Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?
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#1. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
Fovea Registered since 26th Sep 2002Sun 24-Sep-06 04:01 AMGood Question
After all it's the seller who decides to whom he/she wants to sell and to where he/she wants to ship, and we don't have any business to interfere with that right, do we?
Having said and admitted that, I too wonder why Nikonians of all people, being a members of such a diverse international community, put forward such restrictions when they want to sell.
Shipping internationally via USPS, FedEx, UPS or DHL doesn't involve extra procedures and when the shipping is paid by the buyer, I too cannot comprehend the reluctance of some members to ship internationally.
May be in the future people will 'open up'
Regards
Dinil
Struck by Light - Blog & Gallery -
#2. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
nobru1958 Basic MemberSun 24-Sep-06 05:11 AMHi Joris,
Good Question indeed!
(shame on me : I didn't dare to ask it sooner)
As a regular eBayer it happens to me to sell items abroad.
I must admit it seems to be a great challenge for most of french postmen and I generally have to lose a precious time to spell the name of exotic eastern european countries.
My reward is the buyer's satisfaction who couldn't have find this item otherwise.
Regards
Bruno
PS : Your computation seems to be a little bit optimistic.
Generally I have to pay additional custom fees (1.5%) and V.A.T. (19.6%).
Visit my Nikonians gallery
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#3. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
I would also like to see less people saying "conus only". Due to the fact that the Euro has such a favorable rate some really good deals can be made. Payment via PayPal is world wide, so that should not be a problem. Please let us "Euros" have some fun!
D70!
George
Wirklich reich ist, wer mehr Träume in seiner Seele hat, als die Realität zerstören kann!
Wealth is, having more dreams in your soul, than reality can destroy!
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#4. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 3
I've sold quite a number of camera gear on eBay the last few months. Nothing was ever lost or damaged. The buyer simple Paypals me the funds and I create the needed Custom forms right on my own computer using Paypal and the USPS even picks up the next day, FREE! I've shipped to Italy, UK, Germany, Turkey, Japan, Spain, France and Canada just to mention a few. Just my 2 cents worth.
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#5. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 4
I've shipped to other countries in the past and have had issues with customs, insurance, etc. Honestly, for me, it's not worth the effort to sell outside of the lower 48 anymore. And as a seller we have the right to sell to whom we wish. Just my opinion.
Jeff C.
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#6. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
That's why I generally don't ship overseas.
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#7. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
@ K1mri, Jeff (jsc19702) and Andrew (AndyMac): I must admit that my experience with 'remote' (in this case the internet) selling and buying is rather limited; I come from a very small country, and living in the centre of it, I'm never more than a 2 hour drive away from a potential buyer/seller. I would always insist on a real-life meeting when dealing with more expensive items.
As far as sending/receiving parcels goes; the Netherlands are a very densily populated country, and a post office would generally be 15 minutes away for most people (and not even by car for most of them), so I hadn't realised that getting an item shipped may not be as easy in other places. I would think though, that that would be the same whether the item should be shipped 'in country' or abroad. Can someone expand on that?
Regarding the paperwork involved, my experience again is rather limited, so please correct me if I'm wrong. In case I, as the buyer, am willing to accept costs for shipping, paying method, customs, etc., wouldn't the buyer just have to fill in the USPostal Services's shipping papers? And wouldn't they be almost the same for national and international services?
I'll try to explain the way I think a potential sale would/should go with an example:
Item for sale at $100 > potential buyer from abroad agrees to the price and to paying PayPal fees and shipping costs. Let's say that amounts to $130 > buyer pays in advance using PayPal (who, by the way, have rather strong seller protection) and money is received by seller > seller goes to post office and fills out shipping papers > item is sent > upon arrival at country of destination, customs tag on customs fees and VAT > buyer pays customs fees and VAT> buyer receives parcel.
If this is correct, I can't see where the extra risk or paperwork would be?
Anyway, thanks for all the responses so far, and for taking the time to read my longwinded postings...
