[Test-Equipment] International mail rates USA -> China?

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Yes.  2lb-0oz to Hong Kong by First Class Mail International until tomorrow 
afternoon costs $17.88.  If you print postage at USPS.com, you cannot 
insure the package.  I'm not sure about over the counter at a Post Office.  
Probably you still can.  If you use a third-party on-line postage supplier, you 
may be able to (we use Stamps.Com and they do offer 1st Cl Int'l insurance).  
1st Cl Int'l packages cannot be tracked past the US border.

However, the rates are going up Sunday.  And I think 1st Cl Int'l is 
getting a name change (again).  So you'll have to wait until Monday to find out 
what the new rate is.  And tracking is being extended to Canada (which doesn't 
help you).

USPS takes half of forever to process an insurance claim.  The two times I 
had to file a claim, Stamps.Com was quick and no hassel.  However, they will 
not "insure" the postage cost.  USPS used to but I don't know whether they 
still do or not.

In a message dated 01/25/2013 15:44:29 PM Central Standard Time, 
davec2468 at yahoo.com writes: 
> I'm looking to purchase some ASIC replacement modules. The warranty is 
> good (90 days) but -- as you'd expect -- I'm responsible for return shipping. 
> 
> 
> Shipping from China is, I presume, subsidized by the Chinese postal 
> service, which is why shipping charges are always included ("free!") in the 
> price.
> 
> But shipping from the U.S. to Hong Kong (well, USPS doesn't differentiate 
> -- they have flat rate to all overseas destinations) is US$38, more than 
> half the original price I'll be paying for the items. 
> 
> These modules are available domestically -- higher price and no warranty. 
> Hence the attraction to Chinese units available on e-Pain.
> 
> Is there a cheaper rate for getting a 2 pound envelope to China I've not 
> heard about?
> 
> Thanks,
> Dave

Robert Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480