posted on March 22, 2001 07:59:48 AM
I've decided to list a few of my items to go internationally; I've been selling a bit to Canada but am trying the international route now. Is there one best payment method to ask of the buyers?
And a best shipping method to use? (Meaning cheapest, of course, as well as still being safe.)
posted on March 22, 2001 09:33:45 AM
Hello, Adele,
The majority of my international bidders use Bidpay - it costs $5.00 for them to buy a Western Union money order and it gets sent very quickly. I understand that international money orders are quite pricey and Bidpay is a pretty good alternative. I also accept well-concealed cash for items that aren't too pricey. I know some people on this board have had a few problems with BidPay (I never have), so you may want to check out some of the old threads for advice, but in my opinion it is a really good service.
As far as shipping goes, I generally package up the item, weigh it, and go to USPS.com and look it up on their international rate calculator. I generally send my bidders a quote for both air and surface mail and let them decide. Yes, it's a bit more work than sending domestically, but some of my international bidders have really raised the bid price of my auctions. I would never stop selling internationally!
posted on March 22, 2001 10:21:48 AM
I've received payment from foreign bidders in cash (*that* makes me nervous ); International Money Orders, and MOs via BidPay (which are sent from here in the US & are Western Union MOs).
I offer them two forms of shipping, slow (& cheaper) surface mail and the quicker air mail. You can easily get quotes by going to www.usps.gov.
The only other thing you need to do is fill out the customs forms. I keep a bunch at home & fill them out before going to the PO--saves a little bit of time.
[ edited by bunnicula on Mar 22, 2001 10:23 AM ]
[ edited by bunnicula on Mar 22, 2001 10:24 AM ]
posted on March 22, 2001 10:47:29 AM
I get a lot of cash payments from foreigners too. I once got a $500 cash payment in a regular envelope! And, one person sent a $50 bill for a $31 item and said "keep the change". Nice.
posted on March 22, 2001 05:37:12 PM
I used to live in Japan. The best way to/from Japan is by International Money Order. From Japan it is only 500 yen and 1 yen over the official rate.
In the US I use Global Priority Mailer. Be prepared for your stuff to be opened. Don't fudge on the customs. Make sure have generous return policies. Many people have been scammed in Yahoo!Japan Auctions. Also, eBay is very weak in Japan, the action is on Yahoo! Japan.
); International Money Orders, and MOs via BidPay (which are sent from here in the US & are Western Union MOs).