When I set up the PIF for the Evahs razor I included a comment about that anyone not in the US can still enter as long as they have a friend in the US the razor can be shipped to - and then it's up to them how the razor gets to the winner. I did that because we often have some really nice PIFs that are limited to US participants (due to cost, complexity in international shipping, etc) I thought by having a "US bro rule" that would open up the PIF to worldwide participation at no additional cost to the PIFer. This might already be in effect in a less advertised way but when I see sad non-US participants who would had loved to play not being able to it does kinda suck a bit. So it would be rather simple; On any US-only PIF anyone (wherever in the world they are) can still enter the PIF as long as they evoke the "US Bro Rule". This means that they have lined up a buddy in the US that the PIF will be sent to. What happens after that I don't think anyone cares about (the buddy send it right away or they have an agreement where he normally sends him stuff every three months, etc) - but to the PIFer it's transparent and no additional cost. So if I am user NowhereNearTheUS and there is a US-only PIF coming up, I'd enter with; "Sweet PIF! I'm in (US Bro Rule)" Would there be any concerns from either PIFers or TSD - and/or would our non-US friends even find it a good idea? *Products restricted by shipping laws (alcohol based products, etc) are obviously still restriced
I think this is a splendid idea! I once offered to pay the additional shipping in a PIF that was CONUS only, alas, that's not how PIF works I was told. With this I can still enter and pay the shipping, just not to the PIF'er, but to my "bro". Everybody wins!
Or your bro is such a bro he send it to you for free of course in exchange for some Danish shaving soap
If it helps out our non-US shaver friends, I'm all for it. Although, I have done a few shipments outside the US and the worst cost was only $3 more than US Priority mail small box.
What is the difference in shipping CONUS and international? I get that the price is higher, but I'm sure people would be happy to paypal the difference if they felt the PIF item was worth it - What makes it complex though? Is it the paperwork?
Officially, here at The Den, I believe PIFs MUST be entirely free to the winner (including shipping).
I think it's a combination of; - greater cost (and as a PIF there shouldn't really be any monetary transactions between the PIFer and winner if I understand it correctly), and - not being able to just dump the package into the nearest blue mailbox (having to go to the post office and fill out the forms).
I didn't know about the TSD rule regarding cost. It's just that the "PIF CONUS ONLY" is widely used outside TSD as well, and it can be a little bit frustrating to be part of a community, but only up until there's a PIF (specially when it's American artisan products that can be hard $$$ to get ones hands on) Are there actual forms to be filled out in the US? I totally understand the greater distances people might have to travel in order to reach a post office, and I'm not mad. It usually makes me pout though, haha!
Way to go @Darkbulb! Brilliant way to look out for our fellow shave enthusiasts who are a bit out-of-the-way!
In the US, any int'l shipment other than paper documents must have customs forms and must be presented in person to a post office.
Yes. Customs forms have to be filled out and signed for international shipments. Part of what makes it harder for me to ship internationally is that I have to physically go to the post office and hand them the package with the forms. I can't just dump it in a mail box. Cost varies depending on the country it is going to. USPS does offer flat rate international shipping up to specific weights, but that can cost insane amounts. A medium priority box is around $50 to ship internationally. First class shipping is much less expensive, provided the package is under 13 ounces. BTW, fully support the US-Bro Rule.
What happens if you dump something in the nearest box without filling any papers? I think, legally, I'm required to do the same. I have never done it though and stuff still got delivered.
I'm beginning to see the hassle and understand the CONUS only often seen. More expensive. More work packing it with forms etc. Travel to an office with opening hours. Intl shipping for me is only the slight extra cost. Everything else is equal. I appreciate each and every time when someone abroad accepts to deal with me knowing the extra work.
Tsk, tsk tuxx - When shipping items abroad, we have to put a customs declaration sticker on the package. I usually mark it as low value, used and a gift to avoid the people on the other end having to pay any duties. Thanks for the answers guys!
