Does anyone have any experience with shipping a few larger items, such a chairs, tables or lamps and such home from Paris? We returned this week from Paris and went to the Vanves market where we found a couple of chairs, a rug, metal table etc. Of course we didn't purchase but plan to go back next year. We don't need a entire shipping container like dealers use, we would ideally just have a few items. Has anyone done something like this in Paris? The logistics of it are almost overwhelming, from transporting the junk from the market to a shipper and on and on. I figure if anyone can help it is the Rick Steves Community.
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and advice.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
18 posts
Curt you're right, this is tricky stuff. It's probably easiest to set it up with UPS or a similar integrated carrier (heavy weight division). Failing that, Google "freight forwarder" in Paris, and ask if they can provide you a door-to-door or warehouse-to-door rate (this includes everything from pickup at the seller's facility to delivery at your residence, including duty). It's also known as delivered, duty-paid/DDP terms of sale.
It can be hard to find someone who wants to handle a smaller shipment, so you might want to narrow it down to someone who specializes in antiques or household goods. You could see if there's a Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder in Kansas City who has an agent in Paris and will help you out. Hope this is useful.
Posted by
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA
45 posts
Curt: I did this somewhat. It depends on what exactly you are bringing back. A few years ago my wife and I found a antique coffee table in an antique shop in Broadway. Granted, it was smallish. I was able to take it apart, found a carton at the antique shop and the packing peanuts. I brought it home as luggage on the plane. So, if you are contemplating doing this, pack a screwdriver, an adjustible wrench and packing tape. Don't be afraid to go dumpster diving behind the store for the carton and packing peanuts. A rug or carpet should be fairly easy to pack. It is advisable to check the airline checked baggage requirements so you know the limits of any box you may check. We are heading for Germany in a couple of weeks and plan to visit the markets to see what we might find and will do something similar. If you have some serious stuff to bring home, talk to your local antique shop and see what they do when they purchase things overseas. Good hunting.
Posted by
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
215 posts
I don't know exactly about Paris, but over the past few years have shipped multiple large boxes home from Prague, Vienna and Krakow with no problems. Back in 2003 shipped an entire apartments contents from London to Vancouver, again with no problems. Just
slow if you choose ocean freight, about 2 months.