The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Looking into shipping options for the UK and the USPS site is terrible. Flat rate international boxes seem reasonably priced but they have a max value of $400. More expensive options don't mention a value restriction, but the only place I see to enter value is in the customs forms nothing about paying extra for additional insurance.

UPS prices are crazy expensive once you put in a reasonable watch value.

So if you have done it what is the best way to ship a watch to the UK? Thanks!

Wow, time to vent. I can't believe how difficult the USPS makes it to ship items internationally. UPS and FedEx seem to be a tad easier but the cost is so much it does not make it practical. I have spent tons of time online trying to wade through all the restrictions and in the end you can make international shipments online but you can insure them for squat. If you want watch-like insurance you have to go in person to the post office and use a service that is obviously more $$$, and that is fine, plus pay quite a bit for that insurance, fine too. However; the actual postal employees don't know how to process the paperwork or just don't want to do it. No wonder they are in such financial ruin.

How is this for customer service? I went in this morning will all my stuff in order and described what I wanted to do. First I was told no watches, jewelry or precious stones. I told the clerk I think that is for the lesser services, I believe you can with "Global Express". Next I was told I could not insure it for that high dollar amount. Again I said actually I think with this service you can. Both times she told me I was right after checking. She gave me the paperwork and told me I needed one more bit of info. I had to email the buyer so off I went and returned with completed forms. I wait in line and when I get to the counter she (only person working in this small PO) says I can't believe you came here this late...she actually said that to me out loud. They close for lunch from 12:45-2:00 and I was there at 12:30. Excuse me for trying to give you almost $100 to ship/insure my package. That is the business you are in right, shipping!!??

Look like it is either easy and expensive (UPS/FedEx) or cumbersome and cheaper...but you can't insure it. The hardest option is to ship it for full value without providing your first born. I am going to give it one more try.

Sorry for the rant, now I know why I see so many for sale listings that want to keep the item on their side of the ocean.

Rick, as a former postal employee having done it all from automated mail processing to deliver to new mail delivery for new construction of multiple 10k home subdivisions personally to supervisory roles in my 23 year career, I apologize for the terrible service you received.
It is unfortunate but true that some smaller PO's do not give the service as larger ones simply because they are not confronted with mailing issues of larger offices. This being apparent to me by this clerks lack of knowledge on international shipping. The POS unit they use for weighing and pricing will tell them almost all their answers if they just read the screen or simply refer to the International Mailing Manual (IMM). And yes, for future reference the USPS is by far the most economical and safest form of mailing to overseas destinations. Some countries will only allow jeweler (watches) by way of registered mail only and some EU countries had a stop on jeweler all together at one time. Italy was one, very shady, all the carriers were and still are have trouble getting anything of value in or out. Greece too. Always check to see were a person lives first before selling to them overseas.
I personally will not buy watches from overseas. My post office had Cartier, Breitling, Omega and Patek in our zip code. All at the same mall. I have seen some of the most beautiful watches you will ever lay eyes on get delivered only to find out they had no movements or no watch at all in them. The PO could verify they were received sealed into the US but before that we had no clue of there movements or proper security protocols. The Post Office was not liable. Fell back to originating country. Some got reimbursed, some did not. Plus you have to pay customs on them when you do get them. That is an additional 18% that the mailman collects plus customs fee before he will give it to you. Just not worth the hassle.
Don't let this get you down too much on the Post Office. Yes, we all complain about it but if I were to really tell you how bad your alternatives could be, you would push for more reforms and less talk of closing.

Wayne

I've shipped watches to Canada, Australia three times , Singapore twice. I used FedEx. The single most important thing I did was get a very clear email exchange that all loss after presenting to FedEx was assumed by buyer and that my obligation and liabilities ended upon relinquishing the package to FedEx. Sure, it cost $3 or $400, but it took care of the insurance problem. Was the cost worth the reduced hassle of driving to FedEx and getting out in 10 minutes versus the Post Office maze? Absolutely! Hey, I have a buddy who works for USPS, but standing in line at the post office makes me feel as if I have been mugged and dragged into a Sartre play.


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SHARKMAN

I was a cast member in that play for a long time. Still have nightmares.

Wayne

I have to chip in here with a hats off to dear old blighty's Royal Mail, I shipped my Toptime over to USA for restoration it cost me £8 and took 3 days to arrive to Craig over on your West coast. It took USPS over 10 days to send it back at a cost of $38. Come on Yanks take note

It was worth the wait though and I shall post pics soon in the vintage section

Regards Phil