posted on February 1, 2004 11:36:49 AM
An increasing percentage of my bidders are international. Must be a reflection of the national economy, or perhaps the falling value of the dollar overseas.
In my Vendio preferences, I have the box checked to theoretically allow bidders to adjust shipping costs. In practice, this does not seem to be working.
I list a flat rate USA shipping cost in my auctions, with an invitation for international bidders to email for a quote. This they often do, but when it comes time to pay using Paypal, they report in frustration that the fixed shipping rate listed in the auction cannot be edited on the Paypal form. (Yes, of course they could independently navigate to the Paypal site and enter virtually anything into the blank fields -- but they do not seem to be accessing the Paypal form in this manner. And sometimes, with language as a barrier, it is difficult to instruct them to attempt this method.)
I do not have the Paypal button enabled in my auctions, preferring to steer customers to the Vendio checkout. If I *did* enable the Paypal button, would this allow the foreign bidders freedom to enter different shipping costs into the Paypal field? Frankly, I am unsure of just HOW these bidders are navigating to Paypal ... but continually refunding payments containing incorrect shipping amounts, and then sending individual Requests for Payment through Paypal is inefficient.
I would appreciate hearing how other sellers handle this situation.
posted on February 1, 2004 12:20:38 PM
Hi,
I don't know if this will help you or not, but this is the statement that I have in the "Preferred Checkout" area (that displays at the top of the ad after the auction ends).
"Please read the following before making payment to ensure prompt shipment of your item! 1. Use our easy checkout! Click the Checkout button to go directly to my Checkout page! 2. Priority Shipping rates calculate automatically based upon your zip code. Insurance is REQUIRED on all items over $50.00. 3. International Bidders, please send your address for shipping rates."
I also include a note in the WBN, stating International bidders, please email for international rates. These two things does seem to help. I sell a lot internationally and don't have much problem.
Good Luck.
posted on February 2, 2004 12:49:43 AM
I usually include a term to the effect that the item is forfeited if it is returned for non-payment of duty, taxes, or any postage due.
What a great name.
posted on February 2, 2004 01:02:11 PM
Hi Miles,
I alsos have the item checked in my Vendio preferences to allow customers to change the shipping total, but this will only allow them to chose the options that show in Checkout. Those options are determined the amount you entered during auction creation or you can edit your Winning Bidder's notice.
For my international buyers, I always edit the WBN to delete standard shipping and include an international shipping rate.
then I look at the checkout screen to make sure the internation shipping option is showing.
