[Elecraft] Re: import duties

[Heimo J. Lyden]

I can agree that USPS does some errors now and then. But that goes for 
most national postal services in Europe as well.

I and Elecraft had some problems with USPS in the past. As have been 
mentioned by our friends in the UK, Germany and Netherlands, USPS gives 
the european handling to a company in Germany. I was waiting for months 
for a parcel from Elecraft and Lisa finally told me that the parcel was 
returned because of "destination not served". But when she put GUADELOUPE 
FRENCH WEST INDIES it arrived well. When USPS sees this they do not bother 
to send the parcel via France. It goes directly via Miami here. And it is 
a little bit of a lottery with the customs. Sometimes I have to pay a lot 
of fees and other times it is only the "Overseas Tax" which is only 9 
percent. If the value is less than USD 50 no charges. If the parcel is 
small but the value higher, it usually passes without fees.

Someone mentioned that UPS is great. I would say it is the opposite. They 
even charge for delivering the package here on the island.

DHL is great, but it is a lot more expensive. FedEx does not charge 
excessive charges either.

My "Tenna Dipper" took one and half month with USPS to arrive here and it 
was stamped "MISSENT TO MALAYSIA".

But on the other hand I received my "Buddipole" in four days. The 16' mast 
took three weeks, but it was a much bigger parcel.

My conclusion is that USPS does a descent job and of course is the 
cheapest option. I set my mind to a one month delivery and if I receive it 
earlier, I am happy.

And the fastest US Postal in France is of course Lance Armstrong.

73
Heimo FG5VIJ SM6LOD PY2ZOD
Guadeloupe, French West Indies