Whether you have an online retailer, an Expat in foreign country, or just like sending your friends you met on Facebook presents it can get quite expensive to ship internationally. While most tips for shipping domestically apply to international deals there are a few differences that can be helpful to know when looking for cheap international shipping in Metro Boston MA.

• DO include a label on the inside of the package with both the destination address and your package return address.
• DO take batteries out of toys, electronics, etc., before shipping.
• DO check with us before shipping fragile items.
• DO ship wrapped presents ahead to your destination, especially if traveling by air.
• Do Include Commercial invoice (CI) with your international shipments

• DON’T wrap boxes in brown paper or tie with string.
  DON’T use materials like newspaper or real popcorn to package items.
  DON’T use old boxes or gift boxes for shipping gifts.
  DON’T use duct tape, masking tape, or cellophane tape to seal your boxes for shipping.

Can’t find the supplies and packing you need, Look no further than Neighborhood Parcel. We stock a complete range of packaging supplies and materials, including envelopes, boxes, plastic air-bubble cushioning, packing peanuts, tape and many other supplies. Ask us for advice on what supplies will best suit your needs.

Many international customers don’t want to pay customs duty taxes, so they’ll ask you to say that the item is a gift or less than it’s worth on the customs form. Most sellers recommend against this. Customs agents are constantly opening up items to check value and packing slips. A low value or gift designation on the customs form is a red flag to them. If they hold up or confiscate the package, the customer will probably become irate. You don’t have much to gain by reducing customs tax value.

Shipping internationally can be fairly slow  mostly in Canada, Middle East, Africa and Parts of Europe, for example. Make sure you manage your buyers’ expectations and familiarize yourself with the local regulations. For more info, go to: http://www.neighborhoodparcel.com