We opened our store over 5 years ago and from the beggining it had been standard practice to offer our customers various shipping services through the US Postal Service.This was to allow everyone the option to select the service that best fit their budget or needs. This included media mail and first class mail “without insurance“. Unfortunately problems have developed with both of these methods of shipping in regard to lost packages and it continues to occur. This is not a good situation for you as a customer, and it has also been a problem for us as it is disruptive costly and unpleasant.

As careful as we are with the packaging and shipping info, and in spite of the redundancies we have in place to insure that packages are shipped properly,we simply have no control over the delivery process (or the quality of that process) once the package is transferred to the postal service for delivery to you. Therefore our postage rates and services had to be changed to include insurance on all packages shipped in the United States.

From time to time we have received questions regarding our shipping services and basically this is a service we do not perform, the postal system provides this service, however we are providing the following explanation of the shipping services offered by the post office, and also what you may expect from these services.You can also visit thier website at www.usps.com for an in depth explanation of the services they offer.

Media Mail is a service that is used for shipping educational & multi media items. If you are buying one to three items it is the same price as first class so there is no savings involved. The service was originally designed for schools, libraries & publishers who were shipping large packages of books, movies, cd’s and other multi media merchandise. This is a good method for larger heavier packages. The post office gives an average delivery on this of 5 to 14 days and that seems to be correct, but it could (and sometimes has) taken a month. If you travel by air and have ever flown “Stand By” this is the post office version of stand by. We no longer offer this service on our shipping chart,however you may still request this on larger orders.

First class mail is the common service for standard mail like post cards or envelopes, and it is also a good method for packages up to 13 ounces, however don’t misinterpret the words “first class” this is not a premium or guaranteed service. Basically for a fee the carrier will accept your package and make an honest effort to deliver your item for you. If your package is lost or damaged during the delivery process this is what is legally refered to as the “perils of transportation” “an act of nature” or an “act of God”. What that means in simple terms is your package is gone and so is your money and no one is going to help you. There is also no refund for the postage because you paid them to attempt to deliver it and they in fact did exactly what you paid them to do, sadly the attempt failed. A lost package that was shipped via basic first class mail cannot be traced or tracked because there isnt anything attached to it that can be scanned,you have to buy a traceable service for them to offer that to you,If you ask them to trace your lost package they may tell you they will try,but believe me they won't,they simply can't.This is why all packages we ship include insurance. Delivery times for first class can vary by destination but usually runs about 3 to 7 days. However it can also take up to a month.We continue to offer this service but only in conjunction with insurance.

If your package should be lost you must wait 30 days before filing a lost package claim with the post office.Damaged package claims should be filed immediately by taking the item to your local post office.Our packing invoice will include your insurance slip number,you have to give them this number when you file a claim.We also keep them on file here if they need that.

Priority mail is a little quicker and because of what it is it would seem to be a bit safer, but it is still subject to the same problems as first class mail as far as damage and loss are concerned. This method of shipping normally takes 2 days to 5 days). Again be careful with the interpretation of the word "priority" in this case it simply means its not going stand by. This also is not a guaranteed delivery service. This is an optional service for packages under 13 ounces, but is mandatory on packages over 13 ounces.In the USA we include insurance in our rates for this service.

The following premium services are also available if you need them at an additional charge.

Certificate of mailing-This is basically proof that your package has been submitted by the shipper to the post office for delivery

Insurance-You can purchase this safeguard in amounts of 50/100/200/300/500 dollars, up to 5,000. This reimburses you for loss or damage to your package and is automatically included in our rates for delivery in the United States.

Delivery confirmation-Tracks your package from our local post office to your door. This will not reimburse you if the item is lost, however it can be useful in locating your package if it should be lost.

Signature confirmation-This is also a tracking service, the item has to be delivered to you personally for a signature, so it does provide a better chance that you will receive the item.

Registered mail-is guaranteed and also insured. This is the safest method of all, especially if you are purchasing high priced items.

Next Day or Second Day Air-This is a premium service if you need a rush shipment.This service is expensive and guarantees delivery the next day,overnight,or on the second day.

FOR ALL DELIVERIES OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A.

Due to the higher costs of overseas insurance it would be unfair for us to insist that it be purchased. However we do strongly suggest that you consider using either Global Express or at least Priority International services to safeguard your package.

Priority International provides roughly 60.00 insurance for free (You can purchase higher limits at a reasonable extra charge) it also provides tracking. Depending on the size and weight of the package it averages between 22.00 to 35.00 dollars (U.S.) also understand that "priority" is a relative word and means different things in different situations, to the post office this means 5 to 14 days not one or two as the word may suggest.

Global Express provides up to 100.00 free insurance, plus tracking and a guaranteed delivery date. Higher amounts of insurance are also available at a reasonable rate. Express is the key word here, it normally takes from 2 to 5 days, and they even tell you what day it will be delivered. There may be a refund if the package is not delivered on time, please check the USPS site for the guarantees on this.
The cost for this service depends on size and weight. For the type of items that we sell the average is between 40.00 to 100.00 U.S.

And of course we will also send your package via First Class International, without insurance if you select that method to try and contain the costs.
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Please understand that there is no insurance, no tracking and no delivery time frame with this service. There also seems to be a general belief that packages can be tracked because the customs forms have numbers on them. Customs form numbers are not tracking numbers, they are for the use of the customs department and the post office. If you request first class international there is no reimbursement from the post office or from us for damage or loss of your package. We only purchase "Confirmation of Mailing" which indicates to you that the package was delivered by us to the local post office for shipping.
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We didn't lose many packages last year but the ones that were lost were the ones shipped first class international, so be aware of that.

Its usually safe, especially to central Europe and the Far East, but there is always some risk involved. Please understand that if you choose to use this service and take the risk, it's you that made the decision to take that risk. We will not (under any circumstances) pay for lost or damaged shipments out of the United States unless they are insured.