Dropping all Non-USA sales on eBay. (1 Viewer)

[Iron Brigade]

Just recently I have decided to drop all NON USA countries from being able to bid on all of my future eBay auctions. I started selling on my own on eBay in August 2005 with just USA bidders only. I soon got inquiries from Europe, etc about thier wanting to bid on the items I was selling and I soon allowed for non-USA bids. However, over these past 5+ years I have gotten tired of too many complaints about "high" cost of postage of USPS Express Mail International which I always use so as to get Tracking, etc. Then there are complaints about high Customs taxes in some foreign nations, taking boxes to local post office as having USPS pick up foreign addressed boxes at home is more tricky and lastly if there is damage to contents the seller gets envolved in a more complicated procedure on Insurance claims. Usually when the highest bidder is from a foreign nation there was a second highest bidder from the USA who was only a few dollars less in bidding. So I am just going to go the USA bidders on eBay to keep things simple and have less problems. Does anyone else have any comments on this issue.
"Iron Brigade"

 

[Northgate Woods]

Gary mate,
What about Australia cobber. We don't complain about postage. We only complain about the exchange rate, but at the moment it is beautiful.^&grin
So please don't forget us Aussie in the Land Downunder.
Cheers Howard

 

[Iron Brigade]

Gary mate,
What about Australia cobber. We don't complain about postage. We only complain about the exchange rate, but at the moment it is beautiful.^&grin
So please don't forget us Aussie in the Land Downunder.
Cheers Howard

Hello Howard:

Ah yes, Australia! I never had any problems with selling to Australia as I recall. Also your customs taxes are way less that the UK or Canada. Thanks for comment!

Gary

 

[VIRIATO]

I live in Europe and never complain when buying from the US, I know the rules, and what to normally expect, so I regret some morons made you take this decision. But also as you know, morons like these are not an European exclusive^&grin... I am sure you can also find a few at home^&grin...

Paulo

 

[noli-poli]

Most of my sales are from overseas. I clearly stipulate under terms and conditions my reqirements on shipping and insurance is at their cost. I only accept Paypal. I once accepted cash (from Germany) but have to wait until I received it before sending the merchandise (BTW he sent US dollars wrapped in aluminum foil) Also inform them of how to claim insurance on their side of the country as stipulated by USPS (based on postal international agreements and treaties). I never had any problems so far.

Be sure to e-mail to your customer copies of your mail/postage/parcel documentations

N-P

PS: Specify the list out countries you do not accept bids on. Get a list from your local USPS on "black listed" countries.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Gary...most of my sales are International...I'm sure well over 50%...I have no problem selling overseas...they're valued customers...but I do worry about each and every package as I use First Class if it's under 4 pounds...

and still worry some on the 4 pound Priority shippings...

I'm afraid if I asked for Express fees on shipping...no International buyers would bid on my items...

one of the kickers that bugs me is when Paypal charges the extra fee on International money exchanges...I swear to God...they get you every chance they can...

I have been very lucky that I have never lost a package...or had a claim filed...

I just had a package returned this week from Germany that was lost since Feb 2nd...3 1/2 months...

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Hello Howard:

Ah yes, Australia! I never had any problems with selling to Australia as I recall. Also your customs taxes are way less that the UK or Canada. Thanks for comment!

Gary

There are no Customs Taxes shipping to Canada.The courier companies (FedEx, UPS) charge a $30 customs brokerage fee but USPS and Canada Post do not. Anyone in Canada buying items from the USA knows not to use a courier company.

Terry

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I rarely ship outside Canada/US. International shipping costs from Canada are double those from the US and generally buyers don't want to pay it except on rare items. It can cost $125 or more to ship a polystone AFV to Europe by air with a delivery confirmation and even more if the item is over $250 and needs a signature on delivery.

Terry

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

Plus eBay is charging you 10% on the shipping total you charge the customer. It is impossible to use FedEx, UPS, or USPS express mail. The cost is just to prohibitive.

 

[wds0855]

Iron Brigade, I stopped international sales years ago, becuase of the same reasons you cited. I had someone from France contact about an item, I felt bad I had to turn him down, but a week later i sold the same item to a US buyer for same price. Less the headaches.

Walt

 

[Gideon]

I have adopted the following when somebody complains of high shipping costs or anything else:

1. Ask if they want to back out of the auction if they've won
2. If a bidder is making lots of requests and has a current bid, I tell them that if they want those requests to be honored that they will leave positive feedback prior to shipping
3. If they haven't bid yet invite them to not bid if they don't like the terms
4. If somebody is asking me a question I've already expressly answered I just say "please read my item description and review my shipping terms again" - if they don't like that answer then I am a-ok with them not bidding

Overall, I haven't had much of an issue with overseas shipping but, with everything ebay is heaping on me as seller, I am growing less interested in being accommodating towards international buyers requests. But, at the same time, I do want to preserve a higher bid.

