Thank you each and everyone for your kind advices. I feel safe now to ship to an APO/FPO address if the buyer's Paypal confirmed address is an APO/FPO address.

This forum is the most wonderful forum with all the wonderful members. I am so grateful to have received so many responses and guidance on this matter.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Originally Posted by lucybelle

Been shipping to APO/FPO's for a decade now. I have never had one problem. Like BagloverBurr said, it is just like shipping regular mail, you do have to have a customs form. It takes an extra minute of your time, but is so worth it to military families!

Additionally, there are flat rate priority boxes and Tyvek envelopes available for APO/FPO. They can be ordered on the USPS website.

I would like to know how you handle with APO/FPO address over $250 item.

I receive an offer from APO/FPO address member on ebay. I tried to find if I could add a signature confirmation service. But it seems not. Am I missing some details about shipping to APO/FPO address? Or no alternative service of the signature confirmation?

TIA

It's been awhile since I shipped a bag to an APO but my understanding is yes, there is no signature confirmation. I was told the packages get scanned once they reach their destination. But I have no idea on how the military distributes these to the actual addressee. GL!

I have APO/FPO/DPO address. Delivery confirmation - I am sure you can have. One time a seller had the item insured and as registered; it took additional 10-12 days for me to get the item because of that; that's what I was told by the mail room personnel.

Originally Posted by bhalpop

But I have no idea on how the military distributes these to the actual addressee. GL!

All APO/FPO/DPO mails/parcels go to New York first; then get sorted out and then delivered to actual APO address like APO 09870 is in Baghdad. So from the sender's address > NY > Baghdad.

Originally Posted by bhalpop

It's been awhile since I shipped a bag to an APO but my understanding is yes, there is no signature confirmation. I was told the packages get scanned once they reach their destination. But I have no idea on how the military distributes these to the actual addressee. GL!

Originally Posted by illusions

I have APO/FPO/DPO address. Delivery confirmation - I am sure you can have. One time a seller had the item insured and as registered; it took additional 10-12 days for me to get the item because of that; that's what I was told by the mail room personnel.

Thank you for your inputs, bhalpop & illusions.
If the item is less then $250, delivery confirmation is fine. And the service is provided. But over $250, signature confirmation is required for seller protection. But signature confirmation is not avilable for APO/FPO/DPO address.

So, it seems if I accept the offer, I need to do registered mail. But new question is, is it acceptable way for ebay seller protection??

Originally Posted by LoveM&S

Thank you for your inputs, bhalpop & illusions. If the item is less then $250, delivery confirmation is fine. And the service is provided. But over $250, signature confirmation is required for seller protection. But signature confirmation is not avilable for APO/FPO/DPO address. So, it seems if I accept the offer, I need to do registered mail. But new question is, is it acceptable way for ebay seller protection??

Great info on this thread...I know its from a while back but anyone have any answers/input to the question posed above by another TPF'er above [in quotes]...?

I made an exception for a sweet buyer and shipped to an APO address once. The item stopped tracking information when it left US territory. The item was never "delivered" but the buyer sent me a message saying the item arrived safely and she left a positive feedback.

Originally Posted by tamburger

I made an exception for a sweet buyer and shipped to an APO address once. The item stopped tracking information when it left US territory. The item was never "delivered" but the buyer sent me a message saying the item arrived safely and she left a positive feedback.

Same. 6 times sent to APO/FPO addresses and 6 times tracking said: delivery status not updated. 2 buyers left positive feedback, 4 I've never heard from. I am sure I would have heard from them if there was problem by now (its been over 2 months since my last sale to APO/FPO address). Because of this I no longer ship to APO/FPO addresses. I know most people are honest but I am just not going to take my chances.

I have a question - I printed the customs form online (via the link provided by paypal) Can I just tape this form to the box and leave it for my postal carrier to pick up? I like to get my packages out right away but I won't be able to make it in to the actual post office today. Any help would be appreciated :)