Okay...now for an eBay frustration & Question

[#1 DOUG Live Fan]

I sold two items on eBay today, and they will have to be shipped to Canada. This is my first experience with international shipping. The trouble is that both winners paid immediately with PayPal and never contacted me for a Canadian shipping quote. It's obviously going to cost more to ship to Canada than within the U.S., so why would they just pay without even inquiring? When the shipping price is given it says right next to the price "Within the United States", and in one of the auctions I clearly stated that they would need to contact me for a shipping quote.

The one bidder I already contacted and told them that the shipping cost would be at least $5 more, so I'm awaiting a reply on that. There's just no way I could eat that cost. The other bidder I can probably let go, seeing that I can probably ship within the amount she paid me. What do you all think I should do?

I also have a question about insurance on international packages. I could not find the rates for this at USPS's website. Anyone know what it would be or where to find out?

Perturbed and befuddled,

Liz

 

[Cindy B]

You may want to post this on the Budget board. If you post this question on the Ebay thread, you should be able to get some answers.

As for international shipping, go to the USPS website, and calculate international shipping.

That should help you.

 

[jipsy]

This is one reason why I don't take paypal.

However, just because you took paypal doesn't mean you have to accept the payment. You can refuse the payment through paypal and explain to the winning bidders that your shipping quote was for WITHIN THE UNITED STATES only as clearly (hopefully) stated in your auction.

All of my auctions have in big bold letters WE ONLY SHIP WITHIN THE U.S. PLEASE DO NOT BID IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A U.S. SHIPPING ADDRESS.

Sometime people from other countries do have U.S. shipping addresses and will bid on things and then ask me to ship to that address. After that, it's their responsibility to get it.

I have shipped to Canada a couple of times. It's really not that big a deal, just a couple more forms to fill out and a little more shipping costs.

You can also use ebays shipping calculator in your auctions. This allows the prospective buyer to input their zip code to see how much it costs to ship from you to them.

 

[Robinrs]

I've had Canadian winners also, both times they wrote and apologized for not checking my rules for no international sales. Both times they agreed to my terms and the difference really wasn't much.

I agree with jipsy, do use the shipping calculator. It will save you alot of grief.

 

[#1 DOUG Live Fan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I only use the calculator sometimes, so I guess I will be sure to use it whenever I list something that I ship internationally.

Liz

 

[lynxstch]

and that way you will not be charged by paypal for those transactions..email them..or list the reason on the paypal refund..and tell them the additional amount for shipping they need to include..I have had this happen and most of the Canadian buyers were understanding and remitted the proper amount including the increased postage..make sure that when you list your items for sale..that you state that there 'may be an additional shipping charge' for shipping to Canada..so they don't try to make you stick to your terms of the auction..also..don't forget to pick up a customs form at the post office for those packages..and don't list them as gifts!..good luck!

 

[epcotfan]

I would either refund or cancel their payments. Tell them the shipping quote was for US buyers and International shipping costs more. I don't know why they would pay without asking for a shipping total? I always make a point of confirming the cost of shipping to Canada when I win an auction PRIOR to paying. Next time you might want to add that shipping outside of the US costs more and bidders should wait for your instructions if you can't give an exact amount during the auction.

 

[mainewmn]

Just an word about the ebay shipping calculator. I spend sufficient amount of time on Ebay both selling and buying and I found that the Ebay calculator is ALWAYS much higher then the shipping would cost. Also when ever I use the shipping calculator on my auctions they don't get bids, but when I charge a flat rate my auctions end up selling at a rate of 9/10. I doubt that I'm the only one out there that refuses to pay so much for shipping.

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by mainewmn
Just an word about the ebay shipping calculator. I spend sufficient amount of time on Ebay both selling and buying and I found that the Ebay calculator is ALWAYS much higher then the shipping would cost. Also when ever I use the shipping calculator on my auctions they don't get bids, but when I charge a flat rate my auctions end up selling at a rate of 9/10. I doubt that I'm the only one out there that refuses to pay so much for shipping.

I've had the exact opposite experience.

I've had problems with flat rates so I added the calculator. Since then I've had no shipping surprises and I'm able to add a s/h charge without them seeing it. So far, thank goodness, I've had no problems with it and have nearly all of my items sell.

 

[mainewmn]

I'm glad its working for you, unfortunately it didn't work for me

Also when I'm buying an item on Ebay and I'm asked to pay $6.00 to ship a summer dress or a DVD I will go to another auction where I can get the same item for less money.

 

[#1 DOUG Live Fan]

Oh, boy...now I'm not sure how to handle my shipping. What works for one person, does not work for another it seems. Well, thinking on my own personal experience with the shipping calculator, I do not believe it has ever given the wrong amount. I weigh my item before listing it. If it's over 1 lb., I then use the shipping calculator because I ship most of my stuff priority mail. Everything up to 1 lb. is $3.85, anything heavier than that can vary in postage, depending on where it's going in the country. So I let the calculator handle the figuring for me, and it makes my eBay listing easier.

In reference to mainwmn's comment about the hefty shipping cost on a lighter-weight item....I often wondered about that too. Why do they charge $6 to ship a dress? I think I've figured it out. I'm pretty sure they ship in a priority mail box, rather than an envelope, which increases the weight significantly. As for a DVD shipping for $6...hmmmm...that does seem a little bit much. I guess there must be some people out there willing to pay that much.

Those are my thoughts anyways....

Liz

 

[C.Ann]

Before I started to use the shipping calculator I ended up having to put in money of my own several times to cover the cost of shipping.. Since I started using the SC it has been right on the money every single time..

If I am shipping by Priority Mail I don't add in any handling charge because the box, tape, etc. is free and I'm usually going to the Post Office with other orders anyhow..

If I have to supply a box, tape, bubble envelope, etc. of my own, I add a small handling fee - never more than $1 and usually less..

Some sellers definitely DO go overboard with handling fees ($6 for a DVD seems a bit much - but then I don't know that persons particular circumstances that might warrant a charge like that) however, there ARE costs involved with shipping when you don't use PM and to not charge for them would not make sense from a business point of view..

When I shopped on eBay at Christmas time I simply passed by the auctions that seemed to be charging way too much.. Easy to figure out once you've been selling for quite awhile yourself..

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by #1 DOUG Live Fan

In reference to mainwmn's comment about the hefty shipping cost on a lighter-weight item....I often wondered about that too. Why do they charge $6 to ship a dress? I think I've figured it out. I'm pretty sure they ship in a priority mail box, rather than an envelope, which increases the weight significantly. As for a DVD shipping for $6...hmmmm...that does seem a little bit much. I guess there must be some people out there willing to pay that much.

Some sellers totally misuse the system by adding huge s/h charges to ensure a profit. Others like Priority because they took advantage of the free boxes. Anyone asking too much to ship an item that can be shipped media mail is one I'll skip over.