International Shipping

Well as shipping is in the news here at TVV, and based on recent discussion related to the RL Gift Card, I was wondering how many of you feel "safe" doing USPS International First Class Mail in the absence of ability to track it (so voiding PayPal Seller protection for item not received) and also not being able to buy USPS insurance for it.......and that it seems to often take a looooong time till it reaches the destination, plus, again in absence of tracking, that one has to contact the customer to be sure that it has arrived. What happens if they say "no" ???....there is no way to verify it according to USPS!

I am beginning to wonder if it is not wiser just to do Priority International to everywhere , and only do First Class to Canada, and possibly for repeat customers in other locations.

I realize this could costs sales as the Priority option is so much more, but not being able to track or insure really is of concern to me.

Interested in other POVs

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gardenartus Antiques on February 13, 2012 at 11:12am

I can't insure them without a tracking number and I don't know how they do it either and am curious about the same thing

CheriShops - Admin said:

I am still not seeing an answer tho to HOW you manage to insure a First Class International package with an outside insurer if it has no tracking?? Surely they require a trackable number. Not even the Post Office can track a first class International package after it leaves the USA? at least that is what they told me?? The customs number on those is not trackable, unlike that for Priority International

Permalink Reply by Charmed Life on February 13, 2012 at 11:30am

When I've insured with Shipsurance via Inkfrog for past sales on eBay, they accepted the customs number as the tracking number.

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on February 13, 2012 at 11:34am

So just to be sure I understand correctly Cathy...they allowed USPS First Class International packages to be insured on Shipsurance via the Customs form number?

Permalink Reply by Gardenartus Antiques on February 13, 2012 at 11:40am

Do you have to enter any information? I probably could put the customs number down as a tracking number but my concern would be if they would actually pay if a claim had to be filed. I think I read it has to have a tracking number and abide by the rules of whatever company you ship it through. Since we use USPS for shipping and they do not let you insure First Class international I am not so sure they would pay anything toward a claim.

Charmed Life said:

When I've insured with Shipsurance via Inkfrog for past sales on eBay, they accepted the customs number as the tracking number.

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on February 13, 2012 at 11:47am

that is my concern too Dena

Permalink Reply by Charmed Life on February 13, 2012 at 12:00pm

The following info is cut and pasted right from the Shipsurance information page on Inkfrog's site.
I had to be logged in to access it, so I didn't think I could just provide links.

In the information below, it states that you have to have "proof of mailing" ... it doesn't mention "proof of tracking". Read the last FAQ and answer.

Q.) USPS doesn't offer insurance for USPS International First Class. Does your insurance cover that?

A.) Yes, this is one of the great benefits of using inkFrog to buy insurance! You can ship your items via USPS International First Class and be insured! It's Just $.79c for $19.95/mo plan members, .89c for $14.95 plan members, .95c for $9.95 plan members, 1.10 for Free members and Smart Counter plan members per $100 of coverage, per package, up to $2,500.00 for non USPS First-Class mail shipments and $999.99 for USPS First-Class mail shipments. USPS does not offer insurance coverage for this shipping method, so using our insurance is a great way to get the coverage you need.

Q.) What methods of USPS shipments are covered?

A.) All of them! Domestic and International. Please make sure to abide by our excluded country and excluded item lists.

Q.) How much coverage do I get?

A.) You can buy up to $2,500.00 for non USPS First-Class mail shipments and $999.99 for USPS First-Class mail shipments. You can also purchase up to $2500 worth for UPS and Fedex. The insurance covers freight from all risks of physical loss or damage from an external cause (subject to exclusions) while in transit. Shipments must originate from the United States of America and/or Canada and must be sent via the United States Postal Service or via United Parcel Service (UPS). Your shipments must be packages to withstand the normal rigors of transit and follow the rules of the shipping carriers. Please note there are exclusions.

Q.) What special requirements are there for Jewelry?

