That's the magic of xkcd's fulfillment center. Without it, we'd probably be using Amazon (or shopping indies). Davean can speak better about just how it works

That's the magic of xkcd's fulfillment center. Without it, we'd probably be using Amazon (or shopping indies). Davean can speak better about just how it works, but there's one facility in Virginia that serves the USA and another in N. Ireland that serves Europe. Unfortunately, shipping to places like Australia (because of theft/loss, which apparently happens very often) requires a significant markup to compensate for shipments that go missing. If you know anyone who works at the Australia mail service and has a disproportionate amount of xkcd schwag - let us know. Most traditional publishers will broker deals with publishers abroad, who get the rights in exchange for distributing in their territory. We're working on such an agreement right now, so it's fairly reasonable for an upstart to work out such a deal - especially if it's popular in the USA.