I see some great deals on saddles listed on eBay UK. Especially in cob/wide sizes/shapes that are less common in the States. What is the most economical way to ship a saddle from the UK to the USA? Preliminary estimate on FedEx looks like $500?!
might want to run a search on EasyShip, they can give an estimate using various shippers
(you can change the country of origin in the drop box to United Kingdom)
I used DHL several times getting product (not horse related) out of Germany and Italy
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That price seems about right. A lot depends on what carrier you use and adding in all the insurance etc.
Not saddles, but I’ve shipped care packages to the US that were lighter in weight and smaller boxes (not by much) for around £100-£120. I always go to mail boxes etc and ask for the least expensive method of shipping.
I was looking at a saddle in the UK and they quoted me $200.
I’ve bought a few saddles from the UK and it was about $200 - I’m sorry I can’t remember through who, but I had no issues!
I think you could use DHL, or they can use Royal Mail and then once it gets here, it comes to you via USPS or UPS? You can get a quote from PirateShip, I think.
I would NOT use FedEx for this. I did have a saddle arrive from the UK via FedEx. It did not go well.
Whatever method you use, be sure the saddle is fully insured, and who has the ability/responsibility to file a claim if something happens to it en route.
I got one several years ago (pre-covid shut downs), and believe it or not, it only cost about $60 to ship. I’m not sure what service the seller used (though if I remember correctly it arrived either via USPS or UPS), and it was a relatively light-weight saddle. Obviously, with inflation the way it is, the going rate is going to be higher, but I would think $500 might be a bit much. FWIW, I’ve always been happy with orders from the UK, whether it’s tack or books. 
150 - 200 via DHL
If it is on eBay, they can sign the item up for “Global Shipping Program” and eBay will take care of the details (they ship it to a UK depot which forwards it on). That can take a while, but for sellers who don’t want to deal with customs or with using a different carrier it is easier.
Great advice folks! That saddle hoarding thread enabled me to take the plunge. Hopefully the saddle turns out to be a good deal!
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We are certainly enablers!
