posted on August 27, 2001 04:47:10 PM
Question for BUYERS from Canada, the U.K., Australia, and others outside the U.S.:
I'm preparing my auctions for the Fall. In many cases the items are small and I can compute the amount of shipping to some countries outside the U.S.
As an example (with made up figures), I might write:
"SHIPPING:
$2.50 to the U.S.A. via First Class Mail
$4.00 to CANADA via Global Priority Small Envelope
$5.00 to Australia, New Zealand, U.K., or Japan via Global Priority Small Envelope
All other countries, please contact me for shipping amount."
My question is whether you would appreciate having the shipping amount to your country listed in the auction, or is the generic "Bidders outside the U.S., please contact me for shipping amount" good enough?
If you like having the amount stated, should I specify the shipping method: Global Priority or Airmail Letter Post?
I also want to be open to alternative shipping methods if the buyer would prefer that. I'm still working on the language. I want to be flexible, but I don't want to spend a lot of time debating.
I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks in advance.
posted on August 27, 2001 04:56:00 PM
As I ship World Wide by Air Mail for $3.00, I am not prepared to pay more than that unless your lots are heavy. BUT, if you are selling lots that I want and cannot get in UK, I will outbid any other user.
Edited to add "Good luck with your International Trading. I love it"
[ edited by GreetingsfromUK on Aug 27, 2001 05:00 PM ]
posted on August 27, 2001 06:59:08 PMmisscandle, Just the fact that you will ship internationally is a great plus in your favour.
If you are able to state the shipping cost of your item to a particular world region then that will give you more kudos.
It isn't really neccessary for me to know how you'll ship an item but an idea of how long it will take to get to me would be important, particularly with the "silly season" coming up very quickly.
e.g. If you can tell me that shipping for widget xyz is $10.00 and will take 10 to 14 days, then I have all the information I need to help me decide to bid, espeically if I want an item to meet a certain deadline.
Good luck with your auctions and all credit to you for putting in some careful thought.
posted on August 27, 2001 07:21:41 PM
Yes, I love it when I know the cost of the sh to canada!!!! I have bookmarked these sellers. Thanks so much from a Canadian and may your auctions proper and get lots of international bids. Suzanne
posted on August 27, 2001 08:10:43 PM
Thanks, folks! Now I know I'm going in the right direction. I'm trying to refine my procedures before I start listing again in earnest in mid-September.
posted on August 27, 2001 08:31:41 PMGreetingsfromUK: In your comment you say, "As I ship World Wide by Air Mail for $3.00, I am not prepared to pay more than that unless your lots are heavy."
Do you realize that standard Letter Package Air Mail from US to UK is $3.20 for 4 ounces? Do you consider that to be heavy? It doesn't take much to get a padded mailer up to 3 or more ounces. I have a corrugated cardboard 6 inch by 8 inch mailer right here and it weighs 1 ounce. By your specifications above, you would only be willing to buy a 2 ounce item and stay within your acceptable amount for shipping.
posted on August 28, 2001 02:24:51 AM
As an Irish seller I find it very easy to give postal rates. There are only 2! Europe and International! I weigh the item, consult my chart and give the appropriate prices. International covers every country outside of Europe for the same rate so no need to consult my atlas! Easy peasy! However, as a buyer I find it very annoying to have to e-mail the seller to find the postage charge especially as I know already how much it should be by consulting the USPS web site. Interesting to see the variations in price. If it's way over I'll contact the seller and ask for a re-check giving the correct amount and allowing for packing. I hate to be ripped off!
