Express Mail Service vs. Airmail

[§ Gideon §]

I'm wondering if anyone here can relay some experience. I recently won an auction to be shipped from the Land of the Rising Sun. There were two shipping choices: $12.00 for EMS and $3.30 for Airmail.

What really got my attention, though, was a clause below the Airmail option: "We don't accept responsibility for lost or damaged items sent through Airmail." Why not? Are these airmail guys practicing judo on the shipping line or something? Help! I need peace of mind, because $3.30 sounded a lot better than $12.

[Mayhem]

It is because, I believe, there is no tracking or insurance as standard when sending a package airmail international, as opposed to using EMS. So they are just warning you to let you know before choosing.

A bit like telling people who go to McDonalds that they are risking their health by eating there...

[§ Gideon §]

I see. I wonder if anyone here ever had a lost package through Airmail.

[The Brown Eye]

I did once. It was something like 25 Gamecube games going to Canada.

Airmail is generally fine for smaller stuff going to Europe, as at least for me it usually shows up in four to seven days. Anything going to Canada or anything expensive gets EMS. The nice thing is that you can get boxes for it just like Priority Mail. It's also trackable and comes with $100 of insurance at least when bought in the U.S.

[video_game_addict]

I see. I wonder if anyone here ever had a lost package through Airmail.

I have mailed hundreds of packages out via airmail, no problems yet. On the receiving end, I have had lost packages coming from the UK, Royal mail small packet, which is an Airmail rate, and I've had one other lost package, from Malaysia I think, but it's been a few years. I have received many packages from overseas. I would have no problem going with airmail if it's not an expensive item.

[FABombjoy]

I've had many things shipped from Japan via air mail with no trouble. Usually ends up arriving fairly quickly too.

Also, the seller can say "We don't accept responsibility for lost or damaged items sent through Airmail", but if you pay via Paypal, the seller had better hope it doesn't get lost.

[§ Gideon §]

Sorry to revive a month-old topic, but I never thanked you guys for the advice. I appreciate it.

I'm sorry to hear about those 25 GameCube games, TDE. That no small amount, and I wish something could have been done.

[kevin_psx]

How does one ship EMS? Walk into post office & say "I want EMS"?

What do the letters EMS mean?

[jonjandran]

How does one ship EMS? Walk into post office & say "I want EMS"?

What do the letters EMS mean?

Stands for Express Mail Services I think.

Yea you just walk in and say you want Global Express Mail.