I have sold on ebay for a year and a half. My auctions always say US only. I have had several Canadian's ask to bid (or bid with out asking) and have sent their items with no problems.
I recently went to full time selling and think I need to open the door for more bidders. I mainly sell plus size women's & big & tall men's clothing. With approx 100-130 items a week, I think I need more bidders. I think I can do this by shipping out of the US.
(other then Canada) I never shipped anything outside the US. I know there is a special form I fill out for Canada, but other then that it is easy. (Usually even cheaper then priority mail.) My question is what about other countries? Is it a hassle? What extra things do you need to know or do?
If you ship to other countries I'd like you opinions, please.
By the way EG I am certainly glad I do not have your bidders! (LOL) But your stories are entertainment for us!
posted on April 14, 2001 09:59:59 PM new
Butterflydancer -Can I ask are there forms for each different country? Are the rates outrageous? Please tell me what I need to know.
posted on April 14, 2001 10:09:04 PM new
RichieRich,
Every time I have shipped out of the US I have only had to fill out the regular Customs Form. Rates vary, so in my auctions I state that international bidders are to pay exact shipping and have them e-mail me with their address as soon as the auction is over. That way, there are no surprises!
posted on April 14, 2001 10:14:43 PM new
It doesn't matter if you say you don't take international bidders in your TOS because you will still get them in quantity.
As a matter of fact I just got one from the Netherlands. Here's this little vintage toy that would ship for under a dollar in the U.S., actual costs $9 Global Priority, $16 Parcel. Too bad for him because he didn't read my TOS.
I have a Canadian who has called me a liar saying I didn't email her the EOA notice. She was actually using a different email I found out by her. Now she is whining that she sent her money long ago and is still waiting for the item and is hoping I didn't stiff her. I actually had sent the item the next day after the money arrived.
How many more foreign stories you want to hear, I have lots? The Australian who bounced a check (stoopid me), and I haven't yet recovered the fee, but second time check did clear. The England lady who won an auction a week before Christmas and wanted the item by Christmas. The time the PO charged me $15 to ship Global Priority to Canada for a two pound item that normally is about $6.
I've done lots of great transactions with Canadians, Germans, Japanese, and Britians but the rate of problems with foreign bidders lately has got out of hand.
[ edited by quickdraw29 on Apr 14, 2001 10:18 PM ]
posted on April 14, 2001 11:04:38 PM new
The only bidders I have ever had a problem with, have been American bidders. Then again, the majority of my sales go to the US.
I've shipped to Japan, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, France, Spain, England, Ireland, Scotland, and even to those Crazy Canucks in Canada.
I've never had a problem with shipping Internationally, and many of those items have been $100-500 items.
I guess it depends what you sell, but when an International bidder pushes a high bid of $50, to a $150, I just sit back & grin from ear to ear.
Customs forms take less than 30 seconds to fill out, and for me it's been well worth the little bit of extra time & effort.
posted on April 15, 2001 02:55:14 AM new
I cannot imagine selling clothes overseas. The sizes are all different. Will love to see your return rate.
Anyway, if you use the USPS International Calculator, it will tell you which customs form you need. There are more than one kind. Depending upon weight and country, you will be inform which one to use.
I think getting payment is not the problem. My experience is that foreign payers are more reliable than U.S. But, there will be extra emails and a lot more work in quoting mail charges.
[ edited by laum1 on Apr 15, 2001 02:56 AM ]
posted on April 15, 2001 05:44:58 AM new
I've only had two kinds of problems. One, I'll send them their total clearly marked as such, and they'll get upset thinking the total is the shipping quote. This could be avoided, I am sure, by taking the time to write it out: "$31 + $6 surface-rate shipping = $37 total" but sometimes I don't do that.
Second, since the rates changed, I've had a little trouble with Canadian shipping.I'll weigh and check the web page and give the quote, then it seems like it costs most in the Post Office. Not a lot, but it's confusing. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but it doesn't always happen.
I sell books which can usually fit in Global Priority envelopes, which makes things easier. I would think that clothing would be heavy and thus pretty expensive to ship overseas.
posted on April 15, 2001 06:44:15 AM new
I goofed and bid on a US only auction this morning. So I retracted the fairly high proxy bid. Interestingly the amount of that bid is shown in the retracted bid section for all to see. I'll be interested to see if it is reached.
That reddeer is a real friendly guy, even ships to Ontario.
Bill
edited to add: Shipping from the US to the Rest of the World is made easier by using the USPS rate calculator. It is at:
posted on April 15, 2001 08:07:01 AM new
I gave up not shipping outside the U.S. and Canada because people bid no matter what. Now that I do it I find it very rewarding to deal with the bidders who are often pleased that they can find a seller who will ship to them, and are usually very aware of how expensive postage to them will be. I've never had a problem with an international bidder. I've shipped to Italy, Belgium, Australia, UK, Argentina, Finland and even those darn Canadians . The customs form only takes a second to fill out and since you're at the Post Office anyway, why not? I have a supply of Global Priority envelopes and customs forms at home to do ahead of time.
