posted on August 28, 2013 03:14:20 PM new
I have an item that I checked on USPS website to ship to Australia and was quoted $86.25, which I added $4.00 to cover insurance and packing materials.
I go to eBay and print label. Final cost including insurance: $47.59.
Last week a buyer from Germany was quoted $67.35 + over $100 in customs charges from eBay Global Shipping.
I relisted item and shipped it direct. The shipping rate quoted on eBay was $83. When I printed the label it was $52.63.
These are pretty significant discrepancies even when factoring in the small discount. I don't get it. At least it is in my favor and I can issue a partial refund. Imagine if it fell the other way.
posted on August 28, 2013 08:37:18 PM new
I have a Canadian buyer who said she hesitated to buy from me since I participate in Ebay global shipping program .She said the customs fee and misc fee add up.
So I opt out of the program and ship it myself,I told her I have no control over Canadian customs,she said she would take a chance.
I am better off dealing with intl shipping myself,for under $250 dollar,USPS priority express shows tracking ,for anything over $250,I may consider using DHL,UPS of the world or buy insurance.
USPS priority express includes $100 insurance for document and $200 for merchandise.
All my items are not that big or bulky,so USPS first class/priority would do.
posted on August 28, 2013 08:48:42 PM new
But then I also have an UK buyer who bought a small expensive item from me,I used USPS priority and bought insurance from U-PIC.
She complained every day she cant track it,when it was delayed at the UK customs office.
The customs come to less than 20 dollars and she whined so much that I offered to pay half .
It turns out that this package which is shipped USPS priority can be tracked all the way to UK.
I sense more sellers are refusing to ship overseas,I can see why.
Another Australian buyer must have a gift to his girlfriend by August 25,I went out of my way to ship via USPS priroity express only to have Aussie post office attempted delivery 3 times as his girlfriend does not check her mail box!!!!!!!!!!
May be some day we grow to be as big as Neiman Marcus or Cartier,we can say no overseas shipping,DONT EVEN BOTHER TO ASK !
