I need to get a package picked up from the USA - what's the best way to do this?

[editor]

Here's the problem. Recently I was on tour in the USA and I left my coat behind in San Diego. I wrote to the hotel and offered to send them whatever cash it needs to lob the coat in a package and mail it back.

This has proved too much for them as they say that it is beyond their skills to package the thing up and they suggested I mail them a bag with pre-paid postage for them to then send back over the Atlantic. Which sure seems like a faff.

So I guess a courier collection is the best solution - if they can supply the bag to put the cost in - but there's going to reach a point where it's not cost effective (the jacket is worth about £50).

Any suggestions folks?

 

[cupid_stunt]

I'll pick it up for you, if you pay for my return flights.

 

[editor]

I'll pick it up for you, if you pay for my return flights.

Great help, thanks.

 

[planetgeli]

Don’t know USA parcel prices. Going the other way (UK to USA) you’re looking at around £35.

Almost certainly not worth it.

 

[blairsh]

Use it as an excuse to buy a nice new jacket, would be my advice.

 

[Supine]

You could get hit with import tax too...

 

[skyscraper101]

Mailing them a pre-paid bag may still be the easiest option if you really want it back.

I think USPS have online print your own postage labels you can attach to the bag in advance. Then just mail that bag to the hotel. I have no idea how much it’d cost as you’d presumably have to estimate the weight and dimensions but a coat shouldn’t be more than $30 I’d have thought?

 

[Idaho]

You could get hit with import tax too...

You won't have to pay duty on your own old coat.

 

[SpookyFrank]

Any suggestions folks?

Take better care of your stuff.

 

[FridgeMagnet]

If you know somebody in the US who'd be prepared to have it delivered and post it on, I'd get it sent to them, then give them some money so they could send it internationally.

Tbh it may go over £50 but not much over, and a coat that you like is worth more than its monetary value.

 

[Mogden]

UPS will do a collect and deliver service and if you make the right request they'll take the label along when they make the collection so you don't have to faff with that.

You'll need to complete a customs invoice for it too. Give as much detail about the coat as possible on the forms and if you can find a suitable commodity code too that will help.

 

[nogojones]

I found Parcel Monkey the cheepest way of shipping boxes round the world. You'd need it wrapped and whoever is dealing with the US end would need to print off a label.

Low Cost Courier and Delivery Services | Parcel Monkey

 

[8ball]

Here's the problem. Recently I was on tour in the USA and I left my coat behind in San Diego. I wrote to the hotel and offered to send them whatever cash it needs to lob the coat in a package and mail it back.

This has proved too much for them as they say that it is beyond their skills to package the thing up and they suggested I mail them a bag with pre-paid postage for them to then send back over the Atlantic. Which sure seems like a faff.

So I guess a courier collection is the best solution - if they can supply the bag to put the cost in - but there's going to reach a point where it's not cost effective (the jacket is worth about £50).

Any suggestions folks?

£50 is a low bar to beat - if you could buy another at the same price your best bet is to do that, then get them to give your lost one to a homeless shelter - you’re (possibly likely) a little out of pocket but a lot less hassled and someone gets a coat who really needs it.

 

[Micro]

This has proved too much for them as they say that it is beyond their skills to package the thing up

Phone during a different shift and try to get someone more competent?

Unless it was a Holiday Inn type place, in which case they’re probably not paid enough to bother much.

I bet someone on here lives there though or knows someone who does. People like to help.

 

[8ball]

I think it’s less about competence and more about avoiding liability tbf.

 

[Micro]

I think it’s less about competence and more about avoiding liability tbf.

Oh, you might be right.

 

[editor]

Take better care of your stuff.

Please check out the opening para in the FAQ.

 

[editor]

I think it’s less about competence and more about avoiding liability tbf.

I don't think it's that. They just can't be arsed.

 

[Micro]

I don't think it's that. They just can't be arsed.

Then I think a phone call on a different shift is worth a shot. Put on your best accent, maybe go a bit Hugh Grant with it.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

This is the sort of thing where Twitter can be great, particularly if you have a reasonable number of followers, or if you happen to be the drummer in a band with a loyal international fanbase Tag the hotel chain into a message outlining the issue, see if anyone picks it up.

#coatrescue #monochromeset #help #inserthotelnamehere etc

 

[74drew]

is it in Manhattan?

 

[editor]

is it in Manhattan?

San Diego

 

[editor]

This is the sort of thing where Twitter can be great, particularly if you have a reasonable number of followers, or if you happen to be the drummer in a band with a loyal international fanbase Tag the hotel chain into a message outlining the issue, see if anyone picks it up.

#coatrescue #monochromeset #help #inserthotelnamehere etc

Good call.

 

[Supine]

When I was promoting dj's were always leaving stuff and getting me to post it to wherever. Did you have a promoter who could send it?

 

[editor]

When I was promoting dj's were always leaving stuff and getting me to post it to wherever. Did you have a promoter who could send it?

I've messaged him but he is famously slow to respond.

 

[74drew]

San Diego

OK, my sister could have helped, but apparently not.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

You won't have to pay duty on your own old coat.

You would, unless you take your case to customs with proof that the coat originated in the UK and was only temporarily imported in to the US. Which seems to add to the faff somewhat...

 

[8ball]

But since you bought it in a San Diego charity shop, the fee should be trifling.

 

[petee]

OK, my sister could have helped, but apparently not.

or someone else around here.

 

[Cid]

You would, unless you take your case to customs with proof that the coat originated in the UK and was only temporarily imported in to the US. Which seems to add to the faff somewhat...

You put 'personal belongings' on the customs form, very unlikely to get flagged.