How to minimize your PCB shipping costs so you can make the most out of your OnBoard grant. If you have any general tips or info for your country, please create a issue and let us know.
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Choose the "Global Direct Standard Line" if available. While this shipping method is although rare to get, it can be very cost-effective and usually has no customs fees. One downside is that this shipping method is the slowest of them all and will often will take 2 weeks to arrive.
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Sometimes selecting a thinner PCB (going from 1.6mm to 1.0mm) can make shipping cheaper by reducing the board weight. Try different options and see if the cost increase of the PCB and decrease of shipping cancel out. Alternatively, some manufacturers charge extra for thicknesses other than 1.6mm - if your assembly is costing more than expected, this could be the reason.
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If your board allows it, removing or replacing heavy assembled components can help reduce shipping costs.
- For small boards, when you don't want assembly, OSHPark could be cheaper. Their boards are more expensive but shipping is free.
- From JLCPCB, always use Air Registered Mail. There can be very high customs fees ($30-$50) on other carriers, and OnBoard won't pay for it.