International shipping

[coffee-lin]

I found your online store to have the biggest selection and the best web interface. I have always wanted to place orders from your store, but was intimidated by the shipping cost. I am also a bit confused on how they are calculated because I had several inconsistencies when ordering.
The first order I placed, which costs $65.61, was quoted a shipping fee of $45.88. However, there was some issue with my credit card, and to use a different card I had to place the order again.
After I did that, I was surprised to receive a quote for the *exact* order but this time shipping costs $55.34! And I was later being told that all prices, including shipping cost, would be marked on the package. My orders, consisting of only several colored pencils, would be charged a hefty sum by customs if shipping cost is to be included as the "item value".
I then inquired if there’s any cheaper shipping alternative and got a reply stating that there’s an option for USPS shipping if orders are below $50.
So I had the order canceled again (partially feeling guilty for causing all the troubles) and separate the order.
Taking an assumption that normally items I ordered from the US shipped by USPS costs no more than $12, I reduced my orders to $37 (at the expense of not being able to use coupons) so it can clear customs (local customs only charge tax on items costing more than $50).
This time, even after removing more than half of the previous order, Fedex shipping costs $41.56 and USPS $27.25.
My question is, is there a link to where we can view how international shipping are calculated? If it is by weight, the decrease in costs is very minimal considering more than 1/2 of the items were removed, and also its odd how shipping charge can swell on exact orders.
I apologize for the long post and for bringing this up. Just want to make sure I am paying what’s it worth.
Thank you very much for your time.

[Blick Art Materials]

Thank you for your interest in our company and I apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have incurred. I will try to explain the best I can: *It is unclear why you were quoted 2 different shipping costs for the same order, but these are strictly estimates and we would have honored the lower estimate that you were previously given. *The shipping/handling charges are not included in the "merchandise value" for customs. The packing list breaks down all of the charges. *Since April 21, we have offered USPS for orders with merchandise of $200 or less. If you were not given the correct information about this, I apologize. * The tax charged by customs on items more than $50 is beyond our control. *Shipping charges are calculated on each order by a base charge and then increases per pound. Sometimes removing half of the items from an order does not reduce the weight by half. * There are too many variable in calculating shipping charges to give customers a way to figure themselves. Weight, size, # of boxes, packing materials needed, etc all factor in to calculating shipping charges.
We do strive to keep shipping charges to a minimum and to offer our customers several options. Unfortunately, customs charges and taxes, etc are not under are control and can sometimes seem unreasonable.
I hope I have been able to answer some of your qustions, but please feel free to contact our International Order Department @ 800) 828-4548 or blickinternational@dickblick.com if you should have any other questions or concerns.

[coffee-lin]

Thank you very much for the kind reply and detailed explanation.
Although the different charges on the exact same orders confuse us both,
I am very glad to hear the shipping costs would not be included in the "item value" custom sheet, because a while back, when I inquired if it would be possible to exclude the shipping costs in the invoice, I received a reply stating it would all be marked and included in the package.
It'll save me a lot by waiving custom charges on the shipping fee and to be able to have my full order shipped by USPS. I will definitely be placing the order again from your online store.
Thank you once again and my deepest apology for the inconvenience.