Prices have been going up for a while now...it's now more expensive to ship from the USA to Australia the same package from the two auction houses than it is to ship the other way!
Last time I had a Flat Pack from EMP in the $40s, that was Jan 2012, in 2013 they were in the mid high $50s.
Suspect you've just missed the prices moving up slowly, plus right now a mid high $50s postage fee is now closer to AUD$75 for us...it stings.So let's say a poster I might have wanted recently would have come to close to $400 by the time it landed...
Bugger that! I'm going to dig up some old floorboards in houses in country NSW...
This is Bruce. Someone showed me your post on VintagePosterForum.
The reason your quote was higher this time was because the four daybills were expensive, and we put them in a box. That weighs more, and can't go First Class.
In the future, if you want us to not put expensive items in a box, we can send them in a regular Calumet container like we send inexpensive orders, but then of course, the chance of damage is much greater, so most collectors don't want that trade off.
And if you don't know it already, we only charge you exactly what we pay the Post Office, plus $3 for packaging materials. We never make a profit on shipping, but there have been so many increases the last few years that have caused the prices to rise dramatically.
I would still bet we charge way less than anyone else who packs as well as we do!
You might post some or all of the above on the forum, so that the entire truth is known.
My question is....what is the cut off point to make it expensive? Three of those daybills were under $110
In theory, the package can be sent via First Class if it weights 64 oz (1.8kg approx.) and combined length, height, and width is 36 inches (42 inches for rolls/tubes)Does your box fit First Class Packaging criteria in terms of weight and size? https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm?First-Class Package International Service®Affordable International ServiceAn economical way to send small packages to more than 180 countries. Send anything up to 4 lbs (cannot exceed $400 in value). From $6.55 online.Hide Details about First-Class Package International Service
Notes
Our most affordable international service for small packages
Includes USPS Trackingâ„¢ when you ship online to select destinations
Rules & Restrictions
Maximum weight is 64 oz
Maximum combined length, height, and width is 36 inches (42 inches for rolls/tubes)
Some countries have specific prohibitions and restrictions.
I've always wondered why sometimes I get a box full of peanuts and times their flat pack and you're right Dave. Their flat pack has always arrived without a scratch or dent on it.
I've always wondered why sometimes I get a box full of peanuts and times their flat pack and you're right Dave. Their flat pack has always arrived without a scratch or dent on it.
Ah I hear what you and David are saying, yes the flat packaging is very strong from EMP. - They put two layers of thick cardboard + thin MDF for a lobby card.
I might keep this in mind and pop a note in the shipping quote request that I'm happy for items to go flat package
Matt I'm assuming the $55 was for priority ? Sounds like it can go via first class, not sure why not an option when it meets usps requirements? Takes a little longer but still has tracking,
So you could save by flat packaging and or first class
Oh yeah their packaging is fantastic, but if there was a "flat packaging requested" box you could tick when requesting a quote, I think it could make it easier for both parties.
Oh yeah their packaging is fantastic, but if there was a "flat packaging requested" box you could tick when requesting a quote, I think it could make it easier for both parties.
Nice idea Matt. Are people of the opinion the first class option should be available more or do most people here like Priority?
I am pretty sure when I say I have always get the Priority Mail International - Insured option. Bottom line because they offer Pack n Send Later it helps make the overall cost of the items to see (each) less.
Comments
You know Sven.......it would of been cheaper if brought that Outlaw RR from JR......you of all people should known that! :P
lol
:P
I got this email from Bruce.
Matty,
This is Bruce. Someone showed me your post on VintagePosterForum.
The reason your quote was higher this time was because the four daybills were expensive, and we put them in a box. That weighs more, and can't go First Class.
In the future, if you want us to not put expensive items in a box, we can send them in a regular Calumet container like we send inexpensive orders, but then of course, the chance of damage is much greater, so most collectors don't want that trade off.
And if you don't know it already, we only charge you exactly what we pay the Post Office, plus $3 for packaging materials. We never make a profit on shipping, but there have been so many increases the last few years that have caused the prices to rise dramatically.
I would still bet we charge way less than anyone else who packs as well as we do!
You might post some or all of the above on the forum, so that the entire truth is known.
Thanks,
Bruce
https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm?First-Class Package International Service®Affordable International ServiceAn economical way to send small packages to more than 180 countries. Send anything up to 4 lbs (cannot exceed $400 in value). From $6.55 online.Hide Details about First-Class Package International Service
Notes
Rules & Restrictions
Ah I hear what you and David are saying, yes the flat packaging is very strong from EMP. - They put two layers of thick cardboard + thin MDF for a lobby card.
I might keep this in mind and pop a note in the shipping quote request that I'm happy for items to go flat package