'Because of Brexit'

[Simpo Two]

I recently queried the p&p demanded to post a tiny plastic model part from the EU. It's no more than 3" long and £16.92 seemed nuts to me.

I'm aware that Brexit caused delays in shipping between the UK and EU but did it actually put postage up? If it was internal UK postage the item would easily go by large letter for <£1. So before I reply I'd like to know if they're talking bks or not.

Thanks!

[JeffreyD]

They will just be spreading the increased costs across all parcels

I'd have thought in a few months someone will have come up with a streamlined system and be able to offer reduced costs

[Simpo Two]

Thanks - so it it actually more expensive to ship to/from the EU now? (I haven't tried it recently)

The company is Shapeways https://www.shapeways.com. From what I can grasp they resell 3D parts made by individuals - but the individuals aren't going to get much trade if postage is almost as much as the part...

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I work in the exports team for a manufacturing company in Germany. I can confirm that UPS and DHL have increased their costs for delivery to the UK post Brexit. Not sure about other couriers.

[JeffreyD]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks - so it it actually more expensive to ship to/from the EU now? (I haven't tried it recently)

The company is Shapeways https://www.shapeways.com. From what I can grasp they resell 3D parts made by individuals - but the individuals aren't going to get much trade if postage is almost as much as the part...

You have to complete a customs form if you are sending goods for any reason and I *think* the courier is responsible for ensuring the correct vat and duties are applied.

So there's your extra cost, even on stuff that doesn't have duty or vat.

[steveo3002]

prob using a tracked delivery vs slinging it in the post ....too many "it never arrived m8" types around

[Simpo Two]

Thanks - I suspect it's a combination of courier and Shapeways striping it up.

Never mind, it's 'no sale' from me.

ETA I could post the same thing to the EU using Royal Mail for £5.80. Couriers must be raking it in.

ETA I had a nice reply saying they're in the Netherlands and will only use UPS.

Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 9th June 13:03

[bucksmanuk]

Courier rates were all over the place last year, this was before Brexit, and it was due to COVID issues – apparently.
I have a small online business and the rates doubled last year and then some. They are beginning to return to normality. It can be cheaper (sometimes) to get stuff sent over from the US then from within the EU.

[skwdenyer]

Simpo Two said:

I recently queried the p&p demanded to post a tiny plastic model part from the EU. It's no more than 3" long and £16.92 seemed nuts to me.

I'm aware that Brexit caused delays in shipping between the UK and EU but did it actually put postage up? If it was internal UK postage the item would easily go by large letter for <£1. So before I reply I'd like to know if they're talking bks or not.

Thanks!

I'm seeing couriers adding a range of surcharges on top of their regular prices. Covid and Brexit are the top 2.

Also, how is the seller dealing with the VAT situation? You may find they're (mistakenly) adding UK VAT on top of a price that already includes EU VAT, and building that into the postage charge.

[Nickyboy]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks - I suspect it's a combination of courier and Shapeways striping it up.

Never mind, it's 'no sale' from me.

ETA I could post the same thing to the EU using Royal Mail for £5.80. Couriers must be raking it in.

ETA I had a nice reply saying they're in the Netherlands and will only use UPS.

Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 9th June 13:03

I deliver Shapeways stuff all the time, you can ship from NL to UK for around the price they've quoted but they will get a huge volume discount so the actual cost to them is likely a third what they charge you.

[Simpo Two]

Nickyboy said:

I deliver Shapeways stuff all the time, you can ship from NL to UK for around the price they've quoted but they will get a huge volume discount so the actual cost to them is likely a third what they charge you.

Interesting, thanks. So my suspicion that (a) 'It's because of Brexit', and (b) 'Shapeways striping it up' are correct.

I may have to advise them of these facts. All they're doing is losing business for themselves and the people they represent.