Paula,
Thank you for mentioning the fees. I totally forgot but Yes, OMG did I pay. I do NOT have a business major. I jumped into this totally blind and I didn't know one thing! After all this, I've learned soo much!
First was the fee to send a wire to Germany. Next was when the order came in, I paid a customs fee. Then you pay to have the glass stored until you can get it out of customs. Then you pay a broker who gets it out of customs for you. You can do it yourself but you better know what your doing. I had to hire a broker to do it. They also have huge fees and then you have to pay for a bond and a host of other things. Then you have to pay for a forklift to put your glass on a truck, then you have to pay the trucking company money to ship it to your house. Then, (well with me) you spend hours cutting the glass because it comes in 3 feet length. They are dirty, smell of vinegar and after cutting it, they are full of glass frit. So you wash them, dry them, then you weigh it, bundle it in 1/4 lb bundles. If your a home shop like I am, YOU do this work yourself. You've got cuts on the hands, legs and arms (some that required stitches)
Anddddd.....if your old like me....You friggin hurt for days. My ribs have been pulled out so many times and I'm starting to walk like my father
But.....the glass is beautiful, clear, gorgeous colors....It's worth every pain
Irene
I've been very good so far!
