QOTD {03/31/12} International Ordering?

[stagccva]

There are now some amazing stamp companies all over the world. Does location matter to you when you buy? Does international shipping make you hesitate, or is it not a big deal?

And if you live outside the US, do you often order from US companies?

I've always wondered...I've never ordered internationally (but am lucky enough to have been a guest for a company based in Canada) and the international shipping has seemed daunting. Is it more expensive? Does stuff get stopped in customs?

[Kanatanewf]

Good question. I'm in Canada and buy most of my stamps from either Canadian or American companies, occasionally from European or Australian companies as well. Sometimes directly from the manufacturer or from resellers.

To be quite honest, there have been a few companies in the U.S. from whom I have stopped just short of placing an order once I see the shipping costs calculated. In that case, I look for a Canadian reseller if possible. If not, oh well, they don't get my business. The cost of shipping definitely plays a roll in determining whether or not a company gets my business. That being said, digital images are a fantastic alternative to those of us who cringe at the sometimes high cost of international shipping. No waiting for delivery and the ability to size or rotate images as you see fit. I greatly appreciate it when stamp companies provide digital sources in addition to the more traditional rubber or clear stamps.

I've never had problems with items being held in Customs. As long as the Customs declaration forms are filled out correctly, there doesn't seem to be any problems. A couple of weeks, tops, is the most I have waited. No big deal. One thing I don't like to see is when companies make false declarations on the customs forms. I did once place an order with an American company, which I will not name, who did just that. When the order arrived, I saw the customs declaration and never ordered from them again. While this probably saved them $$$ on the shipping (after all, I know what I paid for shipping and what the postage sticker said it cost them to mail it), that practice did not sit well with me -- seeing as how I work for the Canadian Border Services Agency.

And yes, I do order quite often from US companies - I'm sure the postal workers and couriers wonder what is in all those packages that get delivered to my house on a weekly basis!

[bfinlay]

I order cardstock and heavier stuff here in the U.K., but for my favorite stamp companies, I order from the U.S. - thanks to clear stamps and the light weight and flatness of dies, usually it's not too bad - it ranges from $5.00, $7.00, $13 or up to $20 for postage.
I'm blessed in that all my family live in the U.S. and they send me packages so sometimes that includes stamping stuff!

[merrymstamper]

I have never ordered int'l...only recently have I begun to order online within the continental US. Old school, I know. I like to touch and see what I am purchasing
I have shipped items to Canada and it does make a huge difference to fill out the declaration form correctly.

[Vicki Jayne]

Hi
I live in Queensland Australia, the price of craft items are horrific over here - at least double the USA price. Take a look at the Australian Stampin up catties and you will see what I mean.
I regularly order from the USA. Over the years I have narrowed my self down to a couple of on line sellers - my favourite has to be Scrapyland - they are wonderful, nothing is ever too much trouble for them. Even with postage and the paypal exchange rate it still works out much cheaper than buying here in Oz - that is of course if you can find the item. AND within 10-15 days it is there on my doorstep and I have the fun of playing with new toys.

[peacefuljen]

Vicki Jayne, I live in Oz too (Perth) and also buy virtually all my craft items from the US. Like you said, even with the shipping, it still works out much cheaper. I think the prices that Australian scrapbook shops put on their items is outrageous - especially things like stamps and dies, which are light - my LSS had nestabilities at A$45 each - why pay that when I can get them for less than $20 a set from the US. I have also ordered a lot from Scrapyland. It's good that they offer flat rate shipping.

[Crafty Math Chick]

I do order from overseas companies, but far less often than I do from US companies. I often wait for special shipping promotions to do so.

[Vicki Jayne]

Peacefuljen, I used to feel guilty about spending so much money overseas and not with Australian retailers. However, as our prices just kept rising and overseas prices remained the same or in some cases dropped, that guilt disappeared. If I had to buy all my craft toys in Australia I doubt I could afford to do it.

I also love flat rate shipping - I always make sure I get as much as possible in that envelope/box!!!