Shipping cost from USA to UK...?

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 4:08 am

I live in the UK and have quite serious GAS for a Fender bass that is on eBay at the moment. The guy selling it is in the USA. He says he is happy to ship internationally and has quoted a fee of 302 USD. This does seem very high to me but I have no knowledge of the cost of shipping a bass from the USA to the UK.

Does this seem like an OK price or is it a rip off? Thanks

will_nesbitt · Post by **will_nesbitt** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 7:29 am

Shipping costs to and from out friends across the pond are sadly very high indeed. You're probably going to be better off having a little holiday on a budget flight (if there is such a thing) and collecting it personally or look for one here. I'm sure there's plenty to be found. But that price sounds about right if you want to buy it from him.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:22 am

Bob, it also depends on the type of service that the seller is planning on using; that quote sounds like next-day air to me, but it could just be that the bass is an oversize parcel and thus is more expensive.

My one experience shipping a guitar from the U.S. to the U.K. was a 325v63 JG that I sent via third-day international air (FedEx) for $180 about four years ago.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:48 am

Costs around $350 to $400 USD to get one to Oz from the US via UPS, so it's probably about right.

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:57 pm

US Postal Service is much cheaper than UPS. I just sent a guitar from the US to UK for $86. including insurance.

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:04 pm

I shipped 2 4003's with case via USPS Surface Mail.

Each cost approx. $125.00-$145.00. The differences were cost for insurance.

desertgoldenboy · Post by **desertgoldenboy** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 4:37 am

And I just shipped a Rick bass case to the UK via USPS Global Express Parcel Service for $85.10, compared to UPS's $220 quote.

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:15 pm

Bob, USPS is probably the cheapest (reasonably secure) way to get it back. I shipped a Precision bass from the USA not so long ago and it cost less than $200. Don't send them "surface" though as you won't see it for 3 months minimum, that is if you ever see it again!

Funnily enough I have just bought a Rick case from the USA and that cost $85.10! Co-incidence or what Kenn?