katzname
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posted on June 1, 2001 12:59:21 PM
I have always stuck to the states because when I first got started I got burned on shipping to Canada ~ but lately I have had a number of requests to ship outside the U.S. and several others that have bid and then wanted me to ship after the auction closed.
Right now I have 3 packages going out ~ 2 to Japan and one to Denmark.
So, I have a few questions.
I know to include an invoice in the package and to fill out a custom form ~ and how to figure the postage through the USPS website ~ is there anything I am missing?
Second, why do you ~ or why do you not ship outside the US? ~ and how do you handle your end of auction emails when you don't know they are outside the US or not? Are you always paid in US dollars ~ or do you have to specify that? What about Paypal and Billpoint on international sales? Please share your stories of shipping outside the US.
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RichieRich
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posted on June 1, 2001 01:43:54 PM
In the past 45 days I started shipping internationally. I thought it could not hurt the bids. Prior to that I had shipped a few times to Canada. I have shipped several times to the UK now and once to Japan.
I request US Funds only! Some use BidPay. Those that mail it....take forever...so you most be patient.
My highest prices come when an internationally bidder is bidding and they usually seem to win it! I give them the options on shipping and let them decide how fast they want the item. Occasionally the postage is higher then the bids.
NO problems or complaints here.
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BJGrolle
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posted on June 1, 2001 01:56:50 PM
It's not at all complicated to ship internationally once you get used to it.
In my auctions I state one fixed price for shipping in the US and another for international shipments. In my EOA notice I state that if the buyer isn't in the US, then the shipping is $x.xx
I've had many international buyers pay using the online payment services and it hasn't caused me any trouble.
http://bjgrolle.freehomepage.com
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homeatmospheres
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posted on June 1, 2001 02:44:07 PM
I am in the same boat as you. I used to ship internationally and lived in a small town that seemed to continue to mess up the shipping so I quit. Now that I live in a large city I have decided to start shipping internationally. It is a bit more work but they are willing to pay more as usual. Besides I have had several bid and then tell me. I have a hard time cashing Canadian money orders though. So I am going to start specifying that international bidders must pay with paypal or bidpay. Much easier and faster for me.
Good luck!
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magazine_guy
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posted on June 1, 2001 03:26:41 PM
I ship lots of stuff internationally. I charge the buyer $1.50 on top of actual postage amount, and I make that clear in my auctions.
I never include an invoice in the package. Just a note to the buyer thanking him/her, and mentioning the auction number.
I used to place the green customs form on all of these packages. I stopped doing it a couple months ago when I confirmed with my PO that it's not necessary for my packages under 16 oz (I send printed matter). That saved a bunch of time.
I don't insure most things, either. Never had a problem with international shipments. I do insure the pricey stuff (over $100 or so) through U-PIC.
Steve
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eventer
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posted on June 1, 2001 03:27:49 PM
I've always shipped internationally.
A couple of things you need to know:
There are 2 types of custom's forms. One is a smaller green & is usually for items weighing less than 1 lb.
The larger form is for items weighing over 1lb.
You can use the international rate calculator on the USPS website to determine your shipping. Just click on the country & put in the weight. You will be given a choice of options for shipping. If you have any problems w/your post office, you can always print this out & take it with you.
Having a good & accurate scale is a god send.
I don't use an invoice in my packages so I can't assist you there. On the custom's forms, you have to fill in your name/address, the buyer's name/address, a brief description of the item, the value (most people use the auction purchase amount) & what type of merchandise (gift, product, etc.)
This often sparks large debate over whether to mark as a gift (so the receiving party doesn't run the risk of paying customs charges) or as "merchandise" where they might have to pay customs. Follow your own ethics on this one.
International money orders are acceptable payment as well as BidPay, PayPal & BillPoint (though there are countries they won't accept payment from).
I personally don't accept Canadian checks, even made out in U.S. Funds because my credit union won't cash them. All payments are in U.S. dollars.
In my EOA, I ask all international bidders to contact me so I can recalculate international shipping if the auction doesn't already have it. Most are excellent about letting me know immediately. Haven't had any try to get the USPS rate for international shipping.
The only other thing to beware is what IS and ISN'T allowed to be shipped into other countries. There are certain restriction in certain countries.
Good luck!
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BJGrolle
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posted on June 1, 2001 05:12:52 PM
As far as the 2 customs forms go, I use the small green ones all the time on packages over 1 lb. The large forms are for Parcel Post packages.
You can find this information yourself in the International Mail Manual at the USPS website.
http://bjgrolle.freehomepage.com
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anthro1966
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posted on June 1, 2001 05:30:27 PM
I've found shipping overseas to be relatively painless; plus, it's fun to see how many different countries you can sell to.
My strangest ones so far are Iceland, Uganda, and Cyprus.
I've had quite a few buyers pay with Billpoint and had no problems. Quite a few pay in U.S. $ cash, and again no trouble. Just be sure to explain what forms of payment you accept in both your TOS and EOA. Saves on hassles later.
Good luck.
