I agree with Mike that paper work may not be the problem but I think we have all heard of horror stories of one kind or another. Dealing with the USPS is usually a pleasant experience but not always. One international transaction took me over an hour at the counter. The supervisor was repeatedly called. It was the clerks first day on the job. He still works at the same office but he doesn't smile when I remind him of his first day. There was also the clerk that wanted international postage to ship to New Mexico.
My biggest fears are what I will call the Nigerian scams. Ebay sellers see them all the time. There always seems to be a new twist to what turns out to be an old scam. Certified checks and other bonded instruments turn out to be worthy only for hanging in the bathroom. By US law checks less than 5K$ are quickly cleared but may be billed back weeks later with all charges reversed and hefty negotiation charges added. Paypal may be a useful tool but not everyone can process credit transactions. Even if you have credit card capability certain international transactions require the card to be swiped. No one has mentioned international packing requirements but everyone has heard of the clerks playing soccer ball with the packages. Everything has to be very well packed. Adding the words 'fragile' or 'this side up' calls attention to the thieves of valuable contents. Also the contents may be subject to customs inspection so you can not seal everything up. This also gives the thieves an opportunity to inspect. Heavier items must be wood crated. One famous amplifier manufacturer requires their power transformers to be removed and shipped separately. Finally, US citizens assume they are protected by US law. This is almost never the case in foreign transactions. The buyer's country law almost always applies which is to say no law at all if we are shipping to many third world countries. In the end I think you can understand why it is far easier to say CONUS ONLY. Fred Townsend, AE6QL -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike K2MK Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 2:13 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Private Sales of used Elecraft Rigs Hi Ray, Paperwork is not the problem. If you pay for the shipment on-line you can fill out the simple paperwork there as well. The real problems with international shipments are cost and insurability. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
