Anyone else have this issue when posting in the Classifieds? Several times the last month, members have responded to my ads which say "shipped CONUS" and want me to ship to Hawaii or Puerto Rico. I usually ship UPS because the tracking/insurance is better. To ship to both is prohibitively expensive, and PR for example via UPS also requires Customs paperwork and who knows who has to pay the customs fees. The members from PR especially tell me how PR is a state and USPS shipping is no more there, but when I check it's like double what CONUS shipping is.
My ads say shipped CONUS but members want items shipped non-CONUS
- Thread starter cmatera
- Start date
Depending on the size/weight of the item, it could be a lot more.
Give him/her the dimensions and weight of the box and your outgoing zip code and have the buyer confirm the actual shipping cost to PR on the USPS website. If he/she is willing to pay that actual amount then you guys should be able to do the deal?
Give him/her the dimensions and weight of the box and your outgoing zip code and have the buyer confirm the actual shipping cost to PR on the USPS website. If he/she is willing to pay that actual amount then you guys should be able to do the deal?
I typically list items as continental US only but last year had a positive experience with a member from Hawaii. He politely requested I look into shipping flat rate to Hawaii using the USPS standard sized boxes. He lives on Kauai, one of the westernmost islands. It was a scope and cost a whopping $12 to ship to him. I was shocked.
Sent him the scope and I received payment and all worked out well, both of us pleased with the transaction.
If it's something small that'll drop into a flat rate USPS box, it might just surprise you how cheap it can be, to Hawaii at least.
Sent him the scope and I received payment and all worked out well, both of us pleased with the transaction.
If it's something small that'll drop into a flat rate USPS box, it might just surprise you how cheap it can be, to Hawaii at least.
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I live in US Virgin Islands and never had an issue shipping out or receiving items via USPS. More expensive yes but the buyer can cover the cost difference if they really want what you are selling. I don't see the problem with that or taking the extra 5 min to fill out some paperwork if it is required.
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In most my cases, it is a gun. It will not fit in a flat rate box, and they want me to ship it 3 day Priority Mail-and pay for it.
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Some folks may have no idea what CONUS means. In my adds I state “US mainland only, no AK, HI, or Territories”.
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shipping to PR and HI is the same rate through USPS using USPS Flat rate Packaging.
Any other packaging will cost more to ship .
Obviously, a gun will not fit into any flat rate box and i would Never consider shipping a gun out of the lower 48, much less through USPS.
There are just some sales that are Not worth the possible issues that could be incurred. It's just best to list the items as being shipped within the lower 48 and the potential buyers will just have to understand.
I have shipped 1/4 scale radio control cars all over the world, I ALWAYS make sure the customer understands the chance they are taking and i make them sign a release form that is legal and binding in Most court cases.
These cars are boxed up in a wooden crate constructed of 1 x 4 lumber and so far i have only had one of them get damaged in shipping to a collector in Australia, and that happened at his customs depot by a idiot on a fork lift..
My point is sometimes it's better for both parties to just walk away from a deal, and if the buyer insists you as the seller make dang sure he/she understands ALL the risks and they are responsible for any additional taxes or damage
Any other packaging will cost more to ship .
Obviously, a gun will not fit into any flat rate box and i would Never consider shipping a gun out of the lower 48, much less through USPS.
There are just some sales that are Not worth the possible issues that could be incurred. It's just best to list the items as being shipped within the lower 48 and the potential buyers will just have to understand.
I have shipped 1/4 scale radio control cars all over the world, I ALWAYS make sure the customer understands the chance they are taking and i make them sign a release form that is legal and binding in Most court cases.
These cars are boxed up in a wooden crate constructed of 1 x 4 lumber and so far i have only had one of them get damaged in shipping to a collector in Australia, and that happened at his customs depot by a idiot on a fork lift..
My point is sometimes it's better for both parties to just walk away from a deal, and if the buyer insists you as the seller make dang sure he/she understands ALL the risks and they are responsible for any additional taxes or damage
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Nothing wrong with shipping to the lower 48 only. I live in Hawaii, I will politely ask a seller if they would consider shipping provided I cover the costs. Some say yes some say no. I have great experiences with USPS priority w/ tracking and shipping. As for “territories” not sure what kind of paperwork is needed for that. Flat rate priority is good for all 50 states at the same cost. USPS priority depends on dimensional measurements and weight, too big it has to go parcel post 6-8 week wait time minimum. I also like to pay with PayPal so the buyer is not waiting.
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I think it depends on the understanding between buyer and seller. I would sell and ship outside CONUS, if the buyer agrees that the delivery risk is his. He agrees to the amount and type of insurance, for which he pays. If the item is lost or damaged, then an insurance claim is made, and that process goes where it goes. Any insurance proceeds are signed over to the buyer, but I've been paid, and he gets what he gets. Pack well and document.
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I have sold and shipped airguns to Guam, the individual purchasing the airgun purchased shipping and sent me the shipping label as a PDF via e-mail. I just printed it, taped it to the box and dropped it off at the carrier. I did have to provide him my address and the size/weight of the box, but had no issues at all. Comparing rates, it was quite a bit cheaper for him to purchase the shipping from here to there over there ahan is was for me to purchase the exact same shipping from here! Don't understand why, but it is what it is...
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I have a close friend that just moved to Hawaii last year. In January we visited them and had a great time exploring the island. He is just getting into airguns and I helped him tune his gun and sight it in Then we did some pig hunting.
We have shipped a lot of things back and forth using priority mail boxes and this works great. When a larger box is needed the cost is higher.
my question is; if they are willing to cover the extra cost, is there a problem with shipping to Alaska/ Hawaii? It’s U. S. so the regulations are the same. The package doesn’t know its flying over water
We have shipped a lot of things back and forth using priority mail boxes and this works great. When a larger box is needed the cost is higher.
my question is; if they are willing to cover the extra cost, is there a problem with shipping to Alaska/ Hawaii? It’s U. S. so the regulations are the same. The package doesn’t know its flying over water
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Had a gun shipped from Puerto Rico last year through USPS for $48, no problems. Seller was a little leery because it was going to New York, I told him I was not in New York City, very smooth transaction.
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I will always say 'shipped CONUS' but recently made a sale to a fellow in PR. I was leery on shipping and found that it really was no more than shipping elsewhere. I shipped a rifle/scope/bipod insured for $68. I'm open to talking to folks when I say 'shipped CONUS', but the understanding is that if it's much more, then they reimburse me, and folks have when asked. All in how it's communicated before the transaction occurs.
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Where you ship is your choice. I can say from experience that shipping outside CONUS is not only expensive but time consuming. I usually say "CONUS ONLY unless otherwise negotiated BEFORE sale." That way it gives me the option to upcharge appropriately or deny the sale. BTW, anyone who gets pushy is denied the sale. After all, CONUS means Continental US
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