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#8. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 7
cj3209 Registered since 12th Mar 2003Sun 24-Sep-06 09:04 AMI could be wrong but I think Paypal does not offer the same type of protection for overseas shipping. If I send an item to you in Europe, for instance, and you receive the item and then tell Paypal that you never received it, I have ZERO recourse because Paypal will refund your money and I will have lost the product to you. I don't believe Seller Protection applies to overseas shipments. The onus in these cases is on the seller and the risk is SUBSTANTIAL.
CJ
>@ Bruno (nobru1958): You're right; I did not take into
>account the import tax and VAT. Since I'm a freelancer I do
>not have to pay VAT (or rather, VAT is returned to me
>afterwards). Admittely I do have to pay import tax, but the
>% being so low, I completely forgot about it.
>
>@ K1mri, Jeff (jsc19702) and Andrew (AndyMac): I must admit
>that my experience with 'remote' (in this case the internet)
>selling and buying is rather limited; I come from a very
>small country, and living in the centre of it, I'm never
>more than a 2 hour drive away from a potential buyer/seller.
>I would always insist on a real-life meeting when dealing
>with more expensive items.
>As far as sending/receiving parcels goes; the Netherlands
>are a very densily populated country, and a post office
>would generally be 15 minutes away for most people (and not
>even by car for most of them), so I hadn't realised that
>getting an item shipped may not be as easy in other places.
>I would think though, that that would be the same whether
>the item should be shipped 'in country' or abroad. Can
>someone expand on that?
>Regarding the paperwork involved, my experience again is
>rather limited, so please correct me if I'm wrong. In case
>I, as the buyer, am willing to accept costs for shipping,
>paying method, customs, etc., wouldn't the buyer just have
>to fill in the USPostal Services's shipping papers? And
>wouldn't they be almost the same for national and
>international services?
>
>I'll try to explain the way I think a potential sale
>would/should go with an example:
>Item for sale at $100 > potential buyer from abroad agrees
>to the price and to paying PayPal fees and shipping costs.
>Let's say that amounts to $130 > buyer pays in advance using
>PayPal (who, by the way, have rather strong seller
>protection) and money is received by seller > seller goes to
>post office and fills out shipping papers > item is sent >
>upon arrival at country of destination, customs tag on
>customs fees and VAT > buyer pays customs fees and VAT>
>buyer receives parcel.
>
>If this is correct, I can't see where the extra risk or
>paperwork would be?
>
>Anyway, thanks for all the responses so far, and for taking
>the time to read my longwinded postings...
"your mileage may vary..."
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#9. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 8
cj3209 Registered since 12th Mar 2003Sun 24-Sep-06 09:14 AMOK, I just found this on Paypal's website:
" Does the Buyer Complaint process cover disputes if I buy from a non-U.S. PayPal member?
At this time, we are unable to offer additional protections for transactions with our non-U.S. members. However, if you encounter a problem, please file a claim and we will investigate on your behalf.
I hope this answers people's questions as to why people are so reluctant to sell to overseas buyers.
CASE CLOSED.
"your mileage may vary..."
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#10. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 9
esantos Nikonian since 10th Nov 2002Sun 24-Sep-06 10:42 AMYes the PayPal issue is a big dissincentive and shipping US Postal Service is usually the cheapest method but the forms needed are a real hassle.
One other thing is that people outside of the US don't understand that our Postal Service does not have a very good reputation for being modern, customer friendly, and fast. The independent carriers are much better at this.
Ernesto Santos
esartprints.com Ernesto Santos Photography
Get my new e-Book "Churches of Texas"See my portfolio.
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#11. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 10
I ship internationally all the time (mosly to the USA) and the post office forms we have to fill out here in Canada aren't much different than what the USPS requires - it takes all of 60 seconds to complete them.
Things that me laugh are the people who list on eBay stating they will ship to North and South America, but won't ship outside the USA... or those who don't realize Alaska is part of "CONUS"... LOL!
