Tips to shipping to Europe

Shipping is a global industry and the second largest in the world after oil. To ship items, you need warehouses and a shipping company that can deliver your product to your destination on time and in good shape. Shipping to Europe requires a little more work than shipping to America, but is still an easy process.

Tips to shipping

1.Shipping time

This is not an exact science, but it could be. Shipping to Europe can take up to two weeks, usually between 10-14 days. Sometimes it will be faster, but if you are looking for an exact date of delivery, it would be a good idea to give the shipping company a heads up about when you want the item delivered by and what date you need it in. They will try their best to get it there on time and have had success getting packages in a little sooner than expected.

2.Shipping methods

There are three shipping methods available that are the most direct way of international shipping: airmail, surface mail and priority mail. These methods also have a domestic customs listed. You will be given a customs number when you are shipped by the shipping company, and again once you receive the package. You will then need to declare these numbers to your local customs office when they pick up the package, usually within 30 days of the delivery date.

3.Shipping prices

All of the above methods are pretty standard, but more expensive than domestic shipping to Europe. USPS Priority Mail International is $35 to $45 for 4 – 7 business days depending on where you live. Priority Mail International is a good method if you are shipping an item to Canada or Europe, as it can be delivered 2 – 3 business days faster than the cheapest way to ship to Europe over land.

4.Free shipping

Some shipping companies will offer free shipping if you spend more than a certain amount of money, up to $100. This is a great way to save money on international shipping. The only downside is that it doesn’t always work when you need it most, like for Christmas and special occasions. One company we looked at offers a free 5 pound weight limit on any package, so even if your package was heavy all the way around, they would help you out with cheaper methods anyway.

5.Insurance

Insurance costs are not so bad if you are really worried about damage during transit but it should not be necessary.

6.How much to ship?

If you are shipping something like a book or clothes, then it should be 2 pounds. Anything over that is fine but is considered extra weight and the shipping company will then charge you more for their trouble. They have to help you with the extra weight in some way, so it makes sense for them to charge more for this problem. If you are shipping something like a tool set, furniture or an appliance, then space really is not available in most packages to add items like tape, scissors and other small items that are needed as part of the package.