UPS has just announced an increase of 5.9% beginning in 2025. Although inflationary increases in day-to-day operating costs rise, I will continue to offer free shipping to US addresses and discounted International shipping rates.
I ship Monday - Thursday. Typewriters ship within 48 business hours of cleared payment and small orders ship within 24 business hours of cleared payment. These time-frames don't included holidays, weekends or any day/time outside of standard VTS business hours of operation. A typewriter purchased on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday (within standard business hours) will ship Monday. One bought on Sunday (within standard business hours) will ship Tuesday. If you buy a typewriter Sunday night, say at 7 PM EST, it might not ship until Wednesday depending on the shipping volume for that week. If, however, you make the purchase before 5 PM EST, it will ship Tuesday as long as UPS/USPS is running that day. Meaning it's not a holiday.
USPS will likely increase their Priority Express Mail Service and their Priority Mail Service in 2025.
USPS Priority Flat Rate envelopes for International shipping now start at $30.90. I only use Priority Mail due to the many First Class packages that have gotten "lost" by Customs Departments/Postal Services. I realize the effect this will have on my international business for small items, but I have no control over this excessive price increase.
Items are shipped in the order payment is received.
I've offered FREE UPS Ground Insured and USPS for ribbon orders since 2004 to all US shipping addresses!
All typewriters are shipped Priority or Ground within the US. Tracking information is emailed to the buyer after the item has shipped. Every typewriter is insured for the entire purchase price free of charge. All items are shipped in the order that payment was received. Typewriters ship within 48 hours of cleared payment and small orders ship within 24 hours of cleared payment. Please understand that after I drop off the packages to the carrier, I am no longer in control of the item, how it is handled or when it is delivered. In the unlikely event that damage or loss occurs I will do everything within my power to assist the buyer with any claims. I do not work on weekends or after 5:00 PM EST. Thank You :-)
International Shipments - A $25 S&H Discount on typewriter purchases always applies!
Since every International shipping order is "custom" due to the conditions listed below, International customers will have to contact me prior to purchasing. This allows me to calculate accurate shipping costs and conditions imposed by the receiving countries Customs Agency. Once I have verified a properly sized box is allowed to the destination country and an accurate total calculated, I can email a Paypal invoice for payment. This is the best way to insure a smooth transaction :-) Scott
All typewriters are shipped via USPS Priority Express Mail Service. Please check the package size restrictions for your country by using the following link - USPS Shipping Calculator - find your country, enter "large package", use 20x20x16 for most shipments and estimated weight(add 5 lbs for packing material and box). Then click "continue". On the next page, click on "show dimensions" to see what size your country allows. Many countries have a size restriction of 79" Length + Girth (Ex. Box Size 18"x18"x12" = 78"). This makes properly packing a large typewriter impossible. Some countries allow a 108" box size on USPS Priority shipments(20"x20"x20" = 100"). I can use this option if necessary.
Any items that are lost or damaged are not the responsibility of The Vintage Typewriter Shoppe. I appreciate all of my international customers but I refuse to be held responsible for items that have been lost or damaged by the USPS or your countries Customs Office. Insurance is available at an additional cost to the buyer and must match the actual purchase price of the item. I take great pride and care in packing each item correctly and have had fewer only 7 damaged shipments (Domestic and International combined!) since 2004. Please understand that after I give the packages to the shipping carrier, I am no longer in control of the item, how it is handled or when it is delivered. In the unlikely event that damage or loss occurs I will do everything within my power to assist the buyer with any claims. I do not work on weekends or after 5:00 PM EST.
Several requests have been made in regards to customs declarations amounts. I have communicated with the International department of the United States Postal Service and there is no mandatory policy for the amount that is to be put on the customs form. However, if the item is lost or damaged, you will only be able to file an insurance claim for the value stated on the customs form. The item may also be confiscated by your Customs Office should they suspect a lower than actual cost declared value has been used. I will give this option to any International customers as long as they understand the risk involved and agree not to hold The Vintage Typewriter Shoppe responsible if a claim situation (or any other situation involving Customs Office) occurs. Thank You :-)
