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chrissibrinkley Oct 9, 2006

Hi all!

Ichabod will be traveling to Denmark (The bears travel way more than I ever will!!! :crackup: )
And I've never shipped Internationally before.  I've seen blips here and there about a materials list for customs.  Do you type out a materials list and place it in with the bear?  Do they open and search the boxes, is that how it works?

How do you package your bears for international travel?(I know I'm placing him in a ziplock to prevent any kind of water damage..who knows!)   

Thanks for any tips!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

All Bear Oct 9, 2006

Hi Chrissi,

I send my bears overseas often.  They have their materials itemised on their hangtags, which is stitched in place on their chests.  Other than that, I pack them in polythene, in a good stout box and off they go over the wide blue yonder!

The materials itemised are simply: outer fur fabric type, filler, joint type, glass eyes and whether or not they have a growler.

matilda Oct 9, 2006

I write the stuffing contents in the description box on the customs label on the outer package.  In Australia we have to produce our drivers licence and sign lots of paper when we send Internationally. It can be quite tedious.

tinybear-dk Oct 9, 2006

It also would be great if you could put a label on the
package saing that it is a gift.
That could save your costumer at lot of money in denmark.

edie Oct 9, 2006

Chrissi, I've never done anything different with mailing internationally than normal - other than filling out the customs form of course, but my bears are minis and I usually only use polyfil for stuffing.  I think the main thing to worry about is if you  have steel or shot in the stuffing and then Customs might wonder what it is so that should be stated on the customs form under item description. I had a mail lady once tell me not to put "bear" in the description as that might make it go missing so now I just put "miniature collectible toy" or "stuffed toy" if it is a bit bigger bear. Customs doesn't open all packages (that would take them forever!!) just random ones (I presume!) or any that look suspicious for any reason.

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorOct 9, 2006

I've never had any problem with shipping overseas and I don't put the contents on my mailing label.  However, after the mishap with Sprite last week, I plan to be more careful with ALL my shipping and will include contents -- especially those that might set off a metal detector, and look like shrapnel on x-ray, like bb's! -- in the future.

FYI, I use Global Express mail from USPS.  A certain amount of insurance is included when you go that route and often times it's actually cheaper than sending via a less expensive method and then ADDING insurance on top.  And it ships FAST!

Laura Lynn Banner SponsorOct 9, 2006

After all the talk about the problems with a bear or two that was damaged at customs, I stopped using steel bb's and switched over to glass beads for weight.

BUT.... I still do list all the materials used on the hang tag attached to the bear

I've listed it as "teddy bear" on the customs form... thanks Edie for the tip about using different wording for that!  I'll do it that way from now on!

I ALWAYS put my bears inside a cello bag for protection from the elements (rain, snow...) even if they travel within the US.

I have also started putting a note inside the top of the box for customs,... in case my box is randomly chosen for inspection.  "Dear Customs, this bear contains fiberfill for stuffing, glass pellets for weight and is jointed with fiberboard discs and metal nuts and bolts so it can move."

I don't know if any of my boxes have ever been opened... but I'm HOPING that will help in case they are.

edie Oct 9, 2006

I like that idea of the note to Customs, Laura - on the few occasions when they will see it at least they will know you are trying to be helpful!

thumperantiques Oct 10, 2006

Chrissi,
     I agree with Edie - don't mark it as a "bear" or "teddy.  I always mark mine as stuffed toy, which is what it is.  It makes it less attractive.  I also know customs duty is extremely high for the European customers and have had every customer I've shipped  to,  beg me to mark the package as a gift.  It's something you might consider, as they will definitely thank you for it.

                                          hugs,

                                          Brenda

chrissibrinkley Oct 10, 2006

Thank you for all of the great tips!!  It's very much appreciated

:hug:
~Chrissi

rkr4cds Oct 11, 2006

Besides ticking Gift/Merchandise/Commercial Sample - you can include an inexpensive card (Birthday/Anniversary/Thinking Of You types) and wish the person you're shipping to a Happy Whatever. Our German cousins and Australian and European friends say this helps.
And mail all paperwork separately in an envelope.