posted on September 7, 2000 04:31:42 AM
I'd be interested in anyones "polite" views on the subject of international shipping.
I live in Western Australia and do most of my bidding on Ebay. On six occasions I have requested and paid for AIRMAIL shipping but the sellers have sent the items by SURFACE mail which takes about 8-10 weeks from the US.
When I ask why the discrepancy the sellers either ignore the emails or say sorry! They do not offer any refund of shipping although surface is much cheaper than airmail.
I have asked ebay if this is fraud, a way of getting extra money over and above the winning bid. Ebay say in their view it is not fraud because I get the goods and suggest that I specify Airmail and request a refund if this is not met. Fat chance when the sellers ignore emails.
posted on September 7, 2000 04:44:47 AM
I've had the OPPOSITE problem! I BEGGED an Australian winner to pay for small packet AIRMAIL! I shipped SURFACE (cause he INSISTED on surface) on 6/23 -- it still has not arrived! I love international bidders, but I HATE SURFACE SHIPPING!
[ edited by tomwiii on Sep 7, 2000 04:45 AM ]
posted on September 7, 2000 04:53:07 AM
Since the seller is ignoring your emails concerning the postage question, IMO he/she knowingly took advantage of the cost difference and pocketed the excess money. You are right to feel aggreived.
posted on September 7, 2000 08:08:35 PM
Guthrie,
I'm in Australia also but have never come across this problem. I think this is because I mention the word 'airmail' and put 'not surface' in brackets in every e-mail between myself and the seller. Drumming it into them if you will but it has always worked.
I must admit that I would be pretty PO'd if I paid for airmail and it was sent surface.
