Here's the deal folks.
I am an active member on an LED flashlight forum that has regular members from all over the world and when you read about the daily sheet that they put up with you realize real quick that we have the best thing going.
If we ever have have to deal with VAT taxes the party for us will be over, pronto.
We have flashlight members overseas there that need their shipment to stay under like $28-33 or else they have to pay an additional 20+ dollars at the end to get the package. Prices go up from there. Some country's companies just will refuse shipment too (Spain, Etc.)
Stolen stuff? Oh, hell yeah.
Packages that just vanish?
Monthly occurrence.
Most packages here eventually do show up.
The rhyme or reason is unknown but in 25 years I have yet to actually lose a package sent.
One received from China took 2 months and it's replacement came before it did, but it did indeed show up.
The fact that you can send a first class letter for NY, NY to Honolulu HI for only $0.73, same price to one block away is still a pretty dam good deal.
Rant off.
Enjoy your Snowday if in the Northeast

6" here.