Far as I can tell, most international buyers have actually been patient and understanding of the recent higher shipping costs I've had to bill them.

People complain and moan about shipping pretty frequently but I continue to offer first class international so there's no reason for them to complain. Though I do ask that if they choose that option that the be honorable and stand by that decision in case of damage or loss.

 

[desk11desk12]

Gary mate,
What about Australia cobber. We don't complain about postage. We only complain about the exchange rate, but at the moment it is beautiful.^&grin
So please don't forget us Aussie in the Land Downunder.
Cheers Howard

You're all heart there Howard; empathy overflows, LOL.

Carlos

 

[Spanish soldier]

I buy the majority of figures in the U.S. and have never had any problems, Europe is not the problem, it is people

Francisco

 

[desk11desk12]

In 2010 I opened up my eBay auctions for the first time to overseas bidders. Previously I didn't want the bother of dealing with international customes, etc.

I'll be selling more stuff in another month and will continue to allow overseas bidders because last year about 50% of the winning auctions were from non-US buyers.

Its really not that bad when you get the hang of it.

Carlos

 

[Northgate Woods]

In 2010 I opened up my eBay auctions for the first time to overseas bidders. Previously I didn't want the bother of dealing with international customes, etc.

I'll be selling more stuff in another month and will continue to allow overseas bidders because last year about 50% of the winning auctions were from non-US buyers.

Its really not that bad when you get the hang of it.

Carlos

Carlos mate,
How the hell are you cobber. Are you off those crutches yet? I knew you wouldn't forget your Aussie mates.^&grin^&grin
I would like to remind all my US and Brit mates that in the Land Downunder, we don't have TS shows and have only a few dealers. Therefore when chasing old and retired stock we all have to use Ebay. I am not a great fan of Ebay but have had over 200 transactions around the world with no bad results to date. 100% rating.
So I ask you guys to consider the Land of Oz when cutting back on access to overseas bidders.
Cheers Howard

PS Carlos, enjoy the San Antonio Show.:smile2::smile2:

 

[Iron Brigade]

Iron Brigade, I stopped international sales years ago, becuase of the same reasons you cited. I had someone from France contact about an item, I felt bad I had to turn him down, but a week later i sold the same item to a US buyer for same price. Less the headaches.

Walt

Dear Walt:

Thanks for your comments. As of now I am still planning on just selling on eBay in the future for USA buyers only. It seems to avoid a lot of at least possible problems Vs having worldwide sales on eBay. However, for perhaps certain type of items one could always allow for international sales on eBay. Again, thanks for your input!

Gary / "Iron Brigade"

 

[maddadicus]

I stopped overseas shipping 4 weeks ago. Since I sell to get rid of stuff, I have always set a price lower than my original. With international shipping often at 50% of the auction price of my item, add the new ebay fees and I might as well give my items to Goodwill..I put at the end of my auction description..No longer selling overseas. Ask Ebay Central why?..Michael

 

[PanzerAce1944]

I stopped overseas shipping 4 weeks ago. Since I sell to get rid of stuff, I have always set a price lower than my original. With international shipping often at 50% of the auction price of my item, add the new ebay fees and I might as well give my items to Goodwill..I put at the end of my auction description..No longer selling overseas. Ask Ebay Central why?..Michael

I like it. Maybe E-Bay will one day get the hint ^&confuse

 

[Flammenpanzer]

Good point maddadicus, I forgot ebay is going to start charging the final fee for the postage along with the sale price. It is high to ship international. I have had problems only with Italy when shipping. My biggest gripe is when an item is listed no international shipping and someone buys it from out of the US anyway.

 

[Iron Brigade]

I stopped overseas shipping 4 weeks ago. Since I sell to get rid of stuff, I have always set a price lower than my original. With international shipping often at 50% of the auction price of my item, add the new ebay fees and I might as well give my items to Goodwill..I put at the end of my auction description..No longer selling overseas. Ask Ebay Central why?..Michael

Dear "maddadicus:

Thanks for your comments. I did not make note of eBay's Final Value Fees on the S&H charges as one of my reasons to at avoid International sales in my initial posting#1. But it is yet another reason indeed. I listed some eBay auctions of K&C sets on April 23 just after the new eBay fee schedule started. It looks like I did not get hit with extra Final Value Fees relative to the S&H fees, but I do not count on that happening again.

I want to thank everyone for their comments be they pro or con on this issue of only selling within the USA on eBay.

Best regards to all, "Iron Brigade"