Airmail economy ?

recipio

Guys,
used USPS airmail economy from Shipito for a box for the first time. Posted Nov 1 - still not arrived.The worst thing is that there is no tracking. I see complaints from all over the world about this. Can anybody shed light on the reliability of this service ?
In future I'll stick to USPS priority mail regardless of cost.
Anyone remember a post about a 'Kelly' somebody who will forward on from the US ?

Greenmachine

Did you order something bulky. If you did it could take 3 times as long to get to you as usps estimates. No idea if it is on usps or an post end, because of the lack of tracking. It might be getting assesed for duty and or vat.

recipio

Greenmachine wrote: »

Did you order something bulky. If you did it could take 3 times as long to get to you as usps estimates. No idea if it is on usps or an post end, because of the lack of tracking. It might be getting assesed for duty and or vat.

Thanks,
just a small box about 12" long. Shipito now tell me its 22- 40 days ! I find USPS generally escapes the dreaded customs man if you keep the value down but its frustrating.

Greenmachine

recipio wrote: »

Thanks,
just a small box about 12" long. Shipito now tell me its 22- 40 days ! I find USPS generally escapes the dreaded customs man if you keep the value down but its frustrating.

I have found shipping by courier guarantees that duty and vat is charged so for the most part avoid. On top of the extra cost of it. I find the relative penalty to be too much myself to use couriers.

recipio

Greenmachine wrote: »

I have found shipping by courier guarantees that duty and vat is charged so for the most part avoid. On top of the extra cost of it. I find the relative penalty to be too much myself to use couriers.

Can you believe it ? - the box arrived today wrapped with An Post tape saying 'opened for inspection' and a 21 euro customs charge.
I'm beginning to think ordering from the US is only worth it for items just not available over here.
Greenmachine,I completely agree, avoid couriers at all cost but USPS are of course the US post Office, not to be confused with UPS a courier company.

Spocker

I have found the Airmail Economy option to usually take two weeks (or less) to arrive

Greenmachine

recipio wrote: »

Can you believe it ? - the box arrived today wrapped with An Post tape saying 'opened for inspection' and a 21 euro customs charge.
I'm beginning to think ordering from the US is only worth it for items just not available over here.
Greenmachine,I completely agree, avoid couriers at all cost but USPS are of course the US post Office, not to be confused with UPS a courier company.

This much I know. anything posted by USPS will of course end up being processed by an post once it arrives in ireland, as will any normal post arriving in ireland by a national postal provider. The application of tax etc, by an post is sporadic at best. The couriers are almost dogged in making sure duty and vat is charged on all packages that they handle.

Nino Brown

Maybe I'm just unlucky, but for the last few years, literally every package I've had delivered from the US above the customs limit, has resulted in a VAT charge. So there's no point buying from the US these days unless you assume you will be paying VAT.