Courier to USA

charlies_mum

I have sold an item for over £500 which will be going to the USA and due to the value want to send it by a guaranteed signed for method.

The weight is only 200g, so any suggestions for the best carrier ?

RFW

200g - Royal Mail is generally the best option.

DHL via Staples might have some good rates but not sure of the insurance.

charlies_mum

RFW wrote: »

200g - Royal Mail is generally the best option.

DHL via Staples might have some good rates but not sure of the insurance.

Thanks, but I didn't think I could get a signed for option with Royal Mail ? International Signed for only tracks until it leaves the UK and and I really want something that is fully tracked and signed for

Obviously_the_best

Don't use Royal mail for tracked outside of the UK, never!!!

https://www.interparcel.com would be £20.70 with FEDEX, plus insurance (based on a 20*15*10 parcel weighing <1kg)

devildog

I believe Royal Mail use Transglobal express. I have sent small items through Royal Mail to Far East that was until I discovered Transglobal Exress Org online. First parcel I sent with them weighed 9.7 kg(lol) cost me £45 (which included a £5 cost for insurance)Parcel was collected from my home (by DHL) tracked it all the way online and it arrived(and was signed for) at it's destination 36 hours later(no kidding)
I could of sent this parcel through the Post office(with Transglobal handling it for the grand cost of £120!!)

With it being only 200g though( 4 oz ?!) Post Office should come out at around £20(tracked,signed for and insured)providing it doesn't exceed their stated dimensions.

Obviously_the_best

devildog wrote: »

I believe Royal Mail use Transglobal express

I wouldn't listen to a word this guy says after that!!! The most complete and utter load of tosh I've ever heard!!! :eek::eek::eek:

They bl*ddy well don't, transglobal are a reseller, and why would they when they have a worldwide courier arm (parcelfarce) anyway!!!

devildog wrote: »

With it being only 200g though( 4 oz ?!) Post Office should come out at around £20(tracked,signed for and insured)

If you read above, the PO don't guarantee any tracking or signature outside of the UK!!!

RFW

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

Don't use Royal mail for tracked outside of the UK, never!!!

I'm not disputing this as I don't use it, but Airsure on the Royal Mail website says "Visible - Royal Mail Track & Trace provides peace of mind by tracking the item up to the point of delivery and providing delivery confirmation online." I understand they don't guarantee delivery but they do offer possible insurance up to £500 which is what was requested, or am I missing something?
https://www.royalmail.com/airsure

From what I can gather with insurance for £500 this would come out at around £10.

devildog

LOL This guy is a gal
Doesn't Airsure do this?
http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/delivery-options-international/airsure

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/delivery-options-international/airsure/details

To send parcel via Post office/transglobal would of cost me £120!!
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/letters-parcels/overseas-letters-parcels/compare-overseas-sending-options
Don't know how it all works tbh who re sells what to who, simply know that by doing it online I saved myself a fortune

Maybe I am also getting confused with the global services that Parcel force do too.

devildog

I got it to £20.41 with Airsure-£5.30 airsure fee,price for 200g £12.61 and additional £2.50 for additional insurance

Obviously_the_best

But if charlies-mum want GUARATNEED tracking then Royal mail don't offer a suitable service, the following piece of text is taken from the RM website:

Airsure® is not a guaranteed product so no compensation can be claimed in the event of delay or missing Track & Trace messages. Please use Parcelforce for a guaranteed service

I only have about 40% of all the airsures I've ever sent track!!!

soolin

devildog wrote: »

LOL This guy is a gal
Doesn't Airsure do this?
http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/delivery-options-international/airsure

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/delivery-options-international/airsure/details

To send parcel via Post office/transglobal would of cost me £120!!
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/letters-parcels/overseas-letters-parcels/compare-overseas-sending-options
Don't know how it all works tbh who re sells what to who, simply know that by doing it online I saved myself a fortune

Maybe I am also getting confused with the global services that Parcel force do too.

The OP though asked for "guaranteed signed for method."

However the Royal Mail website here:

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/delivery-options-international/airsure/faqs#13300224

says quite clearly:

Are all Airsure® items electronically tracked until they are delivered?

We track all Airsure® items until they leave the UK. The item is then handed over to the destination country's postal service as a priority item. In most circumstances you will also be able to get electronic confirmation of delivery via Track & Trace.


The phrase 'in most circumstances' does not equal a guaranteed service.

The issue is that if buyer claims non delivery unless a signature is viewable online then they will win a paypal chargeback. But, if Royal Mail say they can show it was delivered but just not show the signature (which is not uncommon) then even though paypal will refund the buyer the OP will not be able to make a claim with Royal Mail. In those circumstances RM will apologise profusely and refund the 'tracked' element of the postage paid.