posted on December 14, 2000 08:17:05 AM
I'm a seller from Canada, and am having a "problem" trying to inform people about shipping to the US.
I know a lot of people don't read terms, etc., but I wonder if people that buy from Canadians realize that it's pretty much impossible to have something reach you in a couple of days.
I'm not referring to Christmas, but anytime.
The total population of Canada is the same as the total population of California, but we are spread out in this vast country. And because we are a country, we have Customs to contend with on each package we ship or receive.
Just so you don't feel centered out (U.S.), I live an hour and a half away from Toronto, and it takes at least a week for a letter to get here.
What I'm getting at, is I'm trying to find a way to explain this in my terms, etc., without writing a mini-series.
posted on December 14, 2000 09:14:52 AM
Personally I never lay blame on Canada Post, if someone complains, I blame it on the USPS.
So far, so good.
BTW - If you feel the need to expand on your TOS, it might be a good idea to set a ME page up & provide a link on your auction pages. Helps keep the clutter seperate from the auction ad itself.
posted on December 14, 2000 09:34:13 AM
When I get a complaint I blame US Customs---as it is entering the USA--it is their customs that is delaying it...and then it's USPS's fault. It's only an hour to the border from here---so how could Canada Post be to blame???
posted on December 14, 2000 09:45:54 AM
Zazzie ...... Works for me!
I also have this posted under my International TOS.
Although we are familiar with most foreign Countries Customs & Duty Tariffs, it's a good idea to find out what, if any, charges you may be expecting from your local Customs Office when your shipment arrives. We will not be held responsible for any additional Taxes, Duty, or Tariffs charged in your Country. Nor will we be held responsible for any items your Country refuses entry of. If you are unsure, please check with your local Customs Office, before you place a bid.
posted on December 14, 2000 09:59:04 AM
There are a couple of things you can do. First, email your customer that their payment has been receved. Next, ship the day you receive payment. Finally, use airmail.
Your packages will get there in a week. Compared to a US-based seller who holds checks for a week and ships twice an week or so, your delivery will seem very fast.
I'm the same distance from Toronto that you are and my feedback has lots of fast ship, great service comments.
posted on December 14, 2000 10:03:23 AM
Good advice Bill, but in some cases [heavy items] Air mail is not much of an option. Most US based buyers aren't going to spring for $25 shipping, on an item they can get shipped in the US for less than half that amount.
posted on December 14, 2000 10:16:36 AM
....like everything on eBay, it depends, to some extent, on what you sell....and, if you don't over-indulge, shipping is tasty.
Bill
[ edited by cdnbooks on Dec 14, 2000 10:25 AM ]
posted on December 14, 2000 11:18:59 AM
I hear you Kraftdinner!
I am contending with this constantly. "Sent payment three days ago, where's my item?".
Send the item air the day you receive payment. Inform the buyer of shipment date, stating Estimated Time of Delivery (10 business days) but also include something such as "delays of a few days are not uncommon due to stringent US customs handling...and shipments at times can take up to three weeks." This is especially true for New York, Illinois and New Hampshire shipments from Toronto. For whatever reason, those states are the slowest.
I try to give a reasonable expectation of delivery, not an optimistic one. Then, when they receive it in 6 days, they are thrilled. For buyers who expect internal US delivery standards (3 days) no matter what...one has to just live with it, reply politely and grow a tough skin.
One note of caution: Give buyers the opportunity to pay for registered mail and insurance ($9.00 cdn or about $6.00 US + regular postage). This will expedite handling, offer proof of delivery, provide tracking and cover loss.
I have two "missing" parcels that I regret were not registered. Now I am out cost of goods, eBay fees, shipping and lost profit plus face negative feedback and I have no proof of shipment. Then there is all the nasty email - over less than $20.00.
posted on December 14, 2000 11:56:42 AM
RB - Good point. Yes, I mostly ship bombs to the US......are you saying these could get held up at Customs??? (LOL!)
I do tell people in my first EOA email about shipping stuff, and I have a blurb about Customs, and Air Mail, Insurance, etc., etc. in my terms, but that's a good idea about the "Me" page thing. Do people read them? I guess I just want to let people know about shipping without scaring them away.
I always quote shipping at Parcel Post rates - maybe I should quote both Parcel & Airmail. Is that what you do - give them a few price choices?
Sorry for the questions......I'm still learning.......!
