How long does it usually take for an item to be shipped to italy from the US?

Question

I've been selling antique Motorcycle brake and clutch levers for European bikes on eBay. They have been selling to Italy mainly, but to date none of my bidders have received their items.

Some of these people won their items at the end of November, some at the end of December.

None of them purchased tracking or confirmation delivery. Insurance is not availible on international shipments.

Thank you

Answer 1

I sent some stuff to Sicily and it only took 6 weeks so it all depends how was it sent, the slow boat or the partial air or what.

Answer 2

I think there is a big backlog in the postal system right now. I order books from my University in the states and it has never taken more than 10 days to receive them. My last order was on December 14th and I still don't have my books! Additionally, my mom sent me a birthday card at the end of November and I received it about a week ago. I also sent a package to a friend in Australia at the end of November and she has not received it yet.

Before this I always received items in a reasonable amount of time, and packages I sent from Rome got there timely as well. There is something going on in the last month and a half, probably having to do with Christmas (and all the other Italian holidays around this time of year).

A few years ago the Italian Post system went private and it has gotten a lot better. People still seem to think it is still c**p, but generally it is quite efficient (not as good as the USPS but better than in the past).

hope this helps!

Answer 3

First let me tell you that it took me 3 months to have a box go from San Diego to Italy. THREE MONTHS! Then the box got held up in Italian Customs because we had declared that there were some vitamins in the box (it was a 300 tab jar of "C").... If sent by ship this is the normal time. If you ship UPS courier then it generally takes some 5 to 10 working days.

BTW, i had a Tracking number from the US Postal Services but that just showed how the package transited in the States - once it leave the US that tracking number isn't worth the paper it's written on.

So, I'd say count on 3 months and then your person at destination will have to deal with Customs - generally 20% VAT + Duties.

Amen.

Answer 4

Things shipped to and from Italy seem to take a lot of time.  I was there in Aug. and had two cases of wine shipped home and a box of clothes.  The clothes were shipped by Mail Box's ext on  Aug, 31st.  I returned home one Sept 13th and nothing was here yet.  Chances are they are held up in customs.  The Italian post office is known for lost packages and letters....I would add the confirmation price in your shipping price to avoid the negative reviews and loss of business

Answer 5

I don't know which kind of shipment you used, but the ones with no tracking option are also the slower, usually: if so, one month and a half is still normal. But it can take even more.