Ship Overseas Darn it!

[gobrian77]

The ivory issue is a completely different story- I wouldn't ship an ivory cue overseas if I were a seller, and I wouldn't order one as a buyer- non-ivory cues are the issue here.

 

[perspicaz]

Thailand can hit you pretty hard for custom's duty (again, this is 100% the buyer's responsibility)- while the feelings of others may differ, I generally ask the seller to put a value of $100 for the cue (provided it's not a monster worth over 1K) and to ship it uninsured via Priority Mail- this can save me over $100 (which has to be paid at the post office when I pick it up) depending on the cue. Granted, this is taking a chance, but I haven't had a problem yet with the many cues I've had sent here, and I believe that the lower declared value actually discourages a customs official for inspecting it (my packages are almost never opened).

Reducing declared value certainly helps avoiding customs (and if they charge they will do so based on declared value), also most of the time when they send something to me they mark it as "commercial sample" on the form. Another curious thing in Spain, I am not sure if it happens in other places too, is that with USPS Express Mail the package is delivered in hand to my home (and will even keep trying until there is someone in the house) while with Priority Mail it will be left at the local post office for several days and I will have to go and get it. I guess it is worth the slight (10$ or so) price difference between the two.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I don't understand why anyone won't ship overseas if the payment for the cue was received + extra for international shipping, insurance etc.

On the other hand, if someone is selling a cue for $3000 I think they should cover the $30 for international shipping...

If the Buyer Wire Transfers the Funds, the funds are safe. Thank the problem is finding a shipper that will provide door to door insurance. I know the Post Office has LIMITS on Insurance to like Germany. ONLY $500.00.