[RC-Monster Mike]

As others have graciously pointed out....it simply costs that much to send a traceable, insurable package overseas. Years ago, I offered 1st class mail - after losing thousands of dollars for the reasons mentioned above, I started offering only shipping methods that I can track and insure. I surely have lost sales due to this. I know it and hate as much as the angry would-be buyer that gawks at the shipping cost that exceeds the item price and chooses not to buy.

If there was some way to get an automated signature waiving recourse in the event of a lost package and a way to only offer it for orders up to a certain dollar value, I would surely offer 1st class Mail through the site for smaller orders. If I offer 1st class Mail, everyone chooses it - even when ordering a couple hundred dollars worth of goods.

The buyer just wants to save money(understandable) and doesn't have to assume the risk of a lost package because if it doesn't arrive, they simply put the loss of on the seller(either Paypal dispute or deny purchase from credit provider, etc.). As a seller, I have to prove delivery in the event of a dispute, so I only ship by methods that allow me to do this.

Having said all that, I do occasionally make exceptions for small orders(like a few pinion gears, etc.) - these exceptions are arranged through email with the understanding that a 1st class Mail package will not have tracking and there is no recourse for a lost package. A gentleman's agreement, if you will.