posted on January 4, 2005 02:32:15 PM
Hi, I don't ship international and my auctions state that I ship only within the US. I had a winning auction close last night the buyer has a US address for Ebay's records but wants the item shipped to her in Portugal. I explained to her I don't ship outside the US, but she is "begging" me to send it to her.
I did research and to send a padded envelope to Portugal at 8oz is $6.40 by AirPost 4-7 days. My question is.... do sellers add handling fees to the postal amount for international shipments? Do you mark the item as a "gift", as requested by the buyer?
International shipping is an unknown for me any suggestions would be helpful.
posted on January 4, 2005 02:47:47 PM
Is this a small item? If so, you can send Global Priority in the small flat rate envelope for around $5 or $6. I send only Global Priority for International shipping and it's stated that way in my auctions. I've had not one problem sending items this way. They get there sooner and arrive in good condition. In some instances, sending GP was cheaper than Int'l Parcel Post or Airmail. Go figure. You can research what the customs dollar limit is. I don't mark it as a gift, but sometimes I will put a lesser dollar amount on the form so that they don't have to pay the high customs tax.
Cheryl
"Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders."
-Sloan Wilson
posted on January 4, 2005 02:58:43 PM
The necklace, padded, could probably fit into one of those global flat-rate envelopes, either the small or large one.
I always add about $1 to the shipping for international sales, to cover my time filling out the customs slip when needed, finding the right packaging, etc.
I don't mark the packages "gift" unless the clerks at our P.O. tell me to (they frequently do, oddly).
I'd urge you not to be afraid of shipping overseas. Those buyers pay quickly and don't quibble over the shipping rates. They're used to it.
posted on January 4, 2005 05:02:03 PM
Among the Prohibitions for Portugal:
...Platinum, gold, or silver, (manufactured or not); precious stones; jewelry; and other valuable articles.
Write her and let you know you're ever so sorry but are unable to send the package to her in Portugal. Of course you're happy as can be to send it to her confirmed address here in the US.
