Military Addresses

[jt-libra]

I recently shipped an item to U.S. buyer, small packet air, with an APO AE (Army Post Office, Armed Forces Europe) address.  I told the individual that parcels shipped to the U.S. normally take 7 to 10 business days; however, she would be in a better position than me to know how long she normally waits for parcels from the U.S. or Canada, but that it would likely be considerably longer.

On the 10th business day, she contacted me to find out why it was taking so long. Again, because I didn't know where she was located, it was difficult for me to determine an approximate date and I asked if she could kindly be patient for a short time.

I've only sent to an APO address once before, and there was no problem with shipping time ... to my knowledge.  In this case, I never would have been able to sell the item if I had asked for the shipping cost which included tracking, and I was not about to subsidize the shipping cost in this case (which I often do) because I would have made nothing at all on the item itself.

What has your experience been with shipping times to APO's?

Thanks.

[mr.elmwood]

My understanding is that they go USPS to San Francisco and then the military takes over to distribute around the world. Your time estimate is only good to San Francisco. Anyone in the military knows all of this.

[pierrelebel]

"What has your experience been with shipping times to APO's?"

Excellent - over 100 transactions over the years without problem.  The US military does not lose the mail!

[jt-libra]

I had no concerns about lost mail, Pierre , but I was wondering whether someone knew approximately how long it takes to reach the various European destinations ... 4 weeks, 6 weeks?

[pierrelebel]

In my experience, it is very quick. 

Soldiers want their mail and they want it now.  It is no slower than going to any destination in the USA.  I suspect USPS gives first priority to all mail addressed to APO.

[jt-libra]

That makes sense Pierre. Thanks.

[recped]

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@jt-libra wrote:

I had no concerns about lost mail, Pierre , but I was wondering whether someone knew approximately how long it takes to reach the various European destinations ... 4 weeks, 6 weeks?

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That would depend on where the buyer is actually located. If they are on a US base it will be quick, if they are Europe it might be pretty quick, if they are at a forward base in Afghanistan or on a ship on the way to the Philippines it could take a long time to get to them.

 An AE address doesn't really tell you much, it's not even necessarily where the person is RIGHT NOW, only that they are based out of "europe" (a general terms which includes more than just actual Europe).

[jt-libra]

Twice I've asked for her location so I could provide a better estimate of shipping time but she hasn't volunteered that information. It's been 12 business days so not an inordinate amount of time .... she buys a lot of things on eBay so I'm sure she's used to waiting varying lengths of time but, for some reason, 10 business days seemed like a long time to her. I'm sure it will turn out okay.

[reallynicestamps]

Well, you could ask her how long it takes for parcels to get to her from European or Australian sellers, and mention once again that you are in Canada.

Americans tend to be a little vague about geography. Even those who are actually outside their own country.

[pocomocomputing]

Being in the military, the buyer may not be allowed to give a specific location where they are stationed for security reasons.

[jt-libra]

Americans tend to be a little vague about geography. Even those who are actually outside their own country.

I know.  It amazes me how often people don't notice where their item is coming from .....  I didn't know it was coming from Canada is a common comment.  One American even said ... is it coming airmail, or does it come on a ship . 

Being in the military, the buyer may not be allowed to give a specific location where they are stationed for security reasons.

That did cross my mind.