I think it will help your auctions to accept international, as long as everyone is clear on the shipping costs. It sure helped mine.
posted on April 15, 2001 08:08:09 AM new
Selling overseas is a good way to expand your bidding. For Canada we do not charge extra S/H even though it costs us a few pennies more. For other countries we do.
For lightweight items it's pretty reasonable to ship anywhere else. You can get the rates at the post offices web site, use the glodal letter airmail rate. I know it says letter, but use in anyway. Also if your items will fit into a global priority mail flat rate envelope thats pretty reasonable too. And overseas buyers know that it will cost more to ship.
Remember that clothing sizes are different in other countries, so you should say that the sizes are US sizes. It is then the responsibility of the overseas buyer to do the conversion.
We do not insure our overseas shipments (or our US ones) and our loss rate has been very low with overseas. You will find that overseas insurance is very expensive.
There is one standard customs declaration form, very simple. But techically it is not required for shipments under 16 ounces. But most postal clerks don't know that.
posted on April 15, 2001 08:17:30 AM new
I've had very few problems with international sales. Most pay promptly & are very patient w/the time it takes to get there.
There are 2 different custom forms. One is green & for generally lighterweight items, the other is a larger white form for heavier items, You can pick them both up at the post office.
There are several payment options: international money order, BillPoint, PayPal, BidPay or good old American banknotes.
You can learn all about shipping rates at the USPS website using their international rate calculator. Try weighing a few of your packages then fill in the info in the calculator & you'll have an idea about shipping costs.
What everyone has said is quite true about European sizes. If you state the U.S. size in there, but sure & make it clear it's a U.S. size ONLY. Then give full dimensions for all the key area: shoulder, sleeve length, those important wrist measurements, total length, bust, chest, waist...there was a huge thread on this a couple of weeks ago.
And it might be a good idea to have your return policy stated out pretty clearly. If you don't accept returns, make it clear. If you do, be sure & state your polices about return shipping. Hate to pay some of these overseas shipping costs both way.
posted on April 15, 2001 08:18:40 AM newRichieRich: So glad my stories provide so much entertainment to everyone! LOL (Unfortunately, they are all TRUE! )
I do ship internationally. I've shipped to Japan, China, Canada, France, England, Germany, Australia, just to name a few!
My international bidders are wonderful. I've only had 2 deadbeats that were international and both were CANADIANS. I've also had a couple "problem" international bidders and they, too, were from CANADA. I ship a few international packages every week, and I must say, though, that there are hardly any problems at all with international buyers.
As you know, I sell mainly clothing, and all of my international sales were clothing sales. Never a problem as far as sizes were concerned. It helps to give all measurements in your descriptions.
However, beware of ladies with tiny wrists and 34D ears... LOL (Anyone who read that thread knows what I'm talking about! LOL)
[ edited by ExecutiveGirl on Apr 15, 2001 08:21 AM ]
posted on April 15, 2001 08:19:46 AM new
cdnbooks,
Bill, I recently shipped some books to a person in Canada & I was almost too embarrassed to tell the guy the shipping charges for them.
But he didn't blink an eye & told me it was cheaper for him to have them shipped in from the U.S. than to buy the books in Canada & have them shipped internally. Is that true?!
posted on April 15, 2001 08:39:22 AM new
Selling out of country can be a breeze, but do not forget with clothing it can be a high tax item for the buyer. Where they are made is important.
In north america there is no duty. Other parts of the world it can vary. But that is up to the buyer to look into. Have fun.
Just wanted to add if the clothes are made in north america and sold in same said market, there is no duty.[nafta]
would be a good idea to put in your tos where they were made, could save you some headaches.
[ edited by gs4 on Apr 15, 2001 08:5
6 AM ]
[ edited by gs4 on Apr 15, 2001 08:58 AM ]
posted on April 15, 2001 08:57:39 AM new
I have sold many clothing items to international buyers and for the most part the transactions have gone smoothly. I've had a couple deadbeat on me, and one that sent the money but no address and never did respond to my emails requesting her shipping address, even though she had requested that I email. Then there was the one that was in Hong Kong and paid me US shipping. I wrote to him and never heard back, so just sat on it. About three weeks later, he emailed me with a US address to send it to and everything went smoothly.
They are usually most prompt to respond and most prompt to send payment and quite patient waiting for the item. And they usually actually read the measurements so the item fits.
In all likelyhood he was right. If you were able to ship them letterpost (small packet) they would almost always be cheaper.
We don't have the equivalent rate to small packet for items within Canada. And the farther we ship using parcel post, the more it costs.
I have shipped to Hawaii and Alaska for a lot less than I could ship the same item for in Canada.
I don't know what you sell, but lots of stuff costs more to buy in Canada simply because the market is so small. And some things just aren't available at all.
