Int'l Shipping - eBay

[gemering]

I just sold a 1931 Philco Model 90 Cathedral Radio on ebay.
The auction closed at $350, which I think is a reasonable price.
When I calculated shipping for the winning bidder, who's from the UK, I found FedEx - $615 and UPS - $620.
I thought these were very high shipping rates.
Any cheaper way?

Gene

[Raphael]

Gene,

One-time shippers with FedEx who do not have an account # and a pre-arranged discount will pay the full tariff rate.

Another point to remember is that there is something called "Dimensional Weight". FedEx calculates it as L x W x H (in inches)divided by 139. They will charge you for the greater of actual weight or Dimensional Weight. It's important not to waste space inside the box or crate.

You can also go to FedEx "Great Rates" department - this is not generally known to many people, including FedEx employees. They can often arrange a one-time shipping discount, sometimes up to 90% off the tariff rates. Here's a link: https://pages.message.fedex.com/GreatRates/

I've been dealing with FedEx international shipments for 30 years, and find the rates to be better than UPS, who I rarely use any longer.

Hope this helps,

Raphael

[fmblizz]

Thanks for posting that information Raphael... I'll bet most members on this forum never heard of this special "great rate" site for FedEx..

Blizz

[Raphael]

Gary,

Most FedEx employees have never heard of Great Rates either. I started using it about 6 or 7 years ago, when I had a big shipment going to China. A friend tipped me off about it, and I ended up reducing a $10,000 shipping bill to about $2,500. I've been using Great Rates ever since.

One note of caution: international shipments require patience and attention to detail. There is a lot of paperwork, clearances, etc. involved, and sometimes I spend more time on that than the actual packing. And if you don't do it right, the shipment won't get very far and might end up back in your driveway or permanently stuck in customs overseas.

Raphael

[gemering]

Raphael,

To second what Gary wrote, thank you so much for posting the 'Great Rate" info.

Gene

[long_island_phono]

Gene,

Use USPS. They utilize FedEx anyway for international shipments and you ought to be able to ship that Philco in a 20" x 20" x 20" Fed Ex box (with a second inner box of course) for around 175-200 USD, although it may be cheaper.

USPS has never failed me and I have shipped well over a hundred phonographs world-wide. Just make sure to pack smart and pack well and insure the package!

all the best,

Jake

[briankeith]

I wish you luck Gene shipping a Philco 90 - very heavy and very fragile especially the grille. I have a 70 and a 90 bought at the Canandaigua, New York Antique Radio Show back in 2001. A good show to go to if you also collect radios

[edisonplayer]

At the antique center in my town someone bought a Standard Model A talking machine.The man who bought it sent it to Mexico.I wonder what the shipping & handling would've been?edisonplayer

[Garret]

Raphael,

Do you have to have a business account to qualify for the Great Rates program, or can personal accounts also qualify?

Best,

Garret

[Raphael]

My FedEx account is a personal one, so I guess that is all you need.

Raphael