I just enabled USPS "First Class Mail International" in the RI website as a third international shipping option. USPS does impose a 4 lb (lb
not kg) ship weight limit (so figure approx 3.3 lbs limit of actual product weight), 24 inch length and combined length/height/depth of 36 inches on "First Class".
It does NOT offer any tracking.For those seeking a lower cost shipping cost option, you now have this to consider.
Previously, our shipping options offered both USPS Priority or USPS Express. International customers are offered their choice on our checkout page. Express is the only option with detailed tracking information.
Actual shipping charges vary greatly by country and package weight and are generated dynamically (real-time) with our shopping cart talking to USPS servers.
Shipping times and customs clearance vary widely by shipment carrier and method. Comparing DHL to USPS Express is not an apples to apples comparison. FedEx actually is USPS's air carrier both domestic and international. The postal services handle each end.
If you don't care about tracking and are ok with potentially several weeks for delivery, and absolute lowest cost is your primary consideration, then First Class Mail International is your choice.
If you want at least minimum tracking then you want Priority.
If you want point to point tracking and fastest customs clearance then Express is your choice.
My emails run 10:1 in favor of customers wanting to know where their package is vs. ship cost, so I have always considered Express as the best choice. But I understand that others want a bare bones alternative. Now you have it :-)
Every business has their own philosophy as to which shipper to use, pricing, mark-ups or subsidies. International orders generate extra workload and costs due to the customs paperwork that we have to generate and non-standard packaging. Every carrier choice has its pros and cons depending upon destination country, services desired, and customs clearance issues. For Relentless Improvement, USPS at the shipping prices we quote, are the current best compromise.
Please refer to our
Simple Shipping Policy for other details. I hope the information above is helpful, if anyone has other questions, please email me directly as I don't check the threads on a regular basis.
Cheers,
Pete