A.) Jewelry (includes necklaces, earrings, watches, rings, bracelets, broaches, etc) with a value of $500.00 or more must be sent with the Signature Confirmation service provided by the shipping carriers (must be signed for at delivery). This service is available by most shipping carriers often at an additional expense to their core shipping service. Jewelry shipments that do not abide by this condition are not covered by this program. The buyers and you, as the seller, do not want valuable jewelry left at their doorstep!

Q.) How do I file a claim?

A.) Filing a claim is very simple. To file a claim online, just go to this URL: http://www.inkfrog.com/claim.php. If you prefer to fax in a claim form, you can print and fill out the affidavit and the claim form. Then fax it to 818-668-8888 or you can mail it into the address found on the claim form.

The Insured will complete a SHIPSURANCE claim form and provide all required documents to SHIPSURANCE within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of shipment. If the carrier has liability and their remittance (carrier's claim check and stub) or response has not been received by the Insured within the 60 day timeframe, all other claim paperwork must be received by SHIPSURANCE within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of shipment. A complete claim submission includes a SHIPSURANCE claim form, a copy of the carrier's tracer form, a copy of the invoice (PayPal transaction recent or other eBay receipt) or recent appraisal, photos of damaged goods and packaging, a repair estimate, a claim statement signed by the recipient (or intended recipient), and any other documentation requested by SHIPSURANCE. Failure to complete the claim form and follow all claim instructions could lead to non settlement of claim. If the shipment is sent via the United States Postal Service (USPS), complete claims must be submitted and received by SHIPSURANCE within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days of the shipment date. If the claim is for loss the Insured must wait 21 calendar days (Domestic shipments) or 45 calendar days (International shipments) before filing claim with SHIPSURANCE. All damaged property that was not repaired must be made available (given) to SHIPSURANCE or INS if requested.

Q.) What kind of records should I keep for claims?

A.) One of the great things about buying insurance through inkFrog is that there are many different ways to keep you covered and prove you shipped your items. Any of the following can be used when filing claims as proof of shipment: USPS receipt, PayPal screen shot of shipping label or printout, Endicia Dazzle postage log, Stamps.com log, USPS.com history, or tracking number. Please note: Placing a postage stamp on your package and dropping it in the mail flow DOES NOT provide proof of mailing. Please use an online label printing service or take your package to the post office to pay for postage and generate a label.

Permalink Reply by Mitzi - Flipping Vintage on February 13, 2012 at 12:04pm

I am so glad to hear other people are feeling my pain about international shipping right now! I've always only shipped Priority (I don't use 1st class either for all the same reasons you all have already discussed) - but in the last year or so, I've had more buyers request 1st class than ever before, and more of them actually get ANGRY with me for not offering it as an option. Add that to the recent HUGE increase in Priority prices (the flat rate envelope and small box went up like $3?!?!?!), and I'm being forced to reconsider how I am going to do things moving forward...

I was searching for a way in PayPal to see what percentage of my sales are from overseas, and didn't have any luck. I got a general idea number on eBay, from the new lifetime sales stats - it worked out to under 10%. So not offering international shipping at all is looking to be an option for me, as much as I hate to turn down a sale...

Oh also I've had more international buyers cause me trouble in the last year than ever before also - the only 2 negative feedbacks I have ever gotten I got in the last year from overseas buyers. And there have been several that I have had to talk down so to speak, refund, bend over backwards for, etc. So you see why I am reconsidering it all together...

Because PP doesn't do 1st class labels, if I want to offer 1st class on Etsy, that means signing up and paying for a Stamps.com account. eBay will let you do 1st class labels from their site now though. I insure all my international packages automatically on eBay through Auctiva, but haven't insured any Etsy sales (most Etsy buyers decline when I tell them I only ship Priority anyway - they are very conditioned from other sellers that use 1st class).

