Those of you who've done it.....

[mommaU4]

What's the best, cheapest, fastest way to send back and forth from the US to the UK?

I'd love to send to over there, but am hesitant because of the cost. On average, anyone know how much a package would cost to mail over there? Also how do you send it? Is there a special way to make sure it doesn't take too long?

Thanks in advance for the info and tips!

 

[mommytotwo]

Shipping prices would vary depending on how heavy the item is. But if it is something very heavy I would use the flat rate international boxes. Check to see if it is worth it by going onto the usps site, and see what your shipping price would be. I always ship via Air Mail, and that takes anywhere from 7-15days.

 

[Meriweather]

keep it under 2 pounds if possible. Be sure to mail air, not ground.
The flat boxes are good....if you want to spend a lot But if you want to do heavy items that is the way to go.

Here are some examples from using the usps website
envelope 1 1/2 pounds, first class= $13.60.
if you can fit it into a flat rate envelope = $11.00 6-10 days

2 pound package, first class= $16.80
priority flat rate box 6-10 days = $37.00
there is a couple dollar discount if you print your postage online

looks like it takes about 5 pounds for the flat rate to be a better price

 

[spookysarah]

Airmail is the only option for me to use. Some sample cost are below for comparison. Airmail takes approx 5 working days so the website says. Before I started exchanging I did not realise how much it cost to post to the USA. It will not put me off though. I hope there are people willing to mail over here.

680g or 1 1/2 lbs £7.87 - $15.36

907g or 2lbs £10.27 - $20.56

2000g or 4 lbs £21.07 $41.16

**Edit - had to update the prices as I had the 'letters' rate instead of 'parcels'. The good news is that those prices are a good bit cheaper! **

 

[mommaU4]

Sarah, that's nuts!! I know you signed up for the snack cake/cookie exchange that I'm hosting, and those aren't light to ship. I don't want you paying 30 bucks or more to mail something unless you really want to.

The names haven't gone out yet, so if you feel like it's just too pricey I would totally understand. Just let me know before Friday.

So frustrating for it to cost so much!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I have had the same as pp. I have been told at two different post offices that I could mail overseas only by air.
And one package I mailed last Fall had to go Priority on top of that.
Price is steep.
It use to be I could expect to pay $14 - $22 to mail a box.
Now I would expect it to be $22 - $48.
Hence I stick to small light weight packets now.
Disappointing because I enjoyed overseas exchanges. But the mailing cost is far too unreasonable now.

(And with the cost of the priority they should have had the package in no time. It took at least a week.)

 

[spookysarah]

Sarah, that's nuts!! I know you signed up for the snack cake/cookie exchange that I'm hosting, and those aren't light to ship. I don't want you paying 30 bucks or more to mail something unless you really want to.

The names haven't gone out yet, so if you feel like it's just too pricey I would totally understand. Just let me know before Friday.

So frustrating for it to cost so much!

Noooooo, please don't think I want to pull out of the exchange. I was just surprised that's all. I simply cannot deny one of you the chance to taste our finest and strangest goodies! Plus I am very excited about what I might receive too.

So please keep my name on the list, I've already started shopping!

 

[Meriweather]

I used to mail to Nutsy a couple of times a year.
We used to exchange a Christmas box.
I used to pay about $50 to mail.....ground....about 25 pounds or so.
Then they got rid of the ground option, so we had to cut WAY back
I miss it.
Our postage rates do go up May 12....so we'll see how that effects the package prices

 

[mommaU4]

Noooooo, please don't think I want to pull out of the exchange. I was just surprised that's all. I simply cannot deny one of you the chance to taste our finest and strangest goodies! Plus I am very excited about what I might receive too.

So please keep my name on the list, I've already started shopping!

OK, that's fine. I still have you down. I just didn't want you to feel obligated if it was too much, kwim?
I'm glad you're doing the exchanges with us.

I used to mail to Nutsy a couple of times a year.
We used to exchange a Christmas box.
I used to pay about $50 to mail.....ground....about 25 pounds or so.
Then they got rid of the ground option, so we had to cut WAY back
I miss it.
Our postage rates do go up May 12....so we'll see how that effects the package prices

Oh, that's too bad. I can't believe prices are even going to go higher!

 

[flrose]

I don't know if this will help you any and I haven't checked it out yet since I am at work but, this website was in our local paper today.
www.shipgooder.com
it's a free on line service to compare shipping rates.

 

[mommaU4]

Disappointing because I enjoyed overseas exchanges. But the mailing cost is far too unreasonable now.

(And with the cost of the priority they should have had the package in no time. It took at least a week.)

Yeah, it is disappointing. I'd love to send overseas but my budget simply doesn't allow it.

I don't know if this will help you any and I haven't checked it out yet since I am at work but, this website was in our local paper today.
www.shipgooder.com
it's a free on line service to compare shipping rates.

I'll check that out. Thanks.

 

[spookysarah]

Sarah, that's nuts!! I know you signed up for the snack cake/cookie exchange that I'm hosting, and those aren't light to ship. I don't want you paying 30 bucks or more to mail something unless you really want to.

The names haven't gone out yet, so if you feel like it's just too pricey I would totally understand. Just let me know before Friday.

So frustrating for it to cost so much!

Erm, I have to hold my hand up and say I read the wrong prices column - doh! The good news is that the prices are a fair bit lower - woohoo! More exchanges for me I think! I have edited my original post too.