For shipping overseas, I recommend using USPS First Class International for stuff weighing up to 4 lbs,
and Priority Mail International for stuff weighing more than that.
You can get Shipping Insurance through
ShipSurance.
They are way cheaper than USPS (they only charge about $1 per 100 dollars of insurance), and will cover both
First Class International, and Priority Mail International, so long as you ship to countries on their approved list.
When you fill out USPS Customs Forms, you need to fill in the "HS Tariff Code" area with the proper info.
The code for Video Games, VG Systems (non-coin operated), and Accessories is "9504.
10.00" (without the " " marks).
It can also be written as a simple 6-digit number, without the decimal points:
950410
Including the HS Tariff Code on your Customs form will speed your stuff's progress through foreign countries' customs departments.
Another Customs Form field to fill out is the one called "EEL/PFC".
For shipments to Canada, enter "NOEEI 30.36".
For all other foreign countries, enter "NOEEI 30.37(a)", so long as the shipment is not worth more than $2,500
.00.
Also, don't forget to include a Packing Slip on the inside of the box, and don't use an inkjet printer for your International labels.
I'd recommend something waterproof, like a Laser Printer or ink pen, and it doesn't hurt to write or print something out,
let it dry for 10 min, then put it in a bowl of water for a few minutes, to make sure it won't get messed up.
EDITED TO ADDI forgot to add two very important Thermal Shipping Label Tips!
If you use a ribbon-less Thermal Shipping Label Printer, such as the Zebra LP 2844, do not tape over any of the barcodes or text!
The adhesive on the Tape reacts with the chemicals in the Thermal Paper, causing the Text and Graphics it comes into direct contact with,
to fade away within one to two days.
Also,
certain Highlighters have the opposite effect.
They can react chemically with Thermal Labels, causing the areas you highlight to become solid black within a few days.
If you plan to use a Highlighter on a Thermal Label, make sure you preform a one week test, to see if it'll turn solid black.
