re: I'd expect this from USPS but not from FedEx

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MardiGrasTexan

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Found it.

This is why you have positive experiences. Get back to us when you ship 6000 packages with the NOLA crew

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Off topic a little... but how does USPS ensure your package makes it through customs to other countries? I've been using fedex international, and everything has always eventually gotten through, but there is always a hassle with customs that I have to figure out from 9000 miles away.

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I think it's more about how we package our items and where we're willing to ship. I've eliminated shipping to the following countries over time because of their shitty customs or potential theft:

Russia, Mexico, Brazil. It's unfortunate as these are large markets however their lawless ways cost us in the early days.

Our international packages have the normal customs form attached as well as a large address label attached. Also, when shipping to European countries, nothing shipped is valued above $16.99 USD on the customs form and the included packing slip is not priced. The $16.99 USD threshold keeps the Euro or Pound below the benchmark requiring the receiver to pay customs fees in their country. This speeds up the process through customs. Most of my USPS First Class Intl packages arrive to their destination in Europe in 7-10. Canada and Australia customs are lightning fast. Some south African countries can be slow however the package does finally arrive. Japan, China and Isreal seem to have their act together, too.

We also minimize the product information on the customs form. For example, a Lucky 13 Road King T-shirt is only listed as a black shirt. Same with dresses and other products. Too much info on the product description causes additional time for the customs agent to fully identify and process the item. This may or may not help but I've had very good luck doing it this way. Keep it simple.