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UPS & FedEx: ultra expensive!

by Anonymous Affiliate
4 replies
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Hello everybody!


I am setting up an e-commerce website where I will be selling my own products (laptop cases).


The main problem I'm facing in this entire process is the expensive shipping costs via UPS and FedEx, specially for international orders (I ship from San Francisco). My parcels are around 3 lbs of weight and the size of a standard laptop, and for this type of parcel UPS and FedEx are quoting me almost US$100 for international orders.


Here's the thing: I've checked websites of competitors shipping similar products in size/weight, and they only charge $29 for international delivery! The difference, as you can see, is huge!


I cannot figure out how to bring down my shipping costs for international order.



Can anyone share some insight please?


Thank you!
#expensive #fedex #ultra #ups
  • Profile picture of the author Trankuility
    I ship from SF as well. I ship mma/boxing gear. Weight is usually between 1 - 10 pounds.

    For international orders I use USPS First Class. It's slow, but it's the cheapest option. I have never had an international customer complain. In fact, they are happy to wait for such a low price compared to competitors.
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    • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
      Originally Posted by Trankuility View Post

      I ship from SF as well. I ship mma/boxing gear. Weight is usually between 1 - 10 pounds.

      For international orders I use USPS First Class. It's slow, but it's the cheapest option. I have never had an international customer complain. In fact, they are happy to wait for such a low price compared to competitors.
      Thank you! I have 3 questions if I may, please:

      1) How long does it take to deliver an order to Europe?

      2) How do you deal with VAT for European orders?

      3) Do you have any problems with customs on international orders?


      Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

      Until you have some volume, yes UPS and Fed Ex will be expensive. That being said, check out the pricing if you purchase it through PayPal as they do have some pre-negotiated rates for them.
      That is the thing: how will I build up my volume in my UPS or FedEx accounts if, to begin with, I cannot possibly use them due to their super expensive price?
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      • Profile picture of the author Trankuility
        It takes anywhere from 1 - 3 weeks.

        I never have to deal with VAT even though shipping to Europe. I just ship and that's that.

        No problems with customs so far. But you have to make sure to affix the proper postage labels. Different areas have different rules. Also, pack it in a way that's easy to open. If customs decides to open the package, the easier it is for them to do so, the better condition it will be in when the customer picks it up.

        And of course, on my site I have it spelled out plainly that international customers are responsible for any duties or fee's that customs may charge.

        Oh yeah, and make sure you describe the items plainly on the customs document but don't include brand names or anything that might tempt someone to steal the item.
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  • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
    Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

    Hello everybody!


    I am setting up an e-commerce website where I will be selling my own products (laptop cases).


    The main problem I'm facing in this entire process is the expensive shipping costs via UPS and FedEx, specially for international orders (I ship from San Francisco). My parcels are around 3 lbs of weight and the size of a standard laptop, and for this type of parcel UPS and FedEx are quoting me almost US$100 for international orders.


    Here's the thing: I've checked websites of competitors shipping similar products in size/weight, and they only charge $29 for international delivery! The difference, as you can see, is huge!


    I cannot figure out how to bring down my shipping costs for international order.



    Can anyone share some insight please?


    Thank you!
    Until you have some volume, yes UPS and Fed Ex will be expensive. That being said, check out the pricing if you purchase it through PayPal as they do have some pre-negotiated rates for them. Are these Mac or cases for windows laptops?
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