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Post by heinrich42 on Jan 15, 2010 13:06:42 GMT -5
Hi, I was wondering what the best(and cheapest)way to ship an airsoft gun internationally would be?
Thanks.
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kalbs
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,142
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Post by kalbs on Jan 15, 2010 19:13:53 GMT -5
Hi, I was wondering what the best(and cheapest)way to ship an airsoft gun internationally would be? Thanks. From where to where and what is the situation? Buying, selling, moving?
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Post by heinrich42 on Jan 15, 2010 22:06:18 GMT -5
USA to Belgium.Selling.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 16, 2010 18:01:22 GMT -5
First insure that there are no Restriction going into Belgium and if there are double check to insure the BUYER is completely willing to accept the risk. (Get it in writing!) Discover if there are any disclaimers or requirements such as Americas stupid orange tip barrel requirement which only stands in most states for import (once here they can be removed) The UK requires a membership in a UK registered airsoft club
Belgium speaks French and Flemish so if they do require disclaimers provide them in English, French and Flemish.
REFERENCE DOUANIERE (Customs Declaration code) NDP950390109001D Article Air Comprimé"
Ce jouet est une réplique d’arme d’une puissance inférieure à 1 Joule. Sa commercialisation est régie par le décret n°99-240 du 24 mars 1999 relatif aux conditions de commercialisation de certains objets ayant l’apparence d’une arme à feu »
(This is the discalimer in French)
The least expensive shipping to Europe is via US Post and will cost around $60.00 to the continent. Fed Ex and UPS will be considerably more but will be a lot quicker in most cases. Even with FED EX the most likely cause of delay will be the countries Customs service which will often sit on the shipment for weeks and even longer.
I have had many a customer impatiently wait for my rifles thinking I've not shipped them when it turns out their customs are clearing them and haven't even looked at the box yet. (Sometimes for weeks and weeks) Other times they breeze right through.
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Post by heinrich42 on Jan 16, 2010 18:11:50 GMT -5
John, Thanks for the info. The buyer said that he does not believe there are any restrictions, but I definately plan on double checking. I will also be sure to get a formal agreement from him saying that he is willing to accept the risk of importing the rifle.
As far as shipping it through USPS, do they allow airsoft weapons to be shipped internationally?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 16, 2010 22:54:09 GMT -5
I have never had a problem shipping an airsoft rifle through US Post. You will have to fill out a Customs Declaration and since it's a somewhat lengthy form don't wait to get up to the counter to fill it out. Get one before the fact and either pre-address it or fill it out while you're in line. I usually list the item on the form as a Theatrical Prop Replica for use in Display or Historical events. The Customs forms are usually available in racks near the line but you sometimes have to ask for them.
The Postal counter person will usually just ask to insure there is nothing hazardous or illegal in the box. You will also have to list a value of the item and often buyers will ask you to minimize the value to save on tariffs or Value Added Taxes. I do not recommend you do that.
Be as honest as possible on your declaration.
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Post by m5a11943 on Jan 18, 2010 9:18:25 GMT -5
One more thing you may find helpful. Stay in contact with your customer. Tell them by email or any other form of communication, every step of the way. If you were to build the gun, tell them when you start, finish and shipping date. CYOA is the statement to live by.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 18, 2010 15:14:38 GMT -5
I should correct my statement by saying I have never had a problem shipping OVERSEAS with US Post Office! I'm a firm believer in self insuring and when you total the 7 to 8.00 it costs to insure a package and lose one in a hundred (or in my case far less) it's financially worthwhile to eat the loss. With that said the psychological loss is a different story.
If you rarely ship anything, insurance is probably a sound bet if for nothing else, for peace of mind. For the Post Office or shipping companies it's a great profit center.
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