Electronics > Beginners
Looking for international shipping advice
(1/2) > >>
naimis:
Hi all, I have a kit that I've been selling for a while now and I've had a small number (grand total of 3 so far) requests for my kit from international customers.  I've only shipped one so far as I learn the ins and outs of international shipping and it worked ok, going USPS from Texas, USA to Cornwall, UK, but at the suggestion of that first customer I've been looking into using a shipping broker for future sales.  Since these are sales and not gifts, there are customs fees to be paid, and the broker should, at least in theory, take care of that as part of the service.

My questions are

* Is it even worthwhile to set up an account with a shipping broker for this small number of international customers (one sale, two more interested in the course of 1 year)?
* Do you have any specific recommendations for brokers to use or not use for shipping from the US to outside the US?
(hopefully this is the most appropriate forum to ask the question)
edavid:
Customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer, not you.  Brokers usually charge brokerage fees on top of the actual duty, so the customer ends up paying more and often has a more unpleasant experience.  Just stick with shipping by USPS.
Brumby:
I agree.

Your biggest concern will be to not fall foul of export controls.  There can be some restrictions that may seem weird and/or absurd, but if you have a component in your kit that is covered under a control, then you need to deal with it up front or pray you don't get caught.  This situation is even more frustrating when that component is freely available in your destination country - but, as they say, the law is an ass.

With any luck, your kit won't have anything of concern in it, so you won't need to worry - but it would be wise to check.  If you feel comfortable mentioning some of the bits of silicon or other "exotic" components you use, there could be some feedback you could gain from the members here.
naimis:
Ah, I don't think there's much risk of running afoul of export control issues. Each kit consists of a synchronous A/C motor, a small power transformer and some wiring.  Replacement parts for a pinball machine, the transformer's purpose being to step the 50VAC from the power supply down to the 24VAC motor.  It was mostly a convenience and expediency issue.
edavid:

--- Quote from: naimis on November 25, 2018, 02:47:32 am ---Ah, I don't think there's much risk of running afoul of export control issues. Each kit consists of a synchronous A/C motor, a small power transformer and some wiring.  Replacement parts for a pinball machine, the transformer's purpose being to step the 50VAC from the power supply down to the 24VAC motor.  It was mostly a convenience and expediency issue.

--- End quote ---

Are you sure your transformer and motor will run on 50Hz without overheating?
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod