Ideal International shipping. Netherlands>US

[Hamer Dave]

I need to get a 'Made in USA' Hamer guitar (in a profile shaped case) shipped to me from the Netherlands. I am in Illinois, USA. Seller got a quote from UPS for $425. Recalling what I've read in the past, UPS charges fees racking up the cost, that other methods don't. This leads me to believe there should be a better option. I've had a similar guitar shipped from Germany about a year ago for no more than $100 through their postal service, and from UK via eBay Global for about the same $100, plus some $30 or so broker(?) fee.

I'd like to wisely ship it safely, avoiding as much in additional fees, etc. possible. Appreciate any guidance. Thanks guys.

dave

[gorch]

I'd check with TNT, the Nederlandse verzending expert. UPS definitely is the last I would check.

TNT seems to join forces with FedEx globally.

[chromium]

Almost everything I've bought came by way of EMS (...and USPS once it hits the States)...

http://www.ems.post/operators/netherlands

Not sure if that is still the most affordable route, but it seemed to be at the time.  

Be aware that some of the carriers other than USPS will hit you with "customs brokerage fees".  This happened when I bought a B12S from Canada, and about a month later got a bill from DHL for ~$150.

[Hamer Dave]

Thanks guys! Yeah, the two I've gotten (Germany, UK), both made their way in the states via USPS very affordably, without surprises. Well, the UK one came via eBay's Global Delivery, and they appear to have added some kind of $30  broker(?)/handling fee, still not bad. Appreciate the quick input, and will share your thoughts. Figure there's a better way.

d

[Spadeace]

Pretty much what's being said, avoid using UPS and FedEx if you want a decent cost, TNT are great for speed, don't know about the cost though

[gorch]

Anything leading to USPS in the states should be right. I was just searching for the right operator, but found TNT through Google. If EMS is the the one. It's fine then.

[DaveL]

I've received EMS from Japan via the post office,   got it super quick, like 3-4 days...    I didn't know the exact

cost but it was reasonable for the shipper.    package arrived in good shape too. 

[Hamer Dave]

Ok, sender in the Netherlands called TNT and was told they only ship for 'business to business' market? He called Post Netherlands (EMS?) and was told they only ship max 100x50x50 centimeters(?), which a guitar is supposedly beyond in length. Is it possible that it is truly impossible to avoid UPS in his area (the Netherlands)?

I need to find a way to contact these couriers from the US.

[gorch]

Try FedEx. They might be cheaper than UPS.

[Hamer Dave]

Looks like hands tied, it has to come via UPS at a cost of $425. I sure as heck hope there's not going to be any customs/duty/tax beyond this coming to US. Is there any way to confirm? Via Customs/UPS? I know when I asked local USPS in delivery in reverse it's only $100-$200 depending on speed. And they assured nothing more. I got that feeling in my stomach, I don't like. 

[gorch]

For $425 the Dutch man could drive over to Germany and drop it at the next post office for much cheaper and have his fuel payed as well. It must be a huge box though.

[Hamer Dave]

11 hours ago, gorch said:

For $425 the Dutch man could drive over to Germany and drop it at the next post office for much cheaper and have his fuel payed as well. It must be a huge box though.

I wouldn't have thought of that, as I've no comprehension on the distance. I'm just hoping they don't hit me up. Thanks.

[gorch]

21 minutes ago, Hamer Dave said:

I wouldn't have thought of that, as I've no comprehension on the distance. I'm just hoping they don't hit me up. Thanks.

Most people don't realize that you can cross the Netherlands in an hour for the most part.

[Hamer Dave]

On July 6, 2016 at 2:53 PM, gorch said:

Most people don't realize that you can cross the Netherlands in an hour for the most part.

I should've been on top of that. Well... She's been picked up already. Waiting in anticipation. Appreciate all the input Gorch. You are awesome. I imagine you are in Europe? Your profile doesn't clarify.  

[gorch]

Europe, yes.