My rule of thumb is to never buy expensive stuff from overseas. If is expensive and returns are involved, it gets hairy.
The USPS is the one that screwed up to begin with.
The only exception to my rule was a Devilbiss GTI Pro Lite spray gun from England. Shipped DHL for free and was at my house the next day. I had to show people the shipping invoice to prove that I wan't lying. Best damned spray gun that I've ever used too btw.