The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have been quoted $47.95 to send a book from the US to the UK by Priority Mail, which the seller says is the cheapest service.

As this represents about 40% of the cost of the book, can anyone please confirm that this is the going rate before I place an order?

It cost $52 to send a Columbia q from the us to uk, so I imagine you could send a book cheaper!

A lot depends on the size. If it fits in one of the prepaid boxes you might get a cheaper rate from the USPS. Also they used to have a book rate which might be worth exploring. If you are using UPS or FedEx it can get pretty pricey.

In my experience of buying quite a lot of 78s from the US over the years, it varies by location which postal service is available, and their costs - quite widely. When a seller is unable to ship at anything like as low a cost as another can, there has sometimes been a plausible reason.

epigramophone wrote:I have been quoted $47.95 to send a book from the US to the UK by Priority Mail, which the seller says is the cheapest service.

As this represents about 40% of the cost of the book, can anyone please confirm that this is the going rate before I place an order?

https://www.usps.com/
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.asp ... =6&p=3&o=0
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.asp ... =2&p=3&o=0

$16.95 (not padded)

Priority Mail® International Flat Rate Envelope
Maximum Value for Contents: $400.00
USPS-Produced Envelope: 12-½" x 9-½"
Maximum weight 4 pounds.

$16.95 (for padded envelope)

Priority Mail® International Padded Flat Rate Envelope
Maximum Value for Contents: $400.00
USPS-Produced Envelope: 12-½" x 9-½"
Maximum weight 4 pounds.

That sounds more like it, but I was going to ask about the dimensions and weight, if this is some sort of outsized book. Folks complain about the UK postal rates but I frequently get small packages from England for $5-10 average postage. I can't imagine a book
costing anything close to your quote. John

Thankyou everyone for your input.

The book in question is the late George Frow's "Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion", which although substantial is not exactly a coffee table publication.

I will be querying the cost with the seller.........

The magic number here is "4 pounds". If the package is under 4 pounds, shipping is usually no more than $30. Once you cross 4 pounds, then you must use the international priority service which starts at around $40.

I have now clarified the postage situation with the seller.

In fairness, it transpires that he was quoting for packing the book in a box, but he is happy to use the padded envelope option for the price stated on the USPS website.

I shall be placing an order on receipt of his PayPal invoice, so thankyou again one and all for your help. My wife now knows what she is getting me for Christmas .

The late George Frow's "Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion" made the Atlantic crossing in it's USPS padded envelope and arrived in perfect condition, so UK buyers should be able to use this option with confidence. The seller had very sensibly wrapped the book in cardboard before inserting it into the envelope, just to make sure.

Although it is 55 years since I acquired my first gramophone, I came late to cylinder machines and have only just got round to adding the definitive book on the subject to my collection. My wife has now hidden it, so the next time I see it will be on Christmas morning.