Question about paypal, customs and France

**TheNoost** · 07-02-2009, 11:04 AM

Have a transaction that has nothing to do with ebay and buyer wants to pay by paypal. Buyer is from France. Anything I need to be aware of, like do I need confirmation delivery, extra charges for customs, declarations, etc.? I have never done a transaction to a foreign country. It is not coins, but is coin related.
Thanks

HandsomeToad · 07-02-2009, 11:25 AM

My understanding is the PO won't do any confirmation delivery thingys except with Xpress mail and that costs almost $30.

I had the same problem sending something to Canada.

But my PO is full of a bunch of sticklers and while I receive 1st Class parcels with Delivery Confirmations on them, they say you can't do DC with 1st Class.

Good luck!

Ribbit

hontonai · 07-02-2009, 11:25 AM

You will have to fill out a customs declaration on a USPS form, which you obtain at your local post office, or online at www.usps.com.

Be sure to check the post office site for restrictions on mailing to France, and make sure your item is described as an allowable item. For instance, many countries restrict "currency", so coins have to be described as "numismatic items", "tokens", etc.

Any customs charges will be the responsibility of your buyer, not you. It is not advisable to lie about the value or call it a gift if it isn't.

If you choose to send it by International Priority Mail, either with or without using a flat rate envelope or box, you can actually print a combined address/customs/postage label at the website, and pay for it with a credit card. You can specify delivery confirmation, which will be an email, or pay extra for Registered delivery with a return receipt. Insurance is also available with or without registery.

BTW, priority mail rates are slightly cheaper for online purchases than they are for using stamps or paying postage at the post office, and if the package weighs over 13 ounces you can still deposit it in a collection box without having to stand in line and give it directly to a counter clerk.

BadThad · 07-02-2009, 05:06 PM

One more thing, when sending "numismatic items", I only declare the face value of the coinage.

Make sure you look at the international flat rate box. It's normally a LOT cheaper to use than the traditional weighed first class.

Paddy54 · 07-02-2009, 05:17 PM

Hi Noost, I also would ask the buyer .... from the their passed experence how long does it take them to receive an item from the states. I sold a gold coin to a Swiss buyer....it took almost 3 months to arrive! I would also have the buyer agree to sign off on any losses that occure once the item has left the USPS hands. Unless the buyer agrees to pay for postage/shipping charges of a secured delivery! Pay Pal always sides with the side of the buyer unless you can document item shipped and received. Just my 2 cents Paddy

desertgem · 07-02-2009, 05:49 PM

Toad,

The P.O. has a cardboard "helper" that has a slot cut into it almost a 1/2" high. If
your first class can't pass through, it is sent 1st class parcel and you can use confirmed delivery with it. I just add a piece of bubble wrap in the padded envelope so it can't pass through and I get the CD. At least that is what my PO does.

Jim