I'm trying to decide if I want to mail our souvenirs/purchases home as opposed to trying to carry them home in my luggage. I'm not sure what's involved as far as customs, taxes...And does anyone have any input as to the reliability of the items being received in a timely manner and in good shape. I plan to buy ceramics, glassware, etc.. and worry about it being shipped all the way to the states. Thanks :D
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I've shipped books via Mailboxes etc, and it's worked fine but very expensive. However, they had no slow shipment option, so I had to ship to a relative, since the books beat me home. However, for ceramics, etc, I'd have the vendor ship it home, insured, so you have some recourse if there is damage. For clarity, it's probably also a good idea to take some photos.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5903 posts
It is really easiest if you buy from a shop that ships. I've only shipped once from Italy (ceramics from a shop in Deruta). The goods were packed and shipped by the shop. Everything arrived fine and there was a small customs fee to pay when the goods arrived.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
For the items you are buying, it might be best to have the merchant ship them for you. Typically you will not be charged the VAT and the shipping costs can be less than doing it yourself. As someone noted, your goods might arrive before you so be sure to ship them somewhere safe like an office or neighbor. I have also used Mailboxes Etc and they are great. But VERY expensive. But they do carefully pack everything and can ship it with insurance. I prefer the extra cost to the unreliability of the Italian Post Office. If you don't buy much, you could bring it with you. But lugging things around can add weight and the danger of breakage. Some people bring an empty luggage bag with them and fill it up with items. The extra bag fee is way less than shipping, but you have to carry everything around with you and fragile items could get broken. Any customs fees will be pretty small; make sure you declare the value of the items.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23661 posts
We just had a piece of artwork shipped from Montepulciano by the shop where we purchased it. Wasn't cheap, about $150 for 15,20 pounds including packing. It took about two weeks. Took off about 20% ($60) for VAT so net shipping was $90. Arrived within two weeks using local postal systems - Italy, then US.. The box was really beat up. Fortunately it was a metal item so no damage but I would be concerned about anything that was breakable. If shipping breakable items I would have a serious discussion with the shop as to what would happen if items are damaged in shipping.