Sorry if I'm not making much sense this whole issue is jumbled up in my head. :P

Permalink Reply by Gardenartus Antiques on February 13, 2012 at 12:17pm

I'll check my policy since using Shipsurance isn't through Inkfrog's site but through SS directly. :)

Just called them and YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I can only insure it up to $499 with our policy but this is great news. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charmed Life said:

The following info is cut and pasted right from the Shipsurance information page on Inkfrog's site.
I had to be logged in to access it, so I didn't think I could just provide links.

In the information below, it states that you have to have "proof of mailing" ... it doesn't mention "proof of tracking". Read the last FAQ and answer.

Q.) USPS doesn't offer insurance for USPS International First Class. Does your insurance cover that?

A.) Yes, this is one of the great benefits of using inkFrog to buy insurance! You can ship your items via USPS International First Class and be insured! It's Just $.79c for $19.95/mo plan members, .89c for $14.95 plan members, .95c for $9.95 plan members, 1.10 for Free members and Smart Counter plan members per $100 of coverage, per package, up to $2,500.00 for non USPS First-Class mail shipments and $999.99 for USPS First-Class mail shipments. USPS does not offer insurance coverage for this shipping method, so using our insurance is a great way to get the coverage you need.

Q.) What methods of USPS shipments are covered?

A.) All of them! Domestic and International. Please make sure to abide by our excluded country and excluded item lists.

Q.) How much coverage do I get?

A.) You can buy up to $2,500.00 for non USPS First-Class mail shipments and $999.99 for USPS First-Class mail shipments. You can also purchase up to $2500 worth for UPS and Fedex. The insurance covers freight from all risks of physical loss or damage from an external cause (subject to exclusions) while in transit. Shipments must originate from the United States of America and/or Canada and must be sent via the United States Postal Service or via United Parcel Service (UPS). Your shipments must be packages to withstand the normal rigors of transit and follow the rules of the shipping carriers. Please note there are exclusions.

Q.) What special requirements are there for Jewelry?

A.) Jewelry (includes necklaces, earrings, watches, rings, bracelets, broaches, etc) with a value of $500.00 or more must be sent with the Signature Confirmation service provided by the shipping carriers (must be signed for at delivery). This service is available by most shipping carriers often at an additional expense to their core shipping service. Jewelry shipments that do not abide by this condition are not covered by this program. The buyers and you, as the seller, do not want valuable jewelry left at their doorstep!

Q.) How do I file a claim?

A.) Filing a claim is very simple. To file a claim online, just go to this URL: http://www.inkfrog.com/claim.php. If you prefer to fax in a claim form, you can print and fill out the affidavit and the claim form. Then fax it to 818-668-8888 or you can mail it into the address found on the claim form.

The Insured will complete a SHIPSURANCE claim form and provide all required documents to SHIPSURANCE within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of shipment. If the carrier has liability and their remittance (carrier's claim check and stub) or response has not been received by the Insured within the 60 day timeframe, all other claim paperwork must be received by SHIPSURANCE within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of shipment. A complete claim submission includes a SHIPSURANCE claim form, a copy of the carrier's tracer form, a copy of the invoice (PayPal transaction recent or other eBay receipt) or recent appraisal, photos of damaged goods and packaging, a repair estimate, a claim statement signed by the recipient (or intended recipient), and any other documentation requested by SHIPSURANCE. Failure to complete the claim form and follow all claim instructions could lead to non settlement of claim. If the shipment is sent via the United States Postal Service (USPS), complete claims must be submitted and received by SHIPSURANCE within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days of the shipment date. If the claim is for loss the Insured must wait 21 calendar days (Domestic shipments) or 45 calendar days (International shipments) before filing claim with SHIPSURANCE. All damaged property that was not repaired must be made available (given) to SHIPSURANCE or INS if requested.

Q.) What kind of records should I keep for claims?

