FYI, Royal Mail simply won't accept packages over 2kg (c. 4.4 lbs) in weight. So with a package for example, it would have to be split into multiple consignments, multiplying the cost, and the possibility of one part going astray. We have no preference ourselves, other than wanting to have customers who get their goods speedily and reliably, so all we can do is advise on the alternatives. Generally speaking we find the people who pay for the upgraded shipping are the happiest. But everyone has different needs and preferences.

I'd point out yet again, too, that even with the legal import duties, your prices in the US still come out about the same as ours, since you escape our VAT tax of 17.5% (soon to be 15).

I'd also like to take this chance to remind North Americans that our prices are now about 30% lower than less than a year ago! You may think the dollar is doing badly, but the pound has done far worse!! That's very good for you buying from the UK.

Also (back to shipping) we are now also using DHL for some of our shipments, partly I have to say in response to the anti-fedex feeling from some people here. Our analysis so far is that their shipments are being treated in almost exactly the same way, as we expected. But if anyone prefers dhl for any reason feel free to specify this.

The only other way I know to reduce import duties (which we of course pay in the opposite direction too) is to falsely declare. We know some competitors do this. But we won't, as we believe in dealing honestly. So as I've remarked before, if the people you're dealing with will lie to one set of people to make more money, I think it's worth asking whether you can be confident they're telling you the full truth either. There's a lot of illegal forgery and substandard substitution in this trade now for example, and this isn't confined to the obvious 'tartan tat' merchants. Think about it. Sorry if this comes across as knocking competitors, but I'm just speaking my mind about dishonest behaviour that personally disgusts me.