[flyXwire]

Just a couple of questions for you folks who might be knowledgeable on matters pertaining to shipping items to the UK?

1. Should I declare actual value of items being sent to your country... i.e. say over $100 as estimated?

2. Do I need to slap on warning labels like "Please handle with care", and would that guarantee some protection from
man-gorilla type handlers?

I really want this package I'm sending over to survive it's journey with minimum amount of damage inflicted before it gets to the
receiver, so I would appreciate any other advice or concerns you can give me. Thanks.

[kabelace]

Can't help with your questions, but are you sending the package air or surface. If surface let the recipient know it can take 6 to 10 weeks. Some people get a little impatient.

[hworth18]

If it is reasonably valuable ($100 or more).. Make sure you insure it because the shipping indemnity is usually only about $75 and may not cover what you're sending.. (The only time I did not insure a package to the UK it turned up lost and it came out of my pocket)..

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Just a couple of questions for you folks who might be knowledgeable on matters pertaining to shipping items to the UK?

1. Should I declare actual value of items being sent to your country... i.e. say over $100 as estimated?

2. Do I need to slap on warning labels like "Please handle with care", and would that guarantee some protection from
man-gorilla type handlers?

, so I would appreciate any other advice or concerns you can give me. Thanks.

Hi FlyX - In answer to Question 1, = Yes; you'll get a 'Green-Label' (known as a CN.22) with a Bar-code affixed (issued by the United States Postal Service) which is a 'Customs Declaration'.

You'll tick the box = 'Gift' - 'Documents' - Commercial-Sample' - 'Other'.......

Then, list "Detailed description of Contents"........ & "Value" (underneath), with the 'total-weight', too.

Question 2, Just be aware that the Postal-staff of BOTH nations handle 'Zillions' of parcels, so are often oblivious to the "Gorilla" warning stickers...... it's down to the individual - I've seen some (jerks) in a depot just bend something for the sake of it (on a package that says "Photographs - Do Not Bend" - to which the 'Jerk' will say = "Oh Yes they Do") - I've seen stuff get trashed by idiots in a temper; but these ARE exceptions to the rule = (I spent 17 years in the Royal-Mail, so I have more idea, than most !)

Only other thing to be aware of (From the 'Brit's point of view).... is the DREADED "H.M. Customs" 'Charge'

It's VERY MUCH "hit & miss" as to whether the 'Recipient' gets "collared".........

I used to deal REGULARLY with a Guy in Boston, Mass, from whom I would buy my Fender-Stratocaster 'spares'......

They sent a 1983 Fender-Stratocaster Guitar-Case (solid & LARGE) & that came thru ok.........

So did my 'Pickguard-Scratchplates' - Left-Handed & hard to come by - as well as prone to breakage, in the post........

They came thru 'unscathed' & un-Hindered by U.K. Customs -

Yet the ONLY time I got caught (had a 'Surcharge' slapped on, by H.M. Customs) was when they sent thru a VERY-SMALL 'Jiffy-Bag' that contained THREE Guitar-knobs (1 x Volume & 2 x Tone) for my Stratocaster-Deluxe......

I was livid, as the Customs-Charge was GREATER than the ACTUAL-COST of the spare-parts !!!!!!!!!!

By & large though....; MOST parcels make it thru, without the surcharge...... (but I thought best mention it !!!!!!!!)

[flyXwire]

HC, thank you very kindly so much for your very thorough explanations, advice and tips. I really appreciate that and I saved a copy of this document in MS Word for future reference.

Thank you very much (and that goes to the rest of you gents as well) !
flyXwire

[Gambit]

Just make sure you do a good job packing
Use some shrink wrap or masking tape on the cover so the plane isn't bouncing around if the lid lifts up
Sometimes I take some pictures in case there's a problem
Good Luck as you'll need it

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Gambit

Just make sure you do a good job packing
Use some shrink wrap or masking tape on the cover so the plane isn't bouncing around if the lid lifts up
Sometimes I take some pictures in case there's a problem
Good Luck as you'll need it

I do my packaging very well. Mine is encased in "nuclear bomb proof box" and drop-tested using an accelerometer measuring device for maximum G load-tolerance!

Seriously, thanks Gambit!

[smartd]

Originally Posted by Gambit

Just make sure you do a good job packing
Use some shrink wrap or masking tape on the cover so the plane isn't bouncing around if the lid lifts up
Sometimes I take some pictures in case there's a problem
Good Luck as you'll need it

What is the issue? I have ordered models from the UK and they arrived safe and sound. Why would it be any different going the other way?

[TopHat]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Just a couple of questions for you folks who might be knowledgeable on matters pertaining to shipping items to the UK?

1. Should I declare actual value of items being sent to your country... i.e. say over $100 as estimated?

2. Do I need to slap on warning labels like "Please handle with care", and would that guarantee some protection from
man-gorilla type handlers?

I really want this package I'm sending over to survive it's journey with minimum amount of damage inflicted before it gets to the
receiver, so I would appreciate any other advice or concerns you can give me. Thanks.

Be sure to include the correct postage and the correct address of the recipient........

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by TopHat

Be sure to include the correct postage and the correct address of the recipient........

Thanks for that, Mr. Einstein!