Bill
[ edited by cdnbooks on Apr 15, 2001 09:22 AM ]
posted on April 15, 2001 10:54:02 AM newcdnbooks: Doesn't look like I'm having trouble with my bolding see? I'm doing quite fine... Perhaps you should ask Reddeer.. he might be able to use your help though
Reddeer: I've had quite a few from US bidders... but that wasn't the topic of this thread.. the question is about INTERNATIONAL transactions. Since I'm in the US, US bidders are not international to me
I think the fact that you've only had two International deadbeats, compared to quite a few from US bidders, speaks volumes. I'm sure the originator of this thread will appreciate your stats, I know I do.
posted on April 15, 2001 11:29:27 AM new
I have nothing against international bidders. If I did I wouldn't accept their bids. The originator asked about international bidders and I answered honestly. MOST of my international bidders are great. The only problems I've had are a few from Canada. You said you had (international) problems with US bidders, and my international problems were only from Canada. No big deal. Those are the facts. What's the problem?
posted on April 15, 2001 11:41:51 AM new
Thanks, Bill.
It was some textbooks & I was able to ship them small packet. Still, the shipping amount horrified me & I was amazed the buyer didn't go screaming away from his computer.
I kept apologizing for what I thought was an exorbitant amount until he said it would have cost him almost double that to buy them within Canada. That's shocking!
I'm going to quit complaining about what it costs to ship within in the U.S. now.
RichieRich,
A decent percentage of my international business is with Canadians. Except for the occasional misunderstanding that I cannot accept personal checks, it's been a pleasure.
Unless you are shipping something which can be stuck in a bubble envelope & is lightweight, shipping charges to other countries may give you a shocking moment or two, but most international customers are aware of the costs.
My most interesting one was someone who asked to have a book overnighted to Argentina. Now I thought this one was bound to go south when I quoted the shipping but they paid immediately with Bidpay, then were thrilled when their book arrived & left glowing feedback. Go Figure!!
posted on April 15, 2001 11:51:16 AM new
Off and on over 2 years I have had probably 500 total sale auctions so, I am a very sporadic and small seller.
I have had a couple of Australian, one from Holland, and a couple from Canada. I always state US only, but I am a push-over. My very favorite sales have been to the Canadians. They turned out fun and very satisfactory. I will no longer state US only because of the great experiences I have had.
It is one or two extra steps, so might think differently if I had 100+ auctions per week. I am sticking with my 40 hour a week job. Much easier than selling on ebay and lots less time. I can work at home part of the time anyway, so I am lucky.
posted on April 15, 2001 11:57:55 AM new
We ship all over the world. We have never had many problems but when we do most have been with US bidders. Since most of our sales are to the US this is not surprising.
Since Canada is probably the 2nd biggest country on ebay it only stands to reason that US sellers who choose to ship out of their country will probably get the majority of buyers from Canada (depending on what you sell of course). Therefore sooner or later if they have a problem it may very well be with a Canadian.
So it is kind of silly to keep mentioning a certain country as having all the problems just because of a couple of incidents.
I encourage everyone to open their sales to a wider market. You may be surprised what the world has to offer. And if it doesn't work out for you at least you know that you have given it a try.
posted on April 15, 2001 09:15:13 PM new
Very interesting to see one of the International Threads in eBay's Community Chat. The UK sellers were complaining about all the US bidders who were asking/demanding them to lie on the Customs form!
So regardless of how you define "international" you may well encounter one or to problem bidders. But, from my perspective, if the seller is knowledgeable and informed AND friendly and well-mannered, there isn't likely to be a problem. I have shipped out over 600 books -- ALL of them either going to the US or overseas -- and have never had any problems. No one quibbled about postage, no one complained about customs, etc. Makes me wonder what I'm doing wrong when I read some of the threads on AW!
posted on April 15, 2001 09:28:27 PM new
I've shipped to lots of international bidders with no problems. The international folks I've dealt with have almost all been terrific customers. My only suggestion? If you normally use priority shipping, don't pack the item until you know who won the bid! I used to pack items just as soon as bidding started to "keep ahead of the game." Then, at the end of the auction, all I'd have to do is slap a mailing label on the package. I no longer do that as I've had to re-open and re-pack too many items to ship overseas. Just a suggestion...and good luck on your international sales. I'll bet you'll be glad you expanded your market!
posted on April 16, 2001 12:20:11 AM new
After reading everyone's reply I decided to try it.
Now I have a new question. I have gone to my preferences here in AW and change it to say International worldwide. Will that change on the auctions I currently have scheduled to launch or not?
I have added to my text that INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS must email me for shipping charges and pay in US funds.
Do I need to do anything else?
Can you search on ebay for sellers that ship to you country? Or do they have to read all the listings to find the one that ship to them? Just curious.
Thanks everyone for your help, I do appreciate it. Now I will sit back and see if it makes a difference in the amount of bids I get. Although, I think I do very well. Most items sell the first time but since I have starting listing 3 times what I was many items go for the open bid.
. The customs form only takes a second to fill out and since you're at the Post Office anyway, why not? I have a supply of Global Priority envelopes and customs forms at home to do ahead of time.
)