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After the Auction: Selling and Shipping Internationally

It's a subject that can send a shiver up a seller's spine. Why? Often sellers shy away from international transactions, fearing high costs, shipping delays, paperwork, complications, and limited recourse in the event that a sale turns sour. Granted, you might have to summon some additional patience, but selling and shipping internationally isn't always the nightmare it's purported to be. In fact, international buyers can make great customers, and if handled correctly, worldwide sales can be a bountiful addition to your online auction biz. Going global doesn't necessarily mean going crazy.

World View
Logistical headaches and exorbitant shipping costs are perhaps the two most common concerns that sellers have about international shipping. On the first count: yes, there will be more considerations when you accept bids from Japanese or South American buyers (for example, customs forms, which are discussed later), but it shouldn't be enough to prevent you from conducting international sales. On the second count: obviously, it's going to cost more to ship a package to Paris, France, as opposed to Paris, California. However, understand that international bidders will often expect to pay for any additional shipping costs that you may incur.

If you decide to sell internationally, make sure that you're up front about it in your auction listing. If you're going to require your international customers to take on the extra shipping costs, say so. And though most sites have a "Will ship internationally" option during the listing process, it's still a good idea to spell out your international policy in the item description itself. If you're unwilling to sell and ship worldwide, include a disclaimer that states "Sorry, but no sales outside the U.S." This will steer international bidders away from your auctions, saving time for both you and the buyer.

Payment
Yen, pounds, deutsche marks, guilders--no, you don't have to be an international banker or a Donald Trump type to understand the payment options for international shipping. Credit cards and international money orders are your best bet. International buyers may seek out sellers who accept credit cards, and credit card companies such as Visa and MasterCard will convert foreign currencies for no extra charge. If you don't accept credit cards, then international money orders, made out in U.S. dollars, are a great way to go. Though they carry an $8 fee, they can be cashed right at your local post office. Surprisingly, it's not uncommon for international buyers to send cash. Although cash transactions are always a risky endeavor, you can usually exchange foreign currency for U.S. dollars at your local bank for a minimal charge.

For foreign currency conversion information, check out The Universal Currency Converter or the OANDA Currency Converter.

Shipping and Packaging
As always, do some comparison-shopping to see which company offers the best rates and services when it comes to shipping internationally. Most shipping companies have Web sites that allow you to plug in the weight and dimensions of a package and get an estimate of what the shipping will cost. The United States Post Office, United Parcel Service, and Federal Express all offer this helpful service. Some sellers also give buyers shipping choices. For example, if you go through the USPS, you could let the seller choose between the 30-day rate or airmail. You'll find that most opt for airmail, especially when the merchandise is small and not that heavy, in which case the shipping will cost less than $10.

Next Page | Packaging, customs, and getting into the zone