Question:
I have a bidder on several fabric auctions. What's the best way to ship fabric to Japan? Say, 4 or 5 feedsacks.
I want the shipping price to be reasonable, but not take forever to get there...also, do you use a box or envelope?
Thanks!
Answer:
I have found more and more of my Japanese bidders opting for Global Priority when possible.
Let's say the feedsacks weigh 12 ounces. A large (9 1/2" X 12 1/2") Flat Rate Global Priority envelope costs $9.00 for shipping. Twelve ounces shipped by Air Letter Post is $8.40. So for the little bit extra the Global Priority is a better buy I think.
The only trouble with the flat rate envelopes is that they are a flimsy cardboard and you are not "supposed" to use any tape on them other than one strip across the flap. So if something is too bulky and I'm afraid it will rip the envelope than I opt to ship Air Letter Post instead. I have reinforced the flat rate envelopes with tape on the inside especially along the folds where it's most likely to tear.
There is also a smaller Flat Rate Global Priority envelope that is 6" X 10" and only costs $5.00 for shipping. I have used this one for a yard or so of fabric.
If you read ebay's vintage textile board many of the posters talk about how they have crammed yards and yards of fabric into flat rate envelopes - both domestic and international - without any problem. But after 15 years as a USPS window clerk I can tell you I saw lots of cardboard Priority envelopes arrive in our office torn along one of the folds and the contents missing - and not because of any employee theft but because the envelopes are just not that sturdy.
If you do end up shipping by Air Letter Post a box is not necessary. It adds too much weight for unbreakable stuff. I usually use a padded envelope - one of the real light weight ones that is kraft paper lined with bubble wrap not the heavy ones padded with shredded fibers. I've used padded envelopes to ship up to 3 or 4 pounds of fabric without any trouble but I do reinforce with tape.
I would think over the years I've shipped maybe 100 packages to Japan without any problems. I've even used Surface (Economy) mail a couple times when the bidder bought a lot and it still arrived in OK shape though a little slow of course.
Answer:
Thanks so much Tanya. I would have thought it cost a lot more to ship to Japan. Cool...
Answer:
Tanya, any idea which is the best way to ship a box of fabric. I'll be shipping several. Global Priority? Also how long does surface mail take to ship?
Is there a Global Priority chart anywhere to see how much with weight?
Thanks again.
Answer:
http://www.usps.com/tools/calculatep...lculatepostage

That's a link to the USPS rate calculator. It has an International calculator too.
When you get the first page with rates, you will notice that package dimension limits are not listed.
Look at the top and you will see a link that says "Show dimensions".

If you need insurance, opt for the Air Parcel Post option if available.

There are Global Priority boxes similar to Priority Mail "shirt" boxes, but they are not flat rate. If you can't fit it into the flat rate envelopes, then Air Mail letter or Parcel Post is probably the best bet.

I love buyers from Japan. Every one I have had has been a dream. And they bid generously!!!!!

Speaking of feed sacks, some guy recently found a stash of original art from
some company of their sack art!!! Woo! He has a website somewhere selling prints and such... Lucky duck!

Edit: Surface mail is always listed as 4 to 6 WEEKS delivery.
Answer:
Thanks so much.
There are Global Priority boxes similar to Priority Mail "shirt" boxes, but they are not flat rate. If you can't fit it into the flat rate envelopes, then Air Mail letter or Parcel Post is probably the best bet. Are these free from the p.o. like the priority boxes?
Speaking of feed sacks, some guy recently found a stash of original art from some company of their sack art!!! Woo! He has a website somewhere selling prints and such... Lucky duck! Yepper...
Thanks alot. One of my bidders was telling me that feedsacks are all the rage in Japan. I think she bought a bunch to resell.
Answer:
Yup, they are free. YOu can order them bulk online or pick up a couple locally.


Feedsacks are hot. AHAHAHHAHAHHA!!!

I dumped about 12 of them about a month or so ago that I had picked up in Wyoming. None were exceptionally artistic, so I will choose to believe that they were
worthless.
Answer:
I dumped about 12 of them about a month or so ago that I had picked up in Wyoming. None were exceptionally artistic, so I will choose to believe that they were worthless.
Well, now ya know...
Answer:
Tina, sorry I was so slow to recheck this thread but larruone has given you great info.
If the sacks don't absolutely need to be boxed I still suggest a padded bag because the box adds so much to the weight.
The maximum weight for Global Priority is 4 pounds. Four pounds shipped Global Priority is $27.00 and 4 pounds shipped by Air Letter Post is $25.90.
The maximum weight for Air Letter Post is also 4 pounds.
I've had a couple of the "regular" Japanese bidders opt for Economy (Surface) when their purchases weighed more than 4 pounds and Surface shipping to Japan seems a bit quicker than other countries...usually 2 to 3 weeks...but I always quote the suggested 4 to 6 weeks.
Tanya