I recently sent my first international orders - about 10. 2 of them never made their final destination. I used USPS First-class International because of cost saving -- 3 shirts to the Philipines for example, was under $11.00!
However, having two of the packages not delivered, hurts my small operation as 3 shirts cost me almost $21 to print.
I want to offer my customers the most affordable shipping possible, but I want to secure my packages as much as possible -- at least get some kind of "it was mailed" kind of thing.
UPS/FED EX/DHL is out of the question -- about $25+!
Which service do you guys recommend I use for USPS to ship international to keep my costs down, but better delivery proof? Also, if possible I would like to continue to be able to use my own packaging...
did you just mention Philippines??????????
watch out for crooks mailmen/delivery guys over there. i have a bad experience mailing stuff over there. i sent 5 shirts to 5 different friends over there (Manila) last year. 3 of them did NOT received it. 1 arrived on time with a tear on the side of the packaging (custom check maybe?)..... and 1 arrived 4 months after i mailed it. i sent it to regular mail.
When shipping internationally, I either offer insurance or COM. Certificate Of Mailing. It proves it was mailed.
Hmmm... I never heard of this. Does this also show the address of the recipient? When you ship with USPS you get a receipt showing it was mailed to a city + zipcode, but not necessarily the address...
Does the COM show a better proof? The USPS web site doesn't really explain the service very well (and it only shows COM for domestic mailings) Also, have you found that when there IS a dispute the person is satisfied with the COM?
did you just mention Philippines??????????
watch out for crooks mailmen/delivery guys over there. i have a bad experience mailing stuff over there. i sent 5 shirts to 5 different friends over there (Manila) last year. 3 of them did NOT received it. 1 arrived on time with a tear on the side of the packaging (custom check maybe?)..... and 1 arrived 4 months after i mailed it. i sent it to regular mail.
Live and learn I guess
In reality THREE of the packages have been reported never received! ARGH!!
[3 shirts] Philipines sent to our artist as a thank you.
[3 shirts] Germany sent to a blogger who wanted to support us.
[1 shirt] Italy random buyer.
The Certificate Of Mailing shows the sender address the recipient address stamped by the PO and dated and how much the COM was. Mine was to Canada and it cost me $1.15. And unfortunately, there are some countries I refuse to ship to.
I am not aware of any disputes settled because of a COM. But it is some sort of proof you did send it and they cannot say you did not. Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
The USPS seems to change regularly. Once upon a time, you could insure items through First Class International Mail. But no more.
Non delivery to Germany very Strange.
Philippines don't know,
Italy good service in the north, Dodgey in central, catastrophic in the south.
My personal experience with parcels are.
San Jose to Malta via Usps 21 days Plus.
Shanghai to Malta 15 days.
Have you also considered that maybe the hiccup could also be from the US side?
Just got back from USPS. Tried using Priority Flat Rate envelopes and they told me that Priority International flat rate does not allow for delivery confirmation ($12.95 envelopes).
So, to ship international costs at the very least $26+! I don't think anyone will pay that for one shirt to ship. UPS + Fedex charge well over $50+ to ship international. How do you guys do it?
I'm at a loss for words here. Crazy when it is only $7 to ship first class.. the lack of confirmation or proof is killing me here.
International Shipping - Outside the US 
