thetao

I likely already know the answer, but is there any way to shave a few dollars off USPS's international shipping charges? I don't find them so enticing. This is a one-off, private transaction, no EBay or Amazon Marketplace sale, and it seems I can't send two Blu-Rays to the UK for less than $22.50. (Just one is $13.50.) Thanks.

Kedrix

As much as I hate to say it...that doesn't sound too far out of bounds. I recently sent a couple of books via USPS to Canada and Back (author friend of mine to sign them and send them back) and I paid about $15-17 each way.

slybone

The only thing that comes to mind is to send the 2 Blu-rays without the plastic cases, just the discs and inserts, and have the recipient put them in new cases upon arrival.

thetao

Thanks, that occurred to me, but I'm not sure if the recipient is game. I should be able to stuff the contents of the 2nd case inside the first disk's case and stay below USPS's 8 oz. threshold.

For a while I wondered if Mailboxes Etc. (before they were bought out) could have used their size to negotiate better rates with USPS and then offer them to the public, and if a chain like this exists somewhere today. But I guess USPS would never agree to such a contract.

I also wondered if there was a way to sign up with a minor "marketplace" site like Alibris or Half Price Books Marketplace, simulate a "sale", and piggyback on their rates...assuming they offer a shipping service. But then a metered postage label would make it harder to claim the package as a gift.

Most companies offer fairly reasonable overseas shipping, which makes it hard to stomach the rates for these walk-in, one-off transactions.