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#13. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 10
zalan Registered since 11th Dec 2005Sun 24-Sep-06 11:58 AMErnesto,
Then our US colleauges do not understand that everything which you guys send with US Postal Service is delivered by our local Postal Service which is even worse than yours and when someone buys an expensive items, he or she might want to avoid them at all cost
My personal favourite is UPS, they are very good in Hungary, they put the package right into your hands, you fill the custom papers even before the package arrives into the country, so everything is very quick and easy. Never lost a package which is not true when I got something through or great Hungarian Postal service.
I understand though that not everyone can trust a total stranger from the other end of the world who can barely speak english.
---
Zalán Szabó
www.szabozalan.hu
Visit Nikonians at Photokina; Cologne, Germany~Cologne Exhibition Center-Hall 2.1 A015
Sept 26 thru Oct 1, 2006
---
Zalán Szabó
www.szabozalan.hu
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#12. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 9
CASE CLOSED.
Nope, Case not Closed.
I am paying someone in advance, probably for expensive optical equipment that is located on a other continent. I have the risk. Not the seller. The seller is investing more time and paperwork by shipping to another continent. I appreciate the extra time taken. All I was asking is for more CONUS based Nikonians to give us "non CONUS" Nikonians a chance.
D70!
George
Wirklich reich ist, wer mehr Träume in seiner Seele hat, als die Realität zerstören kann!
Wealth is, having more dreams in your soul, than reality can destroy!
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#14. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 7
I have shipped stuff via USPS as well as long as I can print the postage at home and have the delivery person pick it up. That presents problems as well since my mailbox is 300ft from the front door and I am not going to leave an expensive item sitting on top of my mailbox.
As for paypal "protection" I have heard of people getting by paypal after shipping the item. I don't have a specific example and can't remember where I read the story but it is apparently possible for the seller to get ripped off.
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#15. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
Leave alone paypal, People have refused to sell me even when I was willing to wire transfer money! Wire transferring simply means buyer bearing the entire risk that's involved!
But it's the seller's right and I'm not here to dispute that
Regards
Dinil
Struck by Light - Blog & Gallery
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#16. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 15
Argos Registered since 11th Feb 2004Sun 24-Sep-06 01:21 PMI have bought many items from different forums.
Generally the sellers prefer ConUS shipping in order to have that paypal protection or just talk by phone with the buyer and I do understand them...BUT...finally, shipping abroad or ConUS is the same, as I have read about people screwed by paypal in both cases. The most important thing is having references and experience (both parts).
I DO NOT understand the hassle for shipping overseas and people talking about a "bunch of papers"!!! Is just one more form to fill in!! Nothin more!
I DO NOT understand when the seller talks about customs!!! Its buyers responsibility to pay any tax, he should be informed before ordering or buying abroad.
I DO NOT understand why the seller should worry for any delay in delivering the item, the buyer decides the way to have the item shipped and he should know the difference between UPS or USPS...lol...the seller just ships, once the item had shipped the only responsibility of the seller is to pay the insurance to the buyer if there is an issue (lost, damaged) and of course if the buyer had decided to have the item insured.
I DO NOT understand why the buyer should send 5pms and 7 mails every day to the seller just to ask if the items have been shipped or why the item hasn’t been delivered yet (how the seller should know that¿?)
I DO NOT understand why the post says $$$ shipped to conus and then the seller just add more $ to ship overseas…he should add less (cause he had calculated shipping fees once for conus) or maybe its time to put the net price for the item and charge actual shipping wherever shipped and in any way (usps, fedes or ups etc..).
I prefer not to mention the paypal fees (as there are many posts about that) but I would like to remember to the overseas buyers that if the seller asks for them we should pay 4% instead of 3%, just to be correct. )
So, the only way to do business is to be serious, seller or buyer.
Yes, its an opportunity for us buying in US cause the euro (the same was happening many-many years when the US citizens were travelling around the world and buying with their strong dollar), now its our turn!...lol…lol…
Finally, we should remember that the country with the higher credit card fraud is USA but also that the seller decides to whom, how much and when he should sell his item…it’s a free world!!
Regards
Stavros
A nikon D2x, some glass and a very patient wife!
