Shipping Question: US -> AUS, RAT1. Anything crazy I need to keep in mind? What's the best carrier?
Title should hopefully cover it. Looking for someone with experience shipping from US to AUS, would just prefer to not find out the hard way if there are any odd crap to take into account.
It's a RAT1. 3.5" blade, unassisted, isn't the version that fires tactical nukes. I don't think there's anything to worry about there, but I'd appreciate any info folks have, especially on how to send it. I usually ship via a tape-sealed USPS Small Flat rate box, not sure if there's a better way available.
Come on smart folks <3
Posted Jul 27, 2017, 7:16 PM UTC
28
Use USPS First-Class International Package. You'll have to fill out a customs form. From the knives I have received and shipped internationally, the best and least hassle way is to mark it as a "camping tool" and put a relatively low value on it (e.g. $10 USD).
That way, whoever receives the knife won't have to pay a heavy VAT on it and customs aren't as likely to seize the knife since it's categorized as a "camping tool".
Another trick people like to do is to tighten the pivot all the way such that it takes a lot of force to open. I haven't had the need to do this, nor has people that sent me knives internationally has done so either.
Awesome response, thanks a ton for the help here. Seems like the standard stuff, but I've just never shipped that way. Appreciate you taking the time for that
Camping tool is a good idea, but no need to mark down the value.
Mark it with the full value and insure it since the recipient in Australia won't have to pay taxes for anything under $1000
Anything that has an abnormal price for the category will get a second look from customs, at least that's what I was told. I shipped a knife to China and the company (well respected Chinese company) I shipped to had me put utility knife and value at $20 for the customs form.
For OP’s case, he probably does not need to worry about lying about the value as a RAT 1 is less than $30 anyways. I certainly would not insure a knife so cheap and easily replaceable, but to each his own.