posted on November 29, 2001 04:47:36 PM new
Junior Member
Registered: Aug 2001
Posts: 22
I am soooooooo confused - can someone help me?
I had a auction end today for a necklace, I think it is sterling silver (but I am not sure).
My TOS states I ship to the U.S.A. only, but a canadian had the high bid.
She wrote and thought she would pay the shipping charges stated in the auction I
to;ld her I would re-figure it and get back to her.
Then I started looking on the USPS site under restrictions to canada. It says:Precious
stones, set or not set; all items used as dress ornaments and coming under the term
"jewelry"
including articles of gold or other precious metal for personal use such as cigarette
holders, cases, powder
cases, card cases, opera glasses, fountain pens, watches, etc., are permitted in
insured parcel post
packages provided the articles have value not over $5 U.S. A parcel post package
containing a number of
such articles valued at $5 or less may be insured for the total value of the contents up
to a maximum of
$200.
(The necklace sold for more than $5.00.)
Jewelry and precious stones may be sent via GPL Air Courier (Premium) service to
Canada subject to
indemnity limits indicated in section 626.31. (so far I cannot even find section 626.31)
Sterling Silver is not a precious metal - is it? So this does not apply to the situation
does it? I should be able to ship it Air Mail Letter Post or Global priority - right?
I will not lie on the customs forms - and I do not want to get into trouble.
Sorry this is so long.
Please - someone who ships Canada - help me.
posted on November 29, 2001 06:13:40 PM new
You will get many answers that are different, I have learned from these boards there are apparently many different ways to do things.
I sell jewelry. Every country I have shipped to so far have restrictions on jewelry. Even though I have been told more than once that isn't true.
I ship everthing airmail letter post. I include a letter which acts as an invoice. I had that suggested by my local PO. I was told a letter package is suppose to contain a "letter". I include an invoice that reads like a letter. Dear XXXX. Thanks for your purchase of XXXX (I keep it simple).
I send it registered. Most countries allow you to enter the amount of the value of the item. I use the amount the item sold for.
Registered packages must be sealed with paper tape so that there is not one spot of the box exposed. They will then stamp it all over.
You will need to fill out a Customs-CN22 form.
My PO does all the taping of the box, but you could probably do it yourself before getting there. It MUST BE PAPER TAPE.
I just calculated a rate on the USPS site based on your comments (I used $20 as the value) and came up with a rate of $8.75.
Ususally stamped SS is considered a "precious metal".
I have shipped to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and Japan. I have used the same method and have never had a problem.
posted on November 29, 2001 06:49:46 PM new
Thanks Sulyn
I called the post office and they said ALL jewelry - it doesn't matter what type of metal it is MUST be sent Registered Economy Surface mail. This is going to take 4-6 weeks to deliver They said it was my ONLY option.
Anyway I wrote the high bidder and told her this, am waiting for a reply now.
Sulyn - do you put jewelry on the customs form? This necklace is kind of bulky - it would have to go in a box, won't fit in a flat envelope.
TIA
posted on November 29, 2001 07:39:55 PM newTIA-Yes, I do put Jewelry and the value is listed as the amount paid for the item and I mark it merchandise. I usually fill out a form 2976-A Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note wich list the contents and value and goes INSIDE the box before it is sealed. That's why the PO seals it for me because they have to fill out the weight and stamp it. Then all that goes on the OUTSIDE of the box is the barcode from the green CN22 form. If the value is under $400, you can just use the CN22 and show what it is and it's value on the outside. I just don't like doing that so I use the one that goes inside. Good Luck.
posted on November 30, 2001 07:23:25 AM new"well,sounds like your buyer will have to pay stiff customs duty on that piece of silver jewelry"
Why should a seller be made to feel "bad" for following postal regulations?????
Why do people purchase from eBay or any other auction site for that matter. To get a great deal? To find a "rare" treasure? To have a world market just a few clicks away? The novelty of being able to say "I bought this from a guy in Outer Mongolia"?????
If a person chooses to purchase from another country, they should consider the shipping as part of the price of their new "treasure". They should familiarize themselves with the rules/regs of their country and perhaps the one they are buying from. If they feel the shipping prohibitive, then perhaps they should pass on the item.
I do put in my listings the method I will use for shipping internationally and suggenst they email for a quote. That way it should come as no surprise to them after the auction closes.
I personally feel that if you are going to "play the game" you should "play by the rules".....Both buyersandsellers.
posted on November 30, 2001 08:21:49 AM new
i am just making a statement that buyer will be facing stiff customs duty,nothing more.
canadian consumer sales tax is so burdensome that you see canadians shopping outside their country looking to save some money,just like us driving across the borders-north and south to save on cigarettes,liquor and prescription drug.
in no way am i suggesting you should lie or cheat on customs form,why dont you just cool down!!!!!!
posted on November 30, 2001 01:11:14 PM new
if you are so righteous,why dont you take this piece of jewelry to someone who can test for you if it is sterling silver?else your poor customer will pay for sterling silver when it is not?
what is your seller id so i know to avoid you
posted on November 30, 2001 03:27:27 PM new
It makes no sense to me why ebay can not block bidders from countries sellers do not want to ship to. It's ridiculous that the seller has to go through this when they did not want to sell outside of the USA
posted on December 1, 2001 07:11:39 AM new
millions of packages arrived in canada every year,you just need to pack it better and label the content on the customs form.
i would not use any words that jump out like OPEN ME,I AM EXPENSIVE!!!!!!
if it is not marked sterling silver 925 or silver or what,then it could be either a older piece or just not silver,in mexico,some jewelry sold as silver is of a different metal,in thailand,indonesia,the mark may say ss 925 but it is less than 925.
same goes for usa makers.
one jeweler found out the hard way when he tried to bring in a suitcase full of ss 925 jewelry and customs tested it and found out they are not.
a us maker of pewter and ss 925 jewelry is now in trouble,as someone found out they are not pewter and ss 925.
posted on December 2, 2001 06:59:34 PM new
If your auction said US bidders only then cancel her bid and go to next bidder. You are well within your right to do that. I have had to do that as well. The charges on some items shipped internationally are unbelievable. Also the paperwork you have to fill out is a pain. As long as you stated clearly that you will accept US buyers only you are under no obligation to sell to this person. Hope this helps.
I