posted on March 5, 2001 01:23:30 PM new
I have an interested buyer of a $10K+ item of jewelry. I didn't anticipate having to send to a foreign country... (incidently, I'm covered because my TOS says I'll only sell in the U.S.) but if it can be done safely, I guess I'd be willing...
What precautions do you take -- what kind of shipping do you use, insurance, etc. I've already told them that I would want payemtn via bidpay.com because I've heard good things about the servie and the buyer inability to reverse the charges --
posted on March 5, 2001 02:21:57 PM new
If it isn't a huge piece and you can work out payment details, check with the PO re: Global Express Guaranteed "guaranteed delivery to over 200 countries in as little as 2 business days" (formerly Global Priority). Transportation and delivery is now through DHL Worldwide Express so should be better.
posted on March 5, 2001 03:54:23 PM new
Have the buyer WIRE money directly to your bank. Check with your bank about this.
However you decide to ship be sure it is REGISTERED. I don't know if that will limit the methods you can use to ship. When an item is registered it has to be signed at EVERY stop it makes and by EVERYONE who handles it! That came from my local PO clerk. Of course, we are still learning....
posted on March 5, 2001 04:16:54 PM new
If I give someone the necessary information to wire money TO me, aren't I also giving them the ability to wire money FROM my account?
- signed,
cautious about giving people my checking acct. number and bank's routing number.
posted on March 5, 2001 04:21:32 PM new
FYI - The cap on insurance to Germany from the US is $5,000, if you send via Parcel Post. Not sure about the other methods, and I'm not sure if Jewelry can be insured at all? You best check out the USPS web site for more info.
posted on March 5, 2001 04:37:53 PM new
mlevin, I worked at a bank for over 9 years, and I know of no way that someone could get money out of your account without your authority just because you give them wiring instructions. Bear in mind that the checks you write have your account number and the ABA (routing) number on them!
BTW if you choose to have the money wired, be sure to ask an intelligent person at your bank what ABA number to use and any other instructions. If your bank or credit union is tiny, wires might need to come via another bank. If your bank is huge, they might have more than one ABA number for checking accounts but wires might come to a central ABA number.
Good luck!
[ edited by mcbrunnhilde on Mar 5, 2001 04:39 PM ]
[ edited by mcbrunnhilde on Mar 5, 2001 04:41 PM ]
posted on March 5, 2001 04:40:49 PM new
I routinely make high value shipments overseas. As far as payment goes, I would advise a bank transfer, which likely will be acceptable to your buyer. A check or MO payable through a U.S based bank is also acceptable.
.
.For shipping, there is only one choice. It must go USPS INSURED AIR MAIL PARCEL POST. Takes 5-10 days to Germany. It will cost you around $50 and the insurance limit is $5000. Jewelry is covered. I do have an arrangment with a private insurance carrier that allows me to insure via Federal Express domestically and Internationally up to $25000, and unless you have some type of alternate insurance like this Federal Express or US Express Mail will not insure jewelry beyond $500. If the deal goes through and you need to insure for full value post back again on this board and I'll give you further info.
posted on March 6, 2001 01:29:36 AM new
Don't forget about Customs/Duty/Taxes, and make sure the buyer is prepared for them too. I would hate to have the scenario of them refusing the item because of charges at point of entry.
posted on March 6, 2001 02:15:54 AM new
Speaking about additional fees for your buyer, don't forget to check if your bank charges your account for incoming wire transfers, and if it's a flat fee or based on dollar amount.