#17. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
I sold a 200-400mm and a 400mm AF-s to european buyers without problems but I garee added risks:
1. Paypal protection. Some buyers outside of US do not have paypal confirmed address. I sold one Compact Flash card outside of US and the buyer paid with paypal. A month later Paypal told me the buyer's account was used by someone else so paypal took back the payment from me. So for big ticket items I ask for other ways to get paid from foreign buyers.
2. Shipping risk is higher. Shipping is usually US postal office because it offers better rates. Yet it is not as safe as domestic shipping. And it taks months for postal office to figure out what went wrong if a package is lost. I lost an international package with the post office. First it only allowed me to file a tracking claim after 30 days. It then took 4 months to admit I could file a lost package claim for which I was asked to provide an original purchase receipt which I did not have.
Hope this makes people feel a little bit better.
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#18. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 17
cj3209 Registered since 12th Mar 2003Sun 24-Sep-06 03:03 PMSorry, I was being a bit sarcastic when I stated that the 'case was closed.'
The bottom line is that when I ship overseas and get paid via paypal, I incur risk because the buyer can contact paypal and state that he/she never received the item and then I lose the money - case closed - I have no resource in this instance; none at all.
There's a lot of risk shipping overseas as I have no idea what the local post office in Germany does as opposed to the ones in Spain. And what if the package gets lost in the mail or if a postal employee decides to open the package because he likes the D200 in the box. There's a lot of risk that many sellers are smart to want to avoid.
And paypal's protection in CONUS is very very important; I've had one big dispute where the buyer claimed that someone in his company had taken the package and wanted to do a chargeback. I had sent it via Fedex and documented ALL the emails. Luckily, paypal sided with me and prevented the buyer from doing a chargeback. I usually send out big ticket items with Fedex after that incident. If I had sent it overseas, it's gone and I'm taking a HUGE risk that it's going to get where it's supposed to go AND I have no recourse if it gets lost. NONE. That is very different from here in CONUS where I can file a counter-claim against the buyer as long as I have documented evidence.
The bottom-line is that shipping overseas is up to the seller who should gauge the risk involved and act accordingly.
CJ
"your mileage may vary..."
#19. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
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#20. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 19
migpower Registered since 18th Jul 2004Sun 24-Sep-06 06:55 PMHi,
I've been bought "things" from fellows US Nikonians with no problems at all.
Use UPS and USPS (airmail registered) and no problems again.
Last May I was in the US and ship a package via USPS to my home, 2 papers (60sec,) and the post office even had everything I need, from the box to glue! I wish my post office had that!
No problems as well!
In fact in last 4-5 years never lost a package (knocking on wood trice).
So, why not sell it?
cheers
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#21. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 20
I too have bought one thing from a US Nikonian. I even got lucky an did not have to pay taxes on my 50mm f1.8. So I got not only a good deal but a GREAT deal, thanks to a fellow Nikonian. THANKS ERIC!!!
You are always taking a certain risk by selling or buying something online. Even more so when selling over seas. I also realize that there will always be some crook out there who will make life harder for every one else (see the second post from the top). Please do not let this one crook ruin it for the rest of us.
If possible let us "non CONUS" folks have a chance at your gear.
D70!
George
Wirklich reich ist, wer mehr Träume in seiner Seele hat, als die Realität zerstören kann!
Wealth is, having more dreams in your soul, than reality can destroy!
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#24. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 21
Fovea Registered since 26th Sep 2002Mon 25-Sep-06 12:27 PMGeorge!
I know you are referring to the second anchored thread in this (I want to sell) forum!
In this thread I counted the second post form the top, and guess what?? ....it was mine....OUCH..!!! }>
Regards
Dinil
Struck by Light - Blog & Gallery-
#29. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 24
OOPS!! Sorry!
D70!
George
Wirklich reich ist, wer mehr Träume in seiner Seele hat, als die Realität zerstören kann!
Wealth is, having more dreams in your soul, than reality can destroy!
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#22. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
The matter of a 'safe' paying method seems to be a bigger problem for most people; i.e. the fact that non-US buyers can request the money back after having received the item is, understandably, a big concern. I can certainly understand that, and it's something I didn't know when I started this thread.
