What is the cheapest way to have a parcel of clothes sent from USA to CH?

Finance, Taxes, Banking, Insurance and Retirement
1
I ordered children's clothes online and had them sent to my brother's place in the US. The plan was that my husband would collect them when he was over in November but he has now changed his plans and isn't going anymore. I was wondering what is the cheapest way to have the clothes sent here to CH. The value of the complete bundle is over 250 USD. Is it best to split the shipment so as I don't go over the 100 CHF and have them sent as gifts or should I have them sent in one parcel and just pay the customs. Furthermore, is US Postal Services the cheapest way to have them sent or has someone found a cheaper way?

Thanks.

2
I sent a few tees to my nephew in US, used Swiss post parcel service and paid 25 CHF for it. For this, you need the packaging provided from Swiss Post shop. Check out this link:

http://www.swisspost.ch/post-startseite/post-privatkunden/post-versenden/post-versenden-ausland-paket/post-versenden-ausland-paket-economy.htm

Hope this helps.

3
A Flat rate large parcel from USPS is I think about USD61. That would be the cheapest, unless you can use the smaller box. Tax will be roughly Fr.16+ Fr.7.5 (service fee) + Fr.20 = around Fr.48 including the ridiculous tax on the tax fees.

So you are looking at around USD110.

Split it up into 3x USD100 parcels? The cheaper parcels are really small so I wonder if you can squeeze everything in...

have a look at the USPS website - there is a price calculator which shows the max size and weight of parcels.

4
Do the flat rate USPS box, mark it as 'forwarded mail' as it is technically forwarded mail, don't declare a value over $20 and send it. Make sure all the tags and invoice are removed from the clothing as well just in case they open it. I got lots of clothes forwarded by my sister this way and didn't have to pay any of the terrible tariffs. My husband ordered 2 t-shirts from the US, total value of $32 + shipping and, JFC, I had to pay 30CHF just to collect them from the post...so just imagine how much $250 of childrens' clothing + shipping would set you back.

5
Poptart's idea is spot on if you don't have anyone else that can bring them back, like a different friend or relative. In addition to what poptart said, I highly recommend that the clothes be washed so they don't smell factory new and then re-folded (or just shoved in the box) so they don't look straight from the factory or shop floor. Good luck.

6
I wanted to have a parcel from US to CH but USPS said that they do not have a contract with Post Office in CH.

7
Tell the US connection to wash the clothes, throw them wrinkled in the box and send them regular parcel post or DHL. Tell them to declare the clothes as "hand-me-downs" which the Swiss will not be able to translate and, voila, your clothes will arrive with no additional charges.

8
Thank you all so much for your creative replies. Will get my brother to throw them in the wash before having them sent so that I don' have any problems if the parcel is opened by customs.

9
Or just clearly label what they are and pay the taxes you owe.