Shipment Charges

Charges for the shipment of your goods are normally negotiated at the time of sale. Because the rate for a shipment is based on the total actual weight or the total volumetric weight, whichever is greater, the way in which your shipment will be dispatched will more often than not depend upon itÌs size.

1) Small Package.

For small packages such as a violin, a viola or a bow, shipment is dispatched directly to your door using a courier service such as DHL, Federal Express or UPS. It is usual for the relatively small transport charges to be added (sometimes these charges are waived Ç at our discretion) to your invoice and settled by The Contrabass Shoppe. Upon delivery there are normally no other incidental charges (apart from import duty if applicable) payable by the consignee. 

2) Large Package.

For large packages such as several violins or a cello, shipment can be made by courier service (DHL, Federal Express, UPS) or International Freight Carriers. The former is more advantageous in terms of transit time. The latter is usually much more advantageous in terms of shipping costs. It is possible to add all freight and handling charges to your invoice but it is more usual for all charges to be forward directly to the consignee. 

3) Particularly Large Consignment.

For a particularly large consignment such as a double bass or several double basses, shipment is usually made by International Freight Carriers. Freight and handling charges can either be added directly to your invoice, in which case they are settled by The Contrabass Shoppe, or they can be forward directly to the consignee.

Following customs clearance it is normal for this type of consignment to be collected by the consignee directly from the destination port or airport.

4) Particularly Large Consignment Carried As Merchandise In Baggage (MIB).

For a particularly large consignment such as a double bass that is to be carried with the consignee as Merchandise In Baggage (MIB), there may be some excess baggage fees payable to the airline company. Rates vary depending upon which airline the consignee is traveling and upon the amount of hold space available on that given flight. It is advisable to inform the airline of your intention at the time that the flight is booked and obtain an approximate quote. You may be required to supply the dimensions of your flight trunk and its approximate weight unlade and laden. Although a lot more effort is required by the consignee, this method of shipment frequently proves highly economical.