blueyes29
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posted on February 22, 2010 10:47:48 AM new
With the recent increases in international shipping costs, I've noticed a drastic drop-off of my international customers. Maybe it's a reflection of the items I've been selling recently, but, in the past, I've generally had several international buyers per auction cycle. I think the increase in international shipping is a major cause. Any of you noticing the same thing?
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wgonzales
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posted on February 22, 2010 01:39:57 PM new
Actually, quite the opposite.
I have noticed an increase in the proportion of international bidders to U.S. bidders on our items.
I always say an extra thank you for our international bidders. They make a big difference in our eBay sales.
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amber
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posted on February 22, 2010 01:47:58 PM new
I agree, I have had more International buyers in the last couple of weeks. Especially UK and Australia.
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hwahwa
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posted on February 22, 2010 01:54:42 PM new
watch the euro,aussie dollar is strong but not euro
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There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
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amber
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posted on February 22, 2010 03:53:42 PM new
UK doesn't use the euro, they still use the British pound, but it's way down.
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ebabestreasures
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posted on February 23, 2010 11:41:28 AM new
I've got 3 international to ship in the morning so I'd say my international sales have increased.
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otteropp
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posted on February 23, 2010 04:40:10 PM new
My International buyers are buying and my US Buyers are not.
We have been mailing packages to some very different Countries than we ever have before. Russia seems to be full of folks wanting to spend money right now. Estonia, and some I can't spell without looking them up. Japan seems to have dropped off the radar in the past year and we used to sell quite a lot there.
We have shipped a lot to Italy ...yes...the dreaded Italy in the past 2 months with excellent results. No delays and great buyers.
None of our items are high priced these days so we have no problem in taking chances and it is working out well for us.
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agitprop
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posted on February 24, 2010 07:52:10 PM new
I can confirm otteropp's observation that international customers are still actively buying even if US customers are not.
The only sticky problem is an increase in "PayPal won't let me pay you or my card isn't accepted by PayPal". I tell them to use a bank transfer into my account, use MoneyBookers.com or failing that, to send a check or money order to me. For small orders, well-concealed cash is always good even though eBay discourages it.
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shagmidmod
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posted on February 26, 2010 09:04:26 AM new
my international bidders have flattened out. most of the items i sell weigh between 13 and 16 ounces.
My rate for standard International Priority is almost $25 for an item under 1 pound. This has turned off many International bidders and is out of my control.
The problem is that I won't ship using flat rate even though my product will fit easily into flat rate packaging for less than $12. USPS does not provide tracking or delivery confirmation for Flat Rate, so if an International bidder commits fraud and claims they never received it, I have no proof that they did. And trust me, I have had a few bidders attempt this on me.
I had someone sign for the item and the following day file a claim with Paypal that they never received it. This was a week after the auction closed and it was shipped to china. Their claim was obviously bogus... but it was a hassle to submit my customs info and wait for paypal's decision to get my money from them.
I wish I could ship these items via Flat Rate so that it cuts International bidders cost in half. Until USPS adds DC to such packages, they are stuck with paying standard Intl Priority rates.
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merrie
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posted on February 26, 2010 09:34:27 AM new
You can get tracking with flat rate medium and large boxes for international shipping, just not for the small box, which really does not make sense.
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agitprop
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posted on February 26, 2010 01:01:38 PM new
We ship a lot of our items by Intl Airmail Letter and seldom have any problems with the better (often repeat) buyer. Mind you they pay hard cash so any refund has to come from us after a proper (rather than cursory or non-existant via PayPal) inquiry with the Postal & Customs services.
New customers that insist on PayPal can enjoy full Intl Courier track-n-trace with signature-required (at around US$40). Luckily most see the light and avail themselves of a more cost-effective service such as registered Intl Air... mind these are all Intl shipments.
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HWAHWA
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posted on February 26, 2010 02:35:32 PM new
you can ship intl first class and buy insurance from U-PIC.
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There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
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