I'll just have to keep looking for paying methods with more 'guarantees' (plz post here or in a new thread if you know of any), and to try and convince potential sellers that I'm thrustworthy. Hmm, wonder if a picture of me would be helpful or harmful here...
Thanks again everybody for giving me your views on this, and if you have anything more to add, please feel free to do so.
#23. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
Secondly, unless you ship by an express service through the US Postal Service, which costs considerably more, there is no tracking capability of the package internationally. Buyers, for the most part, are not willing to front that money out, and I, as a seller, want to ensure that the package arrived at the desitnation. I've seen too many "I never got the package...please refund my money" scams.
UPS and Fedex are a hassle for me, and usually a lot more expensive. I'd much rather use the US Postal Service, which is tremendously easy when not shipping internationally.
I've also had the experience of getting an "estimated" shipping cost through the UPS and Fedex websites, only to discover that when I actually take the package to them for shipping the shipping charge always ends up being a lot more than the "estimate", and guess who gets to eat those extra charges. No thanks. I'm usually already selling an item at far less than I want to, and having to front more money out for the convenience of the buyer isn't very attractive to me.
The buyer paid what I'd quoted them from the "estimate". I suppose I could jack up the shipping quote to cover the hidden costs.
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#27. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 23
Argos Registered since 11th Feb 2004Wed 27-Sep-06 10:50 AM>First off, PayPal also charges an additional 2.5% currency
>conversion charge for shipping outside of the US. Buyers for
>the most part don't want to front that money out, and I, as
>a seller, don't want to have to eat that charge. See
>https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_display-fees
>
>Secondly, unless you ship by an express service through the
>US Postal Service, which costs considerably more, there is
>no tracking capability of the package internationally.
>Buyers, for the most part, are not willing to front that
>money out, and I, as a seller, want to ensure that the
>package arrived at the desitnation. I've seen too many "I
>never got the package...please refund my money" scams.
>
>UPS and Fedex are a hassle for me, and usually a lot more
>expensive. I'd much rather use the US Postal Service, which
>is tremendously easy when not shipping internationally.
>I've also had the experience of getting an "estimated"
>shipping cost through the UPS and Fedex websites, only to
>discover that when I actually take the package to them for
>shipping the shipping charge always ends up being a lot more
>than the "estimate", and guess who gets to eat those extra
>charges. No thanks. I'm usually already selling an item at
>far less than I want to, and having to front more money out
>for the convenience of the buyer isn't very attractive to
>me.
>
>The buyer paid what I'd quoted them from the "estimate". I
>suppose I could jack up the shipping quote to cover the
>hidden costs.
You are wrong in 2 things
1. The fees. If the seller pays you in USD (sth that its only a "click away" and the buyer should know that and the seller should demand that) there is no additional fees. Anyway there is no sense to pay in other currency when the seller establish the price in USD, is almost impossible to calculate exactly the amount with the rates changing every day!
2. Tracking. Tracking has no sense for overseas shipping. Track what?¿ what’s the importance where the package has stopped as usps accept claims only after 30 days of shipping¿? Shipping by Air parcel (that permits insurance) or Global Express mail (is a little bit more expensive than parcel or priority) you can have an insured shipping and also signature certified that the package has been delivered. The important thing is DELIVER the package not TRACE it!
As I wrote, sometimes the only thing that is necessary to ship abroad is experience or just asking others that have done it.
A nikon D2x, some glass and a very patient wife!
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#30. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 27
cj3209 Registered since 12th Mar 2003Wed 27-Sep-06 12:03 PMI disagree. Tracking is VERY IMPORTANT. It was very important in my counter-claim against a buyer who tried to commit fraud stating that he never received the package. Tracking allows one to 'see' where exactly the package is located and how far it's progressed to its final destination. If I had used another mail service, I would have no proof that the buyer had received the package or that the package was lost in the mail.
Listen, the bottom line is that I do send shipments overseas but there is definitely a HIGHER RISK. You can't honestly tell me that the risk is the same for US domestic shipments.
CJ
>2. Tracking. Tracking has no sense for overseas shipping.