A.) One of the great things about buying insurance through inkFrog is that there are many different ways to keep you covered and prove you shipped your items. Any of the following can be used when filing claims as proof of shipment: USPS receipt, PayPal screen shot of shipping label or printout, Endicia Dazzle postage log, Stamps.com log, USPS.com history, or tracking number. Please note: Placing a postage stamp on your package and dropping it in the mail flow DOES NOT provide proof of mailing. Please use an online label printing service or take your package to the post office to pay for postage and generate a label.

Permalink Reply by Ruby Lane on February 13, 2012 at 12:23pm

Hi folks,

This is from Carol the Shop Owner.

I haven't shipped an International order in quite a while but I have shipped items Domestically via USPS. I have had more issues with shipments in the last 4 months than I have ever had in the 10 years I have had a shop on Ruby Lane. I usually self-insure for the smaller, low dollar items, meaning I will cover the cost should something get lost. But, with all the lost shipments, etc. I am going to start shipping and pay for insurance because it is adding up and not in my favor. I have had shipments returned to me without a stamp telling me why, I have had lost shipments, I had one that was returned and I reshipped it Priority Mail and I shipped it from the main post office. (I live in rural Georgia and we have a tiny little post office. I thought maybe that was the problem.. ? ) It took 5 days for the gal to receive the shipment, but at least she received it. I don't know what is up with USPS but something is. So, thanks for all the good information on insurance options, etc.

Carol

Permalink Reply by Gardenartus Antiques on February 13, 2012 at 12:35pm

Carol ShipInsurance is so much cheaper then USPS you should check into using it. I'm sorry to hear your having so many problems with USPS. In our area they are the best shipping service to use. I noticed other shop owners have had issues with them lately too. I really hope they resolve their issues soon.

Ruby Lane - Carol Augustine said:

Hi folks,

This is from Carol the Shop Owner.

I haven't shipped an International order in quite a while but I have shipped items Domestically via USPS. I have had more issues with shipments in the last 4 months than I have ever had in the 10 years I have had a shop on Ruby Lane. I usually self-insure for the smaller, low dollar items, meaning I will cover the cost should something get lost. But, with all the lost shipments, etc. I am going to start shipping and pay for insurance because it is adding up and not in my favor. I have had shipments returned to me without a stamp telling me why, I have had lost shipments, I had one that was returned and I reshipped it Priority Mail and I shipped it from the main post office. (I live in rural Georgia and we have a tiny little post office. I thought maybe that was the problem.. ? ) It took 5 days for the gal to receive the shipment, but at least she received it. I don't know what is up with USPS but something is. So, thanks for all the good information on insurance options, etc.

Carol

Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on February 13, 2012 at 1:02pm

According to Alexa Ruby Lane traffic:

71.4 USA

8.7 Canada

4.0 UK

2.3 Australia

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I have almost always shipped by Priority with delivery confirmation. I got burned once and enough for me.

I will self insure also up to a amount and first class in the USA. The difference is pennies though and only if they really have to have it first class. Something heavy perhaps.

I am sure I lose customers but I also feel if I would buy from the other countries I would be willing to pay the standard shipping to protect us both.

I generally will track a package on my end to see if it has arrived and then finalize the order.

Certificate of mailing for international. I have sold to many different countries but reserve the right to not.

---------------

If there is an alternative that works for first class and protects both ends that is great.

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on February 13, 2012 at 1:23pm

well it seems one can get the insurance? via those other companies but how do you track it? If the buyer says they have not received it, what proof do you have without tracking?? And if they do a chargeback on PayPal, PP will side with them because, even if it is insured with one of those outside insurers, you cannot provide Paypal with tracking, which is what they require.

I have thankfully had very very few attempts to defraud me over the 10 years of selling my collections but the few were sufficient for me to take PP seller protection very seriously...because I was covered, by having delivery confirmation or international Priority tracking, I was protected against the fraudulent claim of "package not received"...and in the case of one, it was a very expensive item, shipped overseas. (ebay sale).