Selling out of country

[postman]

Have a buyer from France for a longbow, anything I should know besides doing the custom's paperwork, any restrictions to France on selling a longbow. Pay Pal the best way to go ?. Thanks for any info.

[Bjorn]

Paypal is definitely the way to go. Check a few things-like the address and phone number in a French directory. Get all the money in advance before you ship.
Sooner or later the buyer is going to ask you to produce paperwork that represents the value as far lower than what was paid-in order to pay reduced amount of tax. I  have been asked that pretty much every time-and it just does not work for me.
Here's the most important part other than money in advance:
Be sure and get a 'Paypal verified address' or you will have very little recourse if something goes wrong. I have walked from a transaction rather than ship to an unverified address.

[Roger Norris]

Make sure you know what the shipping rates are. I just sent a bow sock to Australia, it was $10.

[postman]

Thanks for the info, Bjorn, especially about the address and phone number.

[DayTripper]

Make sure your package is insured. My brother-in-law is French, he lives in Paris, he does not trust the French postal services. If the buyer willing to pay for it, go UPS or FedEx.

[postman]

Thanks to all, you can always depend on trad-gang, for advice.

[Danny Rowan]

Also, check the length restrictions. If it is a take down no problems but if it is over a certain length you will not be able to ship it USPS. International Priority or International Express is the only way to go, Usually around $60.00 for the shipping with insurance.