Shipping items internationally is not a one-day process. Your parcel has to travel from the US to the EU, reach the German border, go through customs, and arrive at the recipient’s doorstep. Sometimes, it also gets returned, whether because of customs issues or recipient refusals.
In these unavoidable situations, working with reliable services on the website https://us.meest.com/services/service/delivery-to-germany and knowing how the return process works can save you time and money. Let’s explore all the nuances.
Why Your Parcel Might Be Returned
Whether you are sending a gift to your friend or making a commercial shipment to Germany through Meest-America, you should always be ready to accommodate a return. It can be caused by:
- incorrect or incomplete personal information;
- unpaid fees, like import duties or taxes;
- refusal to receive the parcel;
- sending prohibited and restricted items;
- packaging issues.
Recipient refusal is probably one of the most common issues. When you send a present or a business-related package to someone, they expect to receive it without any additional payments. Once they realise they have to cover the cost of customs duties and VAT, they might decline. In that case, German customs authorities will hold the parcel at the border for some time.
Then, local customs or courier services like Meest-America will try to return it to the sender. This service is not free, either, and the sender will have to pay fees to get the items back. In some cases, your parcel can be confiscated or even discarded, especially if you work with the local postal service.
Shipping From the US to Germany With Meest-America
Meest-America came up with a streamlined delivery process that minimizes potential returns. When using this service, you can prepay the duties and taxes for the recipient. Then, you can track the shipment until it’s delivered.
In case the delivery is not possible several times, either due to refusal or incomplete information, Meest-America will try to return the package to the sender. The representatives will contact you in advance to propose several options, depending on the condition of the parcel and local regulations.
Yet, returns are minimal when using a courier service. Meest-America encourages clear, honest information on the customs declaration form and always helps when clients are confused. The shipping process is always transparent, which lowers the chance of refusals.
How to Avoid Returns
In addition to working with a high-quality courier service and utilizing its tracking services, you can also double-check the sender and recipient information on the label. Make sure it suits the German address format. When filling out the customs forms, describe all items in detail and provide accurate values. Furthermore, let the recipient know that they might have to pay import fees upon delivery.
Some Returns Are Unavoidable, but Easy to Handle
Not all parcels come straight to the recipient. Sometimes, returns are unavoidable. Yet, using services like Meest-America, adhering to all regulations, and being able to cover the cost of the return can save you time and reduce stress when shipping from the US to Germany.