Best chance to get a shipped package through US customs?

I'm having a package shipped China->US and am wondering about the most prudent way to ship it that involves the lowest chance of being held and inspected by customs. From a lot of googling I've seen various claims that customs inspects either 'all', 'most', 'half', or 'very few' packages over 1lb. This package is over 1lb. It's not something at all harmful or controlled, but something they'd be unlikely to release to me. The vendor claims that DHL Global Mail is the best way to ship it but won't really comment on whether their other customers have had packages successfully shipped this way.

Any idea on what to expect? I've seen people claiming that if something is held over 20 days there's probably a problem with it. An invoice for the duty fees is provided by the vendor so I don't think I'll have a problem there, and DHL claims that they pay the initial fees and then want you to pay them back to release the package, which is also fine.

Are there any measures I can take, such as the choice of shipping provider, that could increase my chances? What's been your experience in the best way to ship things?


Comments


[5 Points] DooshNozzzle:

are you buying a panda? you know you have to say what it is now, i am intrigued


[1 Points] None:

I get legal DHL shipping from china all the time. They even have a form on website you can leave as apposed to signing for it.

It was touch and go. My understanding is no issue now. They are honestly looking for batteries. But most have stopped trying to hide them.


[1 Points] Trance_Man:

Make sure adequate stealth is being used.