posted on April 13, 2001 10:47:08 AM new
Hi all
I have just started selling on eBay after a long absence and decided to accept international customers this time. Haven't had anyone request foreign shipment until yesterday and now I have four. Wow!
I have been reading this board for a long time and know this has been previously discussed, but can't find the old posts. So..could use some assistance on what to watch out for ie: customs, finding the best/cheapest rates, best way to receive payment. At this time all of the requests involve boxed dolls and they just can't be stuffed into an envelope...well they could but buyers would be less than pleased. LOL
Thanks for any and all help
posted on April 13, 2001 11:31:45 AM new
madrona: I had just previously posted to a thread with same unknowling information needed also. CDN Books suggested I start a thread for information on international selling....I was working on some questions when I seen your post, so I would like to add them to your thread on this....any help from everyone would be greatly appreciated..
What forms of currency is best to accept and
stay away from? Are there certain countries to stay away from selling in? Is it best to check all international or select just certain areas (for us newbies learning) if so which ones? Shipping concerns...right now we ship only USPS Priority we sell a lot of glass, & home decor items? Any tips and tricks, tidbits, helpful hints, pros and cons welcome.
posted on April 13, 2001 11:32:56 AM new
If you are shipping high value items internationally, I would highly recommend considering USPS' EMS (Express Mail Service). Usually, EMS only costs a couple dollars more than parcel airmail, and EMS includes tracking and insurance. Plus, shipping times are usually less with EMS.
posted on April 13, 2001 11:34:29 AM new
Your best international rate (at least in most cases) is USPS...Global Airmail Letter Post or Global Economy Letter Post (surface) if the package is small enough (Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"...and no more than 4 pounds). You can use the USPS Rate Calculator at http://ircalc.usps.gov/ to see all of your choices and prices. You also want to be sure to check the prohibitions and restrictions for each country as they are all different. You can also view these through the above URL (links are at the bottom of the page with the rates). There is also a link at the bottom of this page which will tell you which customs form is required for each country. As far as best payment method...International Postal Money Order in US $, BidPay (though some have been experiencing various problems with BidPay lately), or of course good ole US Cash (preferably sent by registered mail). Hope this helps.
posted on April 13, 2001 12:01:25 PM new
I buy and sell international a lot, and the main problem is the cost of sending the money, so I send cash and I also tend to get a lot of cash. One good way to suggest people pay is to wrap the cash in silver foil, it seems to help with avoiding detection since you're not really supposed to send cash, too dangerous. Also I sometimes write 'photographs, do not bend' on the envelope, especially when sending to countries that have terrible service.
For selling, if you use USPS, you'll often find that surface is more expensive than air for parcel post, I don't know why! Because I sell a lot of European stuff, I get buyers from all over the place - when I started I thought it would appeal more to Americans since the things are harder to find here, but I find Europeans are just as eager, so I get to send the items back!!!
International buyers are the best - they don't quibble over fees, they know it's expensive. They have very high fees too though, so don't want to use official payment methods - a bank money transfer can cost more than 40$! I send packages with insurance, and I have tried return receipt but rarely get them back.
posted on April 13, 2001 01:08:18 PM new
Thanks for all the helpful info. We have been selling on eBay and the internet for
3 years US only. We have no negs, and I don't want to tarnish that record by doing something that would be foolish, due to lack of knowledge. If we try international, would it maybe be best to select a few areas first for the leaning experience? (If so which ones would be best to start with) or
just jump in with both feet an sort it out as we go and learn? Are most international customers nice or helpful & understanding with a seller that may need some guidance from them? Thanks again for the help!!
posted on April 13, 2001 01:09:21 PM new
1. Know what you can & can't ship to other countries.
2. Be aware there are 2 different customs forms based on the weight of the package. One is a small green form, the other is a larger form. You can pick up both as your local USPS. HOW you fill them out is your business but for a good idea of the sensitive nature of them, check out a hot thread currently running here.
3. The cheapest way to ship is not always the best. Example, surface to Australia is cheaper but can take up to 3 months. Air gets there in 7-10 days.
4. The USPS site has an international rate calculator on it, just like you use for domestic mail.
5. Remember that Global Express/Priority doesn't go to every city in every country. If you are sending something to Mexico City, you'll be okay, but if it's a small town in Mexico, they won't be able to deliver it.
6. I don't accept currencies from other countries, but do accept BillPoint, PayPal, BidPay & cash or international money order. There are several international currency calculators on the web. Just search on currency converter.
You could also offer wire transfer directly to your checking account but that's quite expensive for customers AND it means you have to give out your account number information.
I've greatly enjoyed my international customers. I sometimes cringe when I have to tell them the cost of shipping but most are very understanding. I do keep in touch w/them until the item arrives safely.
Sometimes when an item doesn't arrive, it can mean it's tied up in customs.
If you have something EXTREMELY valuable, you can often use "registered" mail if you are not comfortable w/their mail service but it can get pricey very quickly.
posted on April 13, 2001 03:17:25 PM new
Most international sellers are great if you don't know much about what to do. They often have been buying/collecting for a while and know exactly what to do, they are all in my experience, a great lot, very pleasant to deal with. I buy a lot in Germany and barely speak any German and they love to practice their English with me, so it works out very well.
Surface is generally a nightmare no matter what because of the time it takes. I shipped an antique coffee grinder by surface because the buyer requested it, and it still hasn't arrived after 9 weeks (to Switzerland from Georgia - you could rowe across the Atlantic faster!)
I think picking products you know very well to start is a great idea, possibly things that aren't as breakable or as heavy - just to get your feet wet. Check out e-Bay's international sites (links are on the bottom of the home page) - you'll be astounded at the prices for some things and realize why they want to buy from the US - should also tell you what sells well.
posted on April 13, 2001 03:22:50 PM new
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. Interestingly I just returned from the post office and they quoted me a rate of $5.50, no insurance and delivery approx. 7 days. Before taking the package to them I had checked the usps web site and the best I came up with was $14.35, includes insurance.
This is in a box and weighs about 2 lbs. He also gave me Publication 51 and again I come up with a $13 - $14 cost. Guess I should read this booklet cover to cover and apply to take the official booklet test, but it appears that the clerk has the best prices!
geez, beginning to understand why a lot of sellers stay with the domestic market. BUT, I am determined to sell to the world!!
posted on April 13, 2001 03:31:29 PM new
There is some info here that may help you also. Once you have a few sales it does get easier so maybe give it a try. Good luck.
posted on April 13, 2001 03:56:42 PM new
Madrona: I had the same thing happen to me with the price differences. It turned out that you can ship a package for the LETTER POST AIR RATE!!!!!!
I kept looking at the package rates. Silly silly me. Anyhow if you check the letter post rate you will probably get the number the Post Office came up with.
Another tip. I purchased a Pelouze 10 pound scale and that has made shipping internatinally so much easier. It takes a minimum of 1/2 hour to go to the post office and back to check a weight, and I just couldn't justify that kind of time commitment. But the scale works like a charm. Along with the USPO Rate Calculator site. I use that all of the time.