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capotasto
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posted on June 1, 2001 07:20:22 PM
"I personally don't accept Canadian checks, even made out in U.S. Funds because my credit union won't cash them. All payments are in U.S. dollars."
Among the other options, I say cash sent registered mail, and checks drawn on a US bank in US funds.
A lot of foreigners like to send US greenbacks, and a lot of Canadians have US Bank accounts.
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honestjonstoys
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posted on June 1, 2001 07:25:56 PM
I have always shipped internationally, it is a bit more time and trouble (can't use my Priority supplies)but worth it.
Definitely invest in a postal scale, it will save you time and money.
The small green customs form is for what used to be called small packet, for packages less than 4 pounds and smaller than a certain size. The size limit will be listed at the USPS site.
The larger white form is for parcel post.
Small packet can't be insured by the USPS, parcel post can.
--------------
Don't take life so serious, it ain't nohow permanent.
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honestjonstoys
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posted on June 1, 2001 07:28:49 PM
If you are going to ship internationally, book mark this site
http://ircalc.usps.gov/weight.asp?Contents=1
--------------
Don't take life so serious, it ain't nohow permanent.
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MrsSantaClaus
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posted on June 1, 2001 07:29:29 PM
I just had a newbie win an auction. Paypal doesn't serve his country. I finally told him to send me something that kids in Chile would think was cool ....
Hey - why sell on ebay if you can't have fun with it? I figure even if I do get a really cheap item, it is still an incredible geography lesson for the girls! 
I also try to put myself in international bidder's shoes. Imagine having all of eBay to look at but only a tiny bit to bid on? Also, with the same thought in mind, I happily take their money. With my new PayPal Mastercard I can have alot of fun! 
Happy eBaying!
Becky
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chrisue
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posted on June 1, 2001 07:42:31 PM
Ever since I have been selling on the auctions I have always shipped internationally. I figure, if they want to pay the postage and handling - I'll ship it! The only draw back is the wait with the post office mail.
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dottie
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posted on June 1, 2001 08:10:54 PM
I accept payment in US Funds only, but WELCOME INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS.
- Dottie
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minniestuff
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posted on June 1, 2001 08:46:50 PM
I have shipped Internationally for 2 years now and the only trouble that I have had has been with 3 bidders in Russia and one in the Czech Republic. All were using stolen credit cards and Paypal. I do not ship laptops out of the country, but other computer or collectible stuff is fairly easy to fill out a form and mail. Just make sure you know what is not allowed to be mailed to the country that you are mailing to.
I asked one bidder from Holland to send me some postcards of his country in exchange for the shipping fee. Great experience! He was happy, I was happy...
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goldpanner3
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posted on June 1, 2001 09:02:52 PM
One thing, if your buyers send cash, which most of mine have done, be ready for long waits for your money Sometimes.
Not always though. But I have waited up to 5 weeks for payment. I could tell by the postmark that the buyer sent it soon enough and by air mail. but still took five weeks. He even emailed me a couple times asking if I got it yet.
But most times it's much quicker in my experience. Just be ready.
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LINGERIECORNER
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posted on June 1, 2001 10:31:14 PM
Hello everyone,
I shipped int'l the first daywe started running auctions. I consider Canada same as US fro shipping purposes. Sometime Airmail to Canada less then 1st Class in the US.
I love international bidders, always the highest bids. Most of the time they pay fast thru bidpay, which pretty much secures your transaction from charge-back.
In the auctions I state "please e-mail for int'l quote". When they e-mai I give them 2 options, Airmail and Global Priority. They can choose.
I am glad I ldo int'l cause I would not want to loose all that business.
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GreetingsfromUK
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posted on June 2, 2001 06:59:36 AM
I sell Internationally and it is great fun. I also take Paypal and this boosts my sales. I also did a lot of my Xmas shopping on eBay USA and will outbid any US buyer for items that are not available in UK. Where else could I find items that have my family name on them? I have just bought from Malta and paid US$ cash in a plain envelope!
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hwahwahwahwa
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posted on June 2, 2001 03:19:00 PM
i have been shipping internationally for 5 years,and would like to add the following-
usps does offer insurance for overseas package (if NOT sent via global priority mail),the rate is double that of domestic.
there are some country restrictions when it comes to registered mail,it depends on specific country.
western european countries have efficient postal system and usually arrive on time,japan,singapore,australia may take longer but it will arrive eventually.
billpoint charges an extra dollar when overseas customer uses their credit card to make payment.
as for customers sending you fund in us dollars-canadian postal money order can be cashed free of charge at our post office with proper id like driver's license.
sending cash sandwiched between two postcards or cardboard papers work for me most of the time although the buyer is taking a chance it could be stolen or seller claims he never receive it.
sending cash via registered mail provides more protection but one buyer sent cash from singapore and it arrived at my local postal station with enevelope slit open and cash missing.
so somewhere between singapore postal and our postal service,the money was removed from the envelope.
my postman explained to me that everyone in post office knows registered mail is prestigious,important mail and so run a higher chance of theft.
someone mentioned customs,it varies from country to country-canadian customs tend to open and examine more packages than other countries.
in italy,customs duty for antiques is 20%.
i fyou ship ups,i think they will ask you what is inside and will quote you a rate which includes shipping and customs duty.
good luck,yes i find overseas bidders tend to bid high
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bemused
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posted on June 2, 2001 04:00:26 PM
I know from personal experience that sometimes you do need to include an invoice (or 2 in this case) inside your parcels. I shipped a 6 pound 1980's sealed Atari printer to Germany and had it returned to me postage due for not having an invoice inside. It was also sliced open.
