Archie, Yes, one has to wait in line for a stamped receipt on the customs form. I don't get such a receipt, of course, if I throw the mail piece in the collection box. I don't bother to get such a receipt on relatively low-value items because (1) I don't want to wait in line at the post office, and (2) the receipt doesn't help me with lost items because there is no tracking, is there?. (Maybe once in a blue moon I could track a customs number; most times I can't.) The receipt won't help me with PayPal on claims.

As for the price of postage, I've never had problems since I treat mail pieces 1/4" or less as LETTER rate, and 3/4" or more as a PARCEL rate.

Robert