First Class International is the cheapest method for anything up to 4 pounds in weight. It’s also the riskiest, as you can’t insure it and there is no tracking available.

I ship that way all the time, and so far have had no claims of items not received. i make sure the buyer understands that I can’t track it once it leaves my hands, and always give them the option of Priority Mail as well. Of course, they always choose the cheapest method. When i involve them in the decision and make sure they understand the consequences, i think that helps to prevent any claims later on.

The best you can do when shipping 1st class is to purchase a Certificate of Mailing (cost $1.15) when you take the pkg to the post office. You fill out the shipping info, the post office will put their official stamp on it. i always scan it and email it to the buyer to show that the package has been sent. I think that discourages any fraudulent claims of item not received. It doesnt hold any weight with Paypal, but the buyers don’t necessarily know that.

I sell vintage and costume jewelry. I usually sent it with a bubble envelope for extra padding. I use First Class International Envelope. You will need to check on the USPS.com site regarding what countries will let you send your items through the mail. You will need to fill out a customs form – the USPS.com site can tell you which form to use. The USPS.com site will also let you know the prices for the weight of your item. It’s pretty easy once you have the basics down. I sell mainly to Australia, England, Germany and Canada. They have alot of folks online shopping. Good Luck! Sams Treasury

You can also ship in your own packaging Priority which has a tracking number to the country and your package is insured up to $60.00. It will cost a little more but to me is worth it.

One of the best ways to ship a small item internationally is in a small box, for added protection from damage during international transit, placed inside a thin plastic mailer which are practically weightless and save a bundle on cost.

Hi Mine fit in small brown envelopes so I just take them to the USPO and it is usually under 3.00, there is a form they have that you need to fill out & it gets attached too..it is easy. Since I don’t know how small your talking about that is the best I can do ..hope it helps

If you use Auctiva.. $10.00 a month, you can print prepaid F/C international labels and also insure it there. Shipping cost is not included in the $10.00 monthly fee. A third party insurance company is U-pic.com and they will cover non-tracked international. No hassles with claims at all like USPS. No standing in line, no writing out forms, prepaid and insurance for higher priced items via Auctiva. Just make sure that you state in your listings that the buyer is responsible for all customs duties and taxes that their country may charge them. You can also fill out a customs form at USPS.com. Again, much faster than writing out a form. Just copy and paste the buyers info. Attach to the package or envelope. You can pay at the USPS counter or have stamps on hand to cover the cost. That is a few ways of doing it.
Another hint. if you also sell on Ebay, you can print prepaid F/C international there also. If you have a previous international customer, you can reprint the label but edit the address. Just make sure you also change the value. You can still insure via U-pic.com
Hope that helps. It becomes second nature after a few times.

You can buy insurance through shipsurance and they are reasonable. I have used them several times.

If you purchase postage through Paypal, there will be a customs form to be filled out as well.

It is so easy.