The USPS online calculator is accurate, and I find their service generally excellent. Heres the direct link for the Netherlands: ircalc.usps.gov/default.a...&CID=10298 I have also been experiencing increasing problems with the courier companies, with them now often taking much longer than the postal services. Unless youre in a massive hurry and can get a guaranteed delivery deadline, which Ive found are rarely met, I see no point in using a courier company. Ive found USPS as fast and as reliable as any other service provider, and theyre almost always considerably less expensive.

Unfortunately, Canada Post seems much more expensive. Ive stopped considering Canadian-based auctions, because Ive never received what I consider a reasonable shipping quote yet.

My eBay buying activities focus on US-based items that the seller will ship via USPS. Sometimes I buy from a non-US trader, but I always ask for shipping rates first, which usually put me off.

The things that bug me with online trading is how many folks want significant packing expenses, and how many US traders charge for an insured service, but actually send small items using the uninsured and much less expensive Airmail Letter Post option. One day, Im sure one of the sellers I deal with will have to reimburse me out of his/her own pocket after a loss. They are simply scamming significantly more money out of buyers through such activities, and lately Ive experienced several sellers employing both tactics, and doing very well indeed out of the additional funds.

Aide toi et le ciel taidera (Aid thyself and heaven will aid thee)