US SHIPPING: All orders incur a handling fee, no more than $2 per order. The shipping cost is an estimate based on the total of the order. If it is less than the actual cost, that’s my problem. If it is more than the actual cost (minus handling) you will be refunded the extra amount.
Up until today (December 14, 2022) I have sent packages by First Class mail if the weight is under 13 ounces. However, today I learned that I am no longer able to put stamps on the package and just walk across the street to my own mailbox and put the package in it for pickup. That is now seen as suspicious and a security risk! I must take First Class packages to the post office directly. Therefore that now requires extra time and cost to send out the package. I will do this on a case by case basis, but will probably now rely on sending EVERYTHING by priority mail which I can do through the unsuspicious method of online “Click and Ship”. If you want to insure that the package goes out as cheaply as possible, please send me an email after you order. But sending First Class will now incur a possible delay in getting the package out, but probably not more than 2 or 3 days.
NOTE: I am no longer accepting ANY international orders that are under $50. I will accept orders $50 and over on a case by case basis. Please first inquire.
The reason is that the US Post has stopped making “First Class International” available as a choice on their online system. I am now required to fill out customs forms by hand and then go to the post office and watch the clerk reenter all the information himself (and he types with only two fingers). It is not worth my time. Also, the postal rates have gone up dramatically. (I recently sent an $8 item for which the shipping cost $24!) If there is some sort of special need, you can appeal to me, but I don’t guarantee anything.
Again, international orders must be $50 and over. Anything less will be cancelled and your money refunded in full.
I do not have a cart system that can analyze the weight of everything purchased and calculate the shipping cost for all the possible locations.
So if you are ordering anywhere outside of the U.S. (and for an amount over $50) the shipping cost that you are first charged is only part of the total cost. Your order will be packaged, weighed, and the exact shipping cost will be calculated. I will then send you a “Money Request” through PayPal for the additional amount. You can then choose to either pay or to contact me to refuse it. I will then cancel your order and refund your total in full.
OR
You can contact me at andy@opticaltoys.com with your order. I will package it, weight it and determine the exact shipping cost, and then send you a “Money Request” for the total. Again, you can choose to pay it or refuse it at that time.
OR
As an alternative, order from someone in Europe! There are two places in Europe that carry some, but not all, of my products.
Heeza in Paris – www.heeza.fr You can order online.
and
Art Data in London – www.artdata.co.uk – They do not have an online system – contact martin@artdata.co.uk . They mostly carry the flipbooks, and not all of the titles. Also, they distribute my toys and books throughout the UK and Europe. Martin can tell you what places nearest to you that carry my products.