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I've been following the threads about exporting guitars, and have a list of documents to fill out, but I can't figure out what to do with the documents.
Certainly they must be sent somewhere before shipping the instrument?
The instructions aren't too clear...
Any help from someone who knows would be nice.

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I have used FedEx for my foreign shipments (Europe, Asia) and the USPS for packages to Canada.
Once you establish a FedEx account, their on-line shipping program has all the forms/documents required to "get out of Dodge", so to speak. This includes the "harmonized codes" for musical instruments, Valuation for duty at the country of destination, Commercial Invoice, etc. These forms are enclosed with the shipping label in the plastic pouch used by FedEx. I presume FedEx takes out what they need for export and away the box goes. It's been seamless to me, although the first few times through their on-line system were challenging. I think they have cleaned it up and it works more smoothely (as of last June when I last shipped out of the USA).
For the US Post Office, they have a multipart form at the PO to fill out...product, size, weight, valuation, etc...which accompanies the package. Again, once out of the shippers hands everything has run smoothely.

Hope that helps.

Hank

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Hank Mauel

Hank, that helps more than you know.
I'm going to my local Fedx, about 1 mile from my house, in the AM.

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You might think about getting a FedEx account so you can prepare the paperwork at home, then just drop off the box, ready for shipping.
My FedEx location (an old Kinko's that got bought up by FedEx several years ago) does not have the most knowledgeable clerks when it comes to foreign shipments. As always YMMV.
Insurance: Do you have shop insurance that covers shipping? Heritage or other? If so, double check the Deductible and only buy the FedEx insurance to cover that portion. Otherwise, it costs a ton of $$$ to get full coverage and you may have to fight with FedEx if damage occurs during transit. For the price of one or two foreign shipments a year you can get a great Heritage policy that covers the shop, supplies, customer's instruments at your shop, festivals and shipping.

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Hank Mauel