posted on February 16, 2001 12:11:34 PM new
Just wanted to get a consensus on what is the best form of refund to send to the International Bidder should you HAVE to refund them for one reason or another. Let's say refund is over $20.00
Do you send the refund registered mail?
Can most countries cash International Postal Money orders?
I, of course, refuse to send cash.
Here are the countries I typically ship to - figure I will get advice on all of them just in case problems arise in the future.
France
Hong Kong
Australia
UK
Holland
Japan
Italy
Any feedback on International Refunds would be appreciated. I'm refunding an International buyer I really don't trust but am taking their word for it and want to cover all my bases.
posted on February 16, 2001 01:13:10 PM new
Easiest refund I have ever had came through Paypal... Of course, I had to leave the money there until the next time I wanted to bid on something, as it would have cost me to convert it into UK Sterling. But I don't often get refunds, and it was dead simple.
The banks in the UK tend to be quite pricey for converting other currencies, and I don't know anything about International Money Orders.
posted on February 16, 2001 06:25:01 PM new
In Australia at my bank it costs 7.00 to change a US$ money order or cheque to Australian dollars. Some other banks may be higher. You also have to bank them, you can't cash them.
posted on February 16, 2001 06:41:50 PM new
G'day,
I am in Australia also. The banks that I know of range from $5.00 to $10.00 in fees to clear money orders and checks from overseas. The exception is a cashiers check written in Australian Dollars and drawn on an Australian bank (most banks will be able to supply these, but it can cost as much as $20.00 at your end), which are treated like a standard Australian check and have no additional charges at this end.
Small amounts really are easiest handled in cash - although I understand your preference not to do with someone that you don't trust. The mail itself has proven reliable for cash transactions as have 99% of those Ebay users I have dealt with on a cash basis over the last 3 years.
Lastly ask your buyer what form of refund (other than cash) that they prefer. They may have an arrangement with a bank or otherwise that may give them a cost effective alternative.
