A normal letter or envelope like that does not cost $7.83. It costs about $2. Packages are charged by the pound. Ask for their rates. They are no more expensive than any of the other mail services. Your envelope must have been heavier than the standard letter or card.
As someone stated earlier "I checked with eShop today as I had a package to pick up. A letter is $2 if it is sent regular mail. It does take longer to arrive. If the letter has a tracking number, then it is their minimum amount for any package which is $7.76"
Hi Claire,
It seems that what The Box Shop is advertising is maritime rates. I don't recall what I paid the last time for this service, but if they can deliver via sea in 15 days as stated? What are the custom rates? Is the required by law 7% Panamanian tax included?
Those are questions I would ask.
I'm interested but.. not sure if that is competitive or doable. Maybe it is and that may help all of us.
In the meantime, I have a great relationship at eShop and I know that I will get honest answers.
No, the Box Shop rates are not maritime and I have never used maritime. In fact, I inquired about shipping a heavier juicer by maritime, and they said it did not quality for maritime shipping. (I don't know what those requirements are.)
My last order from Amazon was delivered to Box Shop's Miami warehouse on May 22nd, and my package arrived in David on May 26th. 6 lbs. cost $15.50. The cost would have been $25.68 with e-Shop.
Of course e-Shop has a Boquete office and The Box Shop is in David. No problem for me, as I have to go to David frequently anyway.
I checked with eShop today as I had a package to pick up. A letter is $2 if it is sent regular mail. It does take longer to arrive. If the letter has a tracking number, then it is their minimum amount for any package which is $7.76.
I have my letters, statements sent to my son in the States and then twice a year he sends me a "care package" with the things I need and can't find here. He will enclose any letters I have at that time. It works well for me. I guess it depends on how fast you might need the letter.
Thanks Lorelei for saying exactly what I would have. It's not my son but same difference.
I have someone I trust go through my mail that I tried hard to eliminate completely and do everything electronically. There are still always a few that will continue to send regular mail or that has to be sent mail - new credit cards for example.
This discussion has been on going for a long time. I understand there are new people that move here and aren't sure how this works, but unless you are willing to wait you'll have to pay more. Actually even if you are willing to wait, you will still have to pay more!
Sure, I have Amazon Prime that delivers free to my Miami shipping address, but that doesn't include the cost to Panama. I am VERY careful with what I buy now because there is no such thing as returning something - unless, most likely it will cost more than what you paid for it.
I recently bought an item on Amazon and made sure that I couldn't find something of the same quality here for the price. I bought it and received a used (it was a robotic vacuum btw) one that had been packaged horribly and didn't include anything stated in the ad.
I contacted the vendor having to explain that returning it was not an option - the shipping from Miami to here was $53 ( it weighed > 10 lbs.) so for me to return it and get what I ordered?
Very happy that I bought it from a Prime seller that is willing to let me keep the used one I have (admitted their mistake), sending me a new one and reimbursing me $60 for the additional shipping.
That is how it is - and eShop is my preferred shipper for several reasons but that is my choice. Their rates are competitive and what I just described, has absolutely nothing to do with their services!
It's a good idea to check around - I used every service here until I chose eShop who I have used tor several years now.
So yes pr-Em, if it is anything of value, I personally won't use the General Delivery System or regular mail. If it isn't important, I know of several people that haven't had any problems but then anything I get from the US is important to me!
Thanks for your help. If it isn't tracked there is a high chance of it getting lost so I guess that paying extra To and From ensures you will get the package.
Replies
A normal letter or envelope like that does not cost $7.83. It costs about $2. Packages are charged by the pound. Ask for their rates. They are no more expensive than any of the other mail services. Your envelope must have been heavier than the standard letter or card.
As someone stated earlier "I checked with eShop today as I had a package to pick up. A letter is $2 if it is sent regular mail. It does take longer to arrive. If the letter has a tracking number, then it is their minimum amount for any package which is $7.76"
When people learn about The Box Shop in David, they will quit paying the exorbitant prices of MBE and e-Shop.
The Box Shop: Owner/operator, Dario Samudio. He speaks excellent English His email
is info@boxshopdavid.com. His personal cell phone is 6799-4595. His website is www.boxshopdavid.com. 730-1041
Excellent service, great prices. $2.50 per lb plus 50 cents per package to transport from PC to David.
It seems that what The Box Shop is advertising is maritime rates. I don't recall what I paid the last time for this service, but if they can deliver via sea in 15 days as stated? What are the custom rates? Is the required by law 7% Panamanian tax included?
Those are questions I would ask.
I'm interested but.. not sure if that is competitive or doable. Maybe it is and that may help all of us.
In the meantime, I have a great relationship at eShop and I know that I will get honest answers.
No, the Box Shop rates are not maritime and I have never used maritime. In fact, I inquired about shipping a heavier juicer by maritime, and they said it did not quality for maritime shipping. (I don't know what those requirements are.)
My last order from Amazon was delivered to Box Shop's Miami warehouse on May 22nd, and my package arrived in David on May 26th. 6 lbs. cost $15.50. The cost would have been $25.68 with e-Shop.
Of course e-Shop has a Boquete office and The Box Shop is in David. No problem for me, as I have to go to David frequently anyway.
Great info
I checked with eShop today as I had a package to pick up. A letter is $2 if it is sent regular mail. It does take longer to arrive. If the letter has a tracking number, then it is their minimum amount for any package which is $7.76.
I have my letters, statements sent to my son in the States and then twice a year he sends me a "care package" with the things I need and can't find here. He will enclose any letters I have at that time. It works well for me. I guess it depends on how fast you might need the letter.
Thanks Lorelei for saying exactly what I would have. It's not my son but same difference.
I have someone I trust go through my mail that I tried hard to eliminate completely and do everything electronically. There are still always a few that will continue to send regular mail or that has to be sent mail - new credit cards for example.
This discussion has been on going for a long time. I understand there are new people that move here and aren't sure how this works, but unless you are willing to wait you'll have to pay more. Actually even if you are willing to wait, you will still have to pay more!
Sure, I have Amazon Prime that delivers free to my Miami shipping address, but that doesn't include the cost to Panama. I am VERY careful with what I buy now because there is no such thing as returning something - unless, most likely it will cost more than what you paid for it.
I recently bought an item on Amazon and made sure that I couldn't find something of the same quality here for the price. I bought it and received a used (it was a robotic vacuum btw) one that had been packaged horribly and didn't include anything stated in the ad.
I contacted the vendor having to explain that returning it was not an option - the shipping from Miami to here was $53 ( it weighed > 10 lbs.) so for me to return it and get what I ordered?
Very happy that I bought it from a Prime seller that is willing to let me keep the used one I have (admitted their mistake), sending me a new one and reimbursing me $60 for the additional shipping.
That is how it is - and eShop is my preferred shipper for several reasons but that is my choice. Their rates are competitive and what I just described, has absolutely nothing to do with their services!
It's a good idea to check around - I used every service here until I chose eShop who I have used tor several years now.
So yes pr-Em, if it is anything of value, I personally won't use the General Delivery System or regular mail. If it isn't important, I know of several people that haven't had any problems but then anything I get from the US is important to me!
Hope my long story helps.
Thanks for your help. If it isn't tracked there is a high chance of it getting lost so I guess that paying extra To and From ensures you will get the package.