Advice on online shipping labels


I am shipping my JLTi phono preamp  to Australia to update it to the latest specs. After pricing at UPS, Fedex, etc, my wallet went into a panic attack from the expected onslaught of a $300+ shipping cost. I also found other 3rd party businesses in which I can get good discounted rates. An example is $75-$95 rather than the $300. I fill out the forms and print a shipping label. However I will assume its not as easy as taking it to the UPS store and paying the price.. But I like the $90 shipping an don't mind filling out forms. So far I have encountered

Pirate Shipping, Parcel monkey, Cool parcel and Online shipping Calculatorcom  which gives various choices of shippers

My question is which site would you recommend if either. Or what site can you recommend that you have used before. Keep in mind I am an old retired guy who doesn't know all the rules and do not do international shipping very much

Thanks for your help

128x128artemus_5

I sell on eBay and all the audio sites since 1999, thousands of items. Learned early not ever to ship out of the USA. It might take a bit longer, however you will always find a USA buyer eventually. It pays to be patient, never be in a hurry to sell.

I'm not trying to sell it. I'm upgrading it. This the need to ship. But if I were selling I'd agree with you

I've done quite a bit of overseas shipping, always do diy online forms with fedex,ups or dhl, dhl usually best price for me. However going this route requires some knowledge of  what forms will be required, harmonized codes, etc. Miss something and you'll have issues. These shippers will do all the work for you, assume you'll pay for this service. Hard to believe 3rd party shippers will be less than diy, assuming they charge for their services. Just don't do postal services, items may be stuck in customs for long periods, don't ask, I know from experience. The main shippers act as brokers making customs more seamless.