.value, gift.

the problem with this is you can't really insure it at it's true worth and you must hope that nothing happens to it en route.

joe

 

[nwcanonman]

Joes 100% right. I've done it numerous times. What amazes me, it gets to the UK sometimes faster than packages I send to the east USA coast.

 

[Chaser]

thanks

 

[Roman]

And don't send it via UPS or FedEx - those always get checked by customs, and charge a high fee for doing the customs paperwork; use the regular USPS Air Mail, with them chances are higher that the package slips through customs!

Roman

 

[rover]

USPS is best and most affordable as Roman says. Pack it well, bubble wrap, peanuts, solid box and well taped closed. At the post office you will be given your choices, Air Letter Post or Air Parcel Post (depending on size of box and weight) will most likely be your best bet, and will be reasonablely fast. I sent a small package to Holland and it arrived in 4 days not long ago. You probably will not be able to send it with confirmation, and perhaps insurance unless you send it via Express mail, but it should not be a problem. On the customs form delair it as a camera, gift with a value of $50 or so he should be fine.

Note, I always find that the actual shipping cost is a little less than what I figure using the USPS online shipping calculator. I can't figure out why.

http://ircalc.usps.gov/speed.asp?Co...unds=2&Ounces=0&cmdSubmit=Continue&Contents=1