Dear Paizo,
I was really excited about the Humble Bundle offer for the physical Beginner's Box (the digital content is nice, but would quickly lose my daughter's interest), until I saw the international shipping charges you have for Asia (China, in particular). $60? Outrageous.
So after a little cursory sleuthing, lo and behold you guys are using UPS, which is bar none the worst carrier I've had to deal with living in China. Long story short, of the three times I've used them I've either had to deal with exorbitant "customs fees" that are easily three times what I usually pay, or had to have a package sent back altogether while UPS docks me with its equally skeevy return fees. Not once have I had a good experience with UPS, and USPS mail is either wicked slow or doesn't even arrive in the first place.
I realize it's probably hard to find alternatives while this is still going on, but I don't suppose you have heard of Shun Feng, better known as SF Express? I just had a 7 pound (jazz hands here: SEVEN POUNDS) roughly 15"x8.5"x11.5" box arrive here today that shipped for about $23 regular before customs (actually ~$14 because they had an activity going on the shipping), so I really -really- cannot fathom why you are sticking with the bottom of the barrel in terms of both service and cost for international customers. Maybe there just hasn't been much demand in the past so it's gone unnoticed?
To the best of my knowledge SF Express handles China and Korea, but the other countries I am less sure of. I can tell you though that beyond any shadow of a doubt they are bar none the best option going into China. But even another carrier like DHL (somewhat problematic and more expensive than SF Express, but still worlds better than UPS) would be welcome!
Really hoping something can be done about this,
Scott