If I had clicked on the "Observations" link on the final page of the USPS International rate calculator I would have seen:
3. Each commercial parcel or package must have enclosed an invoice in duplicate.
There are more things to consider when shipping International than just the customs form, so its best to read those 4 links at the bottom of the rate calculator or you too could wind up paying to get that package back from your local PO.
I quit shipping International for a while because I couldn't offer insuarnce usually do to the high cost, but U-PIC solved that problem.
[ edited by bemused on Jun 2, 2001 04:03 PM ]
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ploughman
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posted on June 3, 2001 04:02:51 AM
I've probably had buyers from about 40 countries now, and it's about 20% of the winning bids, I'd estimate. And of course, letting 'em into the game means higher winning bids even when they don't win.
I'm blessed with mostly smaller & lighter items. If it's something you can get into a flat-rate Global Priority Mail envelope you're really in good shape.
Shipping is more problematic, as there's no 40-cent "delivery confirm" or $1 insurance as forms of seller protection. If you're selling expensive items you might be able to bit the bullet and get international insurance or registered mail and pass on the cost, but for $20-30 items (like many of mine are), this usually isn't an option. So I'd say there's more shipping risk.
On payments, PayPal's international expansion has been a real help. Almost overnight they now handle about 40% of my transactions there. Others use cash in registered mail, BidPay and maybe various forms of international money orders. In probably 250 international transactions I've received two payments that were in forms I couldn't handle.
Overall I'd say the experience has paid off for the effort it took.
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pussyfoot
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posted on June 3, 2001 05:29:22 AM
Greetings from England! I sell to the USA all the time and also to Japan and Australia on occasions. I have a Paypal account, and as I have a bank account in the US too, I can accept dollars with no problem. I also accept money orders and checks in US funds.
Shipping heavy items from the UK to US is expensive by air and I always give my buyers the option of surface shipping - that takes longer but some are prepared to wait. I have never had any problems with customs - I mark the package as a "gift" and keep the value low.
I have had problems when I have bought from the USA - a large box of beanie babies was seized by the UK Customs department and I was sent a VERY large bill for duty. They had taken the values of each beanie from a magazine. I sent them the emails showing how much I had paid for each one and they reduced the duty in line with the actual prices I had paid. But it was still an expensive box of beanies. It is best to have large shipments sent in several smaller lots so that Customs are not alerted!!
Jannette - [email protected]
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katzname
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posted on June 3, 2001 07:49:10 AM
I want to thank all of you that have responded........
You having giving me great advice and helped take away my fears.
I am going to give it a try ~ after all it is not going to hurt my auctions ~ and could very well help a lot!
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jrb3
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posted on June 3, 2001 10:14:28 AM
I have a great bidder in Malasia his wife purchased some rhinestone jewelry from me and realized she couldn't use Paypal. She stated she was hoping to get Paypal soon so her husband could accept it on his web site. Sales were slow due to payment option retrictions.
I checked out his web site and he sells beautifully framed and mounted butterflies. These would cost me $50-100 per butterfly in the US We traded 4 rhinestone brooches for 4 sets of framed butterflies 13 in total
We were both happy with the trade and I always get compliments on the butterflies.
Trading is a great way to barter with internation customers.
JB
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justkathy5
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posted on June 3, 2001 02:32:46 PM
I receive most international payments in US cash or postage stamps (for smaller items). I have traded for items before as well.
Love international bidders
Kathy
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phbroz
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posted on June 3, 2001 02:39:27 PM
Well......
Out of the, probably 10 items i sold this month, half were overseas.
Couldn't do without 'em.
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GreetingsfromUK
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posted on June 3, 2001 03:55:02 PM
jrb3
Just love your Malasian story. I guess it is a true reflection of the benefits of International trading. I currently have a buyer in TX who sends me a shopping list of things she would like from UK. She gets them shipped Air Mail to USA for $3, I make a profit and we are both happy. I also act as the UK agent for a buyer in CA who bids for lots where the vendor only wants payment in UK£. I pay the UK£ and he sends me US$. I then sell my US$ to friends going on holiday to USA!
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cardmall
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posted on June 3, 2001 07:36:40 PM
I do a lot of international shipping with no more problems than I have here with US addresses. If they pay for postage, why not? The forms are easy, and it is very easy to use the USPS web site to get the rate.
If I send something that is $50 or more, I try to use registered mail. I know it is expensive, but I make it clear in my Terms of Service that registered mail may be necessary, and to contact me in advance if you use it.
Alan
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