Ebay question.. International bidders?

Microcell

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 17, 2004
Messages
7,833
I have an item for sale on ebay and said I would ship worldwide, but when I look at other people's items there are alot of items up for bid with "No international shipping" so now I am concerned that I said I would allow it.

I have had the "will you lie about what you are sending" question, which I refused, but is there anything else I should be careful about?
 
I ship international, but it can be a pain. I sell less than 50 auctions a year, sometimes as few as 10.

It is much harder to get shipping costs correct, so you either over charge or undercharge. Normally, we estimate high and then refund the difference. With USPS you can not insure internationally either.

All international packages must be presented in person at a post office window, so no APC or night time drop off. I still find USPS to be the cheapest.

Then since you are sending something that will go through customs, you never know how long it will take, nor if that person may file a complaint over the time..over which you have not control.

Finally, there were some countries that had LOTS of disputes filed for items never being received. I have had nothing but good luck with my international ships, but I tend to sell hard to find items and communicate extensively. Additionally, I am an overzealous packer---lots of bubble wrap, peanuts, and double boxing is a must.

***Actually, I did get a neutral from a woman years ago complaining that I filled out the customs declaration according to the law! (She got a steal at $25 USD on the item...I can't imagine the duty was that much--she was just a curmudgeon--had she asked me prior to shipping if I would commit a felony for her, I'd have gladly told her no).
 
I wish I would have spoken to you before! I am a little nervous, and completely unsure if I over or under charged on shipping. Turns out the winning bid is from Israel, so I would think it should get to them fine.. it is also a computer so I hope that is ok to send overseas..
 
I sell a lot of items internationally, especially now since the economy is so weak here.

I would just urge you to know what you have to do to protect yourself. Unless you can provide PROOF of DELIVERY, any buyer can claim they never received the item and have that money taken back out of your account months later. First class international shipping does NOT provide proof of delivery. I was just taken for $265 by someone who claimed they did not get their package 4 MONTHS after I mailed it. I'm thinking I would have said something a lot sooner than 4 months.......

Anyway.... I will no longer ship by ANY method that will not protect me through Paypal from such scams. Do your homework. Many overseas KNOW they can get away with this.

Protect yourself, and then happy selling!
 

Just be sure to overcharge shipping!! I sold a few items a couple years ago, followed what the internet came up with for shipping, forget who I used. When all was said and done it cost me a couple dollars to sell the thing!!! Shipping ended up quite a bit more than it "should" have been!! Needless to say that was the last time I sold internationally!!! :goodvibes
 
I did not ship internationally after the "sometimes LONG holds thru customs" It is frustrating to the buyer AND seller and not worth it....never mind the cost issues


Good Luck OP, hope it works out to your satisfaction.
 
I ship some 30% of busn is international. I always use USPS Priority which usually takes 7-10 days--insured
 
Just be sure to overcharge shipping!! I sold a few items a couple years ago, followed what the internet came up with for shipping, forget who I used. When all was said and done it cost me a couple dollars to sell the thing!!! Shipping ended up quite a bit more than it "should" have been!! Needless to say that was the last time I sold internationally!!! :goodvibes


I'm afraid OVERcharging for shipping is no longer tolerated on Ebay..... that is if you want to continue selling there.... There's no reason you can't get a reliable estimate of the shipping cost with an inexpensive postal scale and access to a USPS web site.
 


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