>Track what?¿ what’s the importance where the package has
>stopped as usps accept claims only after 30 days of
>shipping¿? Shipping by Air parcel (that permits insurance)
>or Global Express mail (is a little bit more expensive than
>parcel or priority) you can have an insured shipping and
>also signature certified that the package has been
>delivered. The important thing is DELIVER the package not
>TRACE it!
>
>As I wrote, sometimes the only thing that is necessary to
>ship abroad is experience or just asking others that have
>done it.
"your mileage may vary..."
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#25. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
As an occasional seller, it's not a big deal, but if I was in the business, every little bit of additional work adds up. Add to that the possibility of having to deal with different laws regarding disputes, etc., I can understand why many sellers choose not to sell internationally.
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#26. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 25
#28. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 0
I'm in the US and have sold several items internationally. At first I was reluctant to do so, because I was unsure of the proceedure. With my first international shipment I found the proceedure was easy and now do it routinely. Paypal charges an extra 1% for international transactions, but on eBay I gain more than that from the higher auction price.
Domestically I ship low price low weight items by First Class Mail or Priority Mail which ever is less expensive. Ususally I do not insure these items. Heavier or higher value items I use UPS ground because the cost for the additional weight or insurance makes the total cost lower. UPS has the advantage of providing tracking information.
Internationally I ship using Airmail Letter or Global Priority Mail for low value items that there is no need to insure. For higher value items I use Global Express Mail (EMS) because I can insure the contents. Airmail and Priority only require filling out a simple customs declaration and you can use your own mailing labels. Express requires a Post Office supplied multipart address label and a bit more elaborate multipart customs declaration. I just pick up several of the forms when I'm at the Post Office and fill them out at home. The forms only take a few minutes to fill in.
Previously I used UPS to ship heavy high value items to Canada because the rates were 60-70% of Global Express Mail. After receiving the following from a buyer, I switched to Global Express to Canada as well. "The camera arrived today, it's in good shape and I'm happy with the deal. Just a comment on UPS: they are fast, I'll give them that. But they charged me a COD brokerage fee of $81.00 for clearing customs. That was a bit of a shock, and you may want to keep it in mind the next time you deal with a buyer in Canada (I know I will). The postal system sometimes charges duty and taxes (it's sort of random) but it's nowhere near the cost of the brockerage fee. It's slower, and I insist on insurance just in case it's lost or damaged, but they don't charge the hefty brockers fee."
In my listings I show flat rates for shipping to US, Canada, and Worldwide destinations. From the weight of the item I estimate the shipping weight and package size and guess at the final selling price. From those estimates I use the USPS and UPS web sites to determine the expected shipping costs. For the US destination I choose Los Angeles because it's about as far away as I can get in the continental US. Mail rates from the US to Canada does not depend on distance so that is easy. For the rest of the world I use the Global Express Rate to Australia. I add $1.00 to $3.00 depending on size for packaging and handling and round to the nearest dollar for my 3 flat rates.
Gary in West Michigan, USA.
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#31. "RE: Why won't people sell outside US (mainland)?" | In response to Reply # 28
I shipped overseas for the first time today. I did the customs form online and took it with the package to the post office. The price of air mail to France was a little less than domestic UPS.
G
My big question here, is why? I don't understand where this condition comes from? I'm willing to pay in advance, take the extra cost of shipping and the paypal fees, so why would one not want to sell/send me his gear?
I hope this is not some form of discrimination just for the sake of it. At the moment though, I'm truly baffled as to what the reason might be.
I hope some my fellow Nikonians are willing to share their thoughts with me on this one. Thanks.
Joris
PS: If anybody is wondering why I would want to try and buy gear that would have a relatively high cost of shipping for me, the answer is that the euro has a very favorable exchange rate to the dollar, thus enabling me to 'buy more' for the same buck in the US than over here. The shipping costs for items that I purchased in the US so far were about annihilated by the exchange rate.
An example:
Item: $100
Shipping: $25
Pp fees: 3% = $3.75
TOTAL: $128.75 equals about €100