UPDATE! - Shipping to Germany...having issues

[rupe]

So, I sold a guitar to a guy in Germany but I've been having a hard time shipping it. After getting a runaround (twice) from the UPS counter at Staples, I finally timed my visit well and hooked up with a manager. Long story short, I was told that I couldn't ship through them because the values of the package was too high ($5500) and that I would need authorization from the US Census Bureau??? They gave me no further info and essentially told me that its my job to figure it out.

The buyer insists on UPS Worldwide Saver and has paid me for the service (over $500) but UPS won't ship until I get authorization. Does this sound correct? I've never seen/heard of this issue before...any help in pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[djpharoah]

Go to a proper UPS Store not a dealer who ships UPS. They probably just don't want the headache of doing the extra work required by such a high dollar item.

 

[Digital Jams]

LNG JEM curse.....................Once you own LNG you are in for the long haul.


Serious note try to PM Olaf.

 

[rupe]

 

[steve_k]

www.ups.com and do it online. you can fill out the customs declarations and print everything out. schedule a pick up.

steve

 

[Scumback Speakers]

I'd go USPS myself. I shipped a guitar worth $3800 a few years back via Express Mail Service and it was under $300 and got there in 3 days.

You might give them a shot.

 

[Mailman1971]

I'd go USPS myself. I shipped a guitar worth $3800 a few years back via Express Mail Service and it was under $300 and got there in 3 days.

You might give them a shot.

I shipped guitars....amps....all over the world. If leaving the Continental USA.....USPS...your best bet.
And like Jim said....Express mail. The way to do it.

 

[bwgintegra]

I would use USPS, I have shipped two items using USPS with good results recently. Sent an amp to Dan Gower in GB and my Suhr Modern to Finland. Both got there in less than 10 days.

 

[glpg80]

I'd go USPS myself. I shipped a guitar worth $3800 a few years back via Express Mail Service and it was under $300 and got there in 3 days.

You might give them a shot.

I shipped guitars....amps....all over the world. If leaving the Continental USA.....USPS...your best bet.
And like Jim said....Express mail. The way to do it.

+1

I just dealt with an over-seas damage claim and thank god for USPS being involved - the claims process was about 4-6 months but it was worth it. Document the packaging before you ship it and make sure you have proof of the payment options before you ship it. Keep everything and you're golden. make copies of the customs form, insurance form, and mail receipt - send the originals with the box and you keep the copies. If it is damaged then USPS allows either side to start the claim - but whoever has the original paperwork is the one who technically has to follow suite.

 

[steve_k]

I use USPS/EMS to send back to the US. Only problem I have had with them is that I sent a guitar and an amp out on the same day. The amp was going to Greg in PA and the guitar to Kurt in OR. I got an email from Greg that the Les Paul showed up at his house and the next day the SLO showed up at Kurt's! I paid out of my pocket for them to be sent to the rightful owners via UPS as it was easiest, sitting over here. But, I haven't had any other issues with them.

UPS/Fedex/DHL have all gotten into the nose bleed prices for shipping. But, I think the OP stated that the buyer wanted to use UPS.

 

[guitarnie]

Take plenty of pics with the date stamp. I sent a LP to Germany and the neck cracked. The guy was trying to say I sold him a broken guitar. I had a ton of hi res pictures that took me out of the loop immediately. I assumed UPS took care of him, I never heard a word from him.

 

[sparkle**]

DHL is also an option

 

[King Guitar]

I just shipped a Martin D35 to Russia like 45 minutes ago and it was $145 via USPS Express Mail.

If you must go one of the big carriers Go FedEx and call the FedEx Great Rates hotline and see what kind of deal you can get, sometimes 50% off depending not he day you ship.

UPS is the dead last resort in my extensive guitar shipping experience.

B

 

[rupe]

The guy insists on UPS World Saver...he's footing the bill ($562) so it makes no difference to me. Pickup is scheduled for today...so long to the LNG!

Thanks for all the tips...much appreciated!

 

[Digital Jams]

 

[thegame]

In general, what do you guys think of DHL vs. Fedex ? I think Fedex is most expensive but possibly a little more reliable ?

I won't even discuss Oops !

 

[rupe]

I still have another Jem...one that actually sounds incredible. Things are gonna be ok

 

[steve_k]

In general, what do you guys think of DHL vs. Fedex ? I think Fedex is most expensive but possibly a little more reliable ?

I won't even discuss Oops !

I use DH Hell quite a lot of here in the sand pit. Haven't really had any problems to speak of.

Go here:

www.ipsparcel.com and check them out. They buy empty wholesale cargo space. Prices are generally 1/2 to 2/3 what normal rates are. They ship either UPS or DHL, depending on what's available and shipping location. You can do everything online and print out the labels, schedule PU, etc.

Steve

 

[thegame]

In general, what do you guys think of DHL vs. Fedex ? I think Fedex is most expensive but possibly a little more reliable ?

I won't even discuss Oops !

I use DH Hell quite a lot of here in the sand pit. Haven't really had any problems to speak of.

Go here:

http://www.ipsparcel.com and check them out. They buy empty wholesale cargo space. Prices are generally 1/2 to 2/3 what normal rates are. They ship either UPS or DHL, depending on what's available and shipping location. You can do everything online and print out the labels, schedule PU, etc.

Steve

Thanks Steve

 

[jkdsteve]

I'd go USPS myself. I shipped a guitar worth $3800 a few years back via Express Mail Service and it was under $300 and got there in 3 days.

You might give them a shot.

USPS has maximum limitations on carriage insurance..probably $500 to Germany, in spite of what it says on their website.

I shipped my ESP KH-20 to Germany via USPS at request of a buyer...I was crapping myself until it arrived.