Shipping international

I've got two questions.

I have a custom order that needs to be shipped to Germany. I've never mailed anything outside the US. What's the best way to mail a necklace? Any idea of an approximate cost?

Also, I'm not sure how to pack this necklace. The necklace is similar to #197

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It's a little bit shorter and has a different pendant. There is also a bracelet with it. These will be a Christmas gift and will be shipped directly to the gift- recipient. I'd like to figure a way to pack it so the lady will open the box and it won't be crumpled in the bottom of the box. This particular necklace is difficult to get to lay straight, as the jump rings cause it to fold like a chain. Any ideas? -m.
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Reply to
chaddock
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M,

where did you get those long torpedo looking silver beads like the ones in #197???

I got some of them ages ago, and I cant remember where. I'd like to get some more to finish a project but I cant find them anywhere.

Sterling

Reply to
Sterling

I'd lay it on Bubble Wrap and fold the wrap over and staple it in place, but not through the necklace itself. For added stability, you could staple through the Bubble wrap to a piece of cardboard. Won't look fancy, but it would be secure. Of course you could then gift wrap it and put it in a Global Priority Envelope from USPS. Assuming it weighs around 2 lbs, you could ship it Priority Mail® International Flat-Rate Envelope 6 - 10 Days $11.95. That will ship up to 4 lbs, so you could get a little fancier with the packaging if you'd like. Go to

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to calculate a different weight. HTH

Reply to
Vibrant Jewels

PS don't forgot to attach the customs form!

Reply to
Vibrant Jewels

About 1/3 of my sales are to International buyers. I use First Class International as the method - it's the least expensive. The downfall is this method offers no insurance or tracking.

You would use Priority International if you want tracking and insurance. Of course, the buyer will pay a higher shipping rate.

Check the US Postal website for rates -

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On the top of the page, you'll see the button for Calculate Postage - then change the country to Germany and enter the weight of the item - your shipping options and rates will come up. I ALWAYS use the green/white customs form for my International mailings even though it's not necessary for items under a certain weight/value.

I always pack my jewelry in the appropriate sized jewelry box. In order for the necklace to remain 'presentable' and not bunch up in the box, you'd need a necklace box - here are a few examples from Niles - there are other companies that carry similar items and there are other styles

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Folder - this one is 'leatherette', but they also carry velvet -

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Velour Necklace box -
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Leatherette Necklace box with packer -
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The other option would be to make your own necklace 'card' - similar to the earring cards, but larger. Hope that helps!

Reply to
Virago_Creations

Aloha, Maren HiloBeads: Beads - Beading Supplies - Hand-made Jewelry

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Blog at:
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Artists' Fair at Hilo Art and Glass on Sat., Nov. 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Art and Fine Crafts Fair at East Hawaii Cultural Center, Sat. Nov. 29, 8-4 Artists' Fair at Hilo Art and Glass on Sat., Dec. 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Reply to
Maren at google

I actually have a few Folders and Necklace Boxes! Has anyone ever figured the ROI on shipping insurance? I mean, how many times have you ever had to file a claim? Since I haven't done much shipping (I've actually only shipped one item), I have no idea what the odds are of losing a package.

-m.

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Virago_Creati>> I've got two questions.

Reply to
Chaddock

Sterling, In addition to the uber secretive source I emailed you, I just purchased a very large supply. Since I've had a couple of people ask about them, I'm considering selling some of my surplus. If you are interested in buying some from me, let me know. I'll set up a web page for purchasing them.

-m.

Sterl> M,

Reply to
Chaddock

I never have insurance on anything I buy from the US. Check it out because whoever/whatever provides it doesn't include Canada for coverage.

In 18 months I have only had one very small parcel go missing. It turned up 3 months later in good shape and I can only assume it fell into a crack in the post office. Otherwise, by only utilizing the most inexpensive US mail service, I have to wait anywhere from 7 to 14 days for delivery.......which frankly, beats paying a huge sum for UPS/FedEx. One of them automatically adds at least $5.00 for shipping and handling when I get it, so the cost is ridiculous!!

Frankly I think that some companies just absorb the loss, often under the guise of me paying for insurance. If they only lose one item every

6 months or so, that seems sensible to me.

HTH....Heather

Reply to
Heather

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