PineRidge, unfortunatly, most of the time, you learn the correct procedures, by getting something wrong, on your first import /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif IMHO, if you self-import, and everything goes well, you will save a little $. There is certainly potential that it could cost you more, on single purchases. It is mainly for the diehard pioneers, you know the guys with the arrows in their backs /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
In my case, which was before 9/11, things went well with only a few glitches. There is always something that comes up. BTW, I get a Happy New Year card from the Chinese contact, every year. It is my longest distance holiday card, I receive /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif