posted on January 17, 2000 02:58:12 PM
I just made a sale and it turns out the person lives out of the country. I did not have the ship internationally box checked. In my description I clearly stated USPS Priority mail, U.S. funds only and the amount of s/h. The person emails me with an 'out of the country' email and address. So, I emailed them back saying I would have to contact the P.O. the next day and find out how to ship internationally and how much more it would be. So, what do I do now? Does anyone here know how to ship intern.? Would appreciate any input. I've only been doing auctions for about a month. I thought my description was very clear. Thanks!
[ edited by coolmoon on Jan 17, 2000 03:12 PM ]
posted on January 17, 2000 03:24:35 PM
You can get the shipping shipping cost at the USPS web site: http://www.usps.gov
When you mail the package, they will give you the proper U.S. customs form to fill out. It's easy shipping internationally. I have had no problems selling internationally in over two years selling on internet auctions. Just make sure the item is packed well.
Be aware some items are not legal to send out of the country and other countries have import restrictions on certain items.
.
posted on January 17, 2000 04:03:40 PM
Thank you so much!
I've been stressed out about this all day what with the post office being closed. I like to keep the customers happy and this might turn out to be a positive learning experience.
posted on January 17, 2000 09:27:54 PM
Before you quote that international buyer a shipping price, I recommend taking the packaged item and having it weighed at the post office you plan to use. I've paid several dollars more than the original shipping estimate on more than a few items because of differences with the scales utilized by the two post offices I frequent. While this may not be problematic for a higher-priced item, it can be a pain for something that only sells for $10.00 or $15.00.
posted on January 18, 2000 05:21:14 AM
Thanks padavis! There's something else I did not know. I had always assumed the post office scales are perfect. Of course there is always a difference between my little postal scale at home and theirs. We only have one post office in town so they are my only source of shipping.
I never realized what a wealth of information the message boards are. Thanks!
posted on January 18, 2000 05:30:01 AM
I always use the post office web site to calculate the amount just like Pegasus777 recommended. The website can be very helpful. You didn't mention how big the package was, one thing I have discovered in shipping internationally is that if you can use the "small packet" rate the shipping cost is substantially lower for the customer. If memory serves (please check the website) the package can weigh no more than 4 lbs. maximum, there is also a size restriction, and it cannot be insured. However, I pack pretty carefully and so far haven't had a problem not insuring. The customers seem very pleased with the rate and speed of this method.
Having said all that, there are times when I politely decline to ship internationally if it was in my ad that I ship only to my home country.
About the customs forms, I've been told at my post office to use the green one for values under $50 and the larger white one for values over $50. Good luck!
posted on January 19, 2000 01:27:54 PM
Thanks donnah! The package weighs about 20 oz. packed. I don't want to say what it is though in case the person reads the boards. I called the post office and visited the website. It is quite simple. Although at this point it might not matter because the person never emailed me back after I quoted the shipping rates. The shipping wasn't as much as I thought it was going to be.
I also did not know I had the choice to decline selling to someone. Boy, I'm greener than I thought.
Thanks to all!
