Shipping a package to Germany...confused about postage costs. HELP!

[bbernardini]

I've got a package approx. 5.2 oz that I need to ship to Germany. The USPS website gives me these two options:

Airmail Letter Post 4 - 7 Days $4.80 Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"

Airmail Parcel Post 4 - 10 Days $14.00 Max.length 79", max. length plus girth 108"

If I'm reading the first one correctly, that's either a really big letter, or the word "letter" is used loosely. The package easily fits into the measurements of the first category. So, am I going to be paying $4.80 or $14?

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. I believe it goes like this - if it's in a box, it's a parcel

if it's in an envelope it's a letter. (since letters are sort of de facto lighter and also thin and fit shitloads in the containers, as opposed to boxes which take up far more volume)

[ima_sinnic]

2. but still, they imply a "package-shaped" object

I would guess the letter rate (because your size is within their guidelines), with the parcel post rate for something larger. but that's just a guess. :shrug:

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. I think they're implying it's an envelope no bigger than 24"

long, with all sides not adding up to more than 36". So, 18"x18" or 24"x12" etc., but still envelopes. And they might even allow a depth of 1/2" or so and still consider it an envelope.

But, really, since you have to go to the pose office anyway to mail it, they'll help you out, and whatever you think it will be before getting there doesn't matter anyway. :-)

[bbernardini]

4. It's an eBay purchase, though...

...so I need to know how much to charge for shipping so I can tell the purchaser. I guess I'll just bring it and ask, and take it back to be mailed later.