posted on January 5, 2002 11:53:28 PM new
I thought I knew what it meant - a US zipcode, regardless if its in Alaska, Hawaii an APO, etc.
But what is ebay's definition? Or is it Sellers choice? When you list an auction and say "Will ship to United States" just what does that mean?
My APO Buyer (on an Air Force base outside the US) says many ebay Sellers won't sell to her even though she has a SF, CA 96323 address. I'm wondering what the big deal is - you have to fill out a Customs Form?!? Is it ignorance? Has she just run into Sellers who are unfamiliar with shipping to an APO?
Why would you turn away business from folks that have limited retail choices and have turned to ebay to do their shopping? I have shipped many snowman items to Guam and the Marshall Islands and find those Buyers to be the kind we all want to have - great communicators, fast payers and repeat customers.
Unless a Seller's auction states "Will ship to the continental United States only" isn't a Seller obligated to sell to a Buyer from AK, HI or an APO? Would that be any different than if I refused to sell to a Buyer once I saw they were from (don't mean to offend anyone here, I'm just picking a State) - North Dakota?
I personally find it offensive that Sellers refuse to sell to our men and women in the military overseas. I for one, would DIE if I could not SHOP, and was stuck on some military base on some island thousands of miles away from MY home securing YOUR freedom and OUR way of life.
[ edited by jordan0311 on Jan 5, 2002 11:55 PM ]
[ edited by jordan0311 on Jan 6, 2002 12:23 PM ]
posted on January 6, 2002 04:03:36 AM new
I'v never understood that thought process myself. If you are using Prioity - it's the same cost. except maybe in the heavy weights which changes depending on shipping location.
I thought maybe it is a FED.X / UPS issue. Pehaps someone who uses those services can provide a clue.
A realitve of mine continues to show in his TOS: Ship to US Only Alaska and Hawaii cost additional. (but it doesn't require one thing additional) When asked, he just says that the way he does it.
chc
posted on January 6, 2002 06:18:03 AM new
I know that the US military holds their employees to a high standard so I have no problem with APOs & FPOs.
However, tracking & insurance stops when the package is delivered to the APO/FPO address. It's treated just like international mail once it's in the hands of the military.
But, I may be wrong,
dendude
posted on January 6, 2002 06:59:33 AM new
Many sellers do not use the USPS and the rates for non-continental US are higher or the carrier does not ship there at all.
I tried to get a Delivery Confirmation on a Priority Mail package to an APO address last week and was told that I couldn't use it on APO addresses.
posted on January 6, 2002 09:26:09 AM new
Those places may be a mystery to them and scare them from shipping there. Or, many uneducated people would think Hawaii and Alaska are not part of the U.S. Frightening, but true, considering the polls that show how many people don't know who our President is!
posted on January 6, 2002 12:21:12 PM new
I send priority to Hawaii. I have never sent to Alaska. I used priority mail which costs the same and is delivered 2-3 days. More 3 days. We used to have a Hawaii seller here but I think she left when AW required a CC to post.
posted on January 8, 2002 03:31:01 AM new
Bless your hearts,it is so nice to hear someone speak of Alaska nicely. I am in Alaska and I can't tell you how bad it makes us feel up here to be kept out of alot of things. I shop constantly on pretty much all the auction sites and occasionally will come up against people that say $5 extra to ship to Alaska. For a shirt?lol I used to ask them why, now I just pass them by. The UPS issue is a mystery to me. If you call the main office they will swear there is no UPS in Alaska. But, I see about a dozen of their brown vans delivering all over the place out here in the Matanuska Valley where I live. I have no idea who can afford it, because their rates to ship here are absolutely insulting.
Anyway, thanks for your time.Just wanted to say thanks for the nice common sense thread.
posted on January 8, 2002 12:03:17 PM new
The only problem I have with selling to someone in Alaska or Hawaii is the terrible urge to want to deliver it personally.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on January 8, 2002 01:11:44 PM new
I'm with you on that one sparkz. Although that may just be that I really, really need a vacation! :0)
Personally I have enjoyed my Alaska and Hawaii customers. Especially Hawaii-- for the most part they are so laid back and easy to communicate with. Must be the sun (which I sorely miss as I sit here under a very cloudy sky.)
