posted on March 6, 2002 09:58:46 AM new
I just had someone ask me if I would be willing to ship an item to Australia. I have never shipped international before and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. It is an item that would be over $100 so I don't want to risk any chargebacks. Should I require them to pay with a money order? It looks like it would cost around $28.00 to airmail a three pound package to Australia. Are they really willing to pay that much? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
posted on March 6, 2002 10:06:01 AM new
A lot of my ebay sales are international.
Yes~ they will pay the shipping, they are used to that ! I just sold something to a bidder in Japan last night... his bid was $20.50 and shipping is 20.50 !! Funny that they are both the same amount !
I have even offered to send slow boat to China so the shipping is less but they usually opt for air 4 -7 days
I ask for payment in international money order, Paypal or Bidpay but sometimes they insist on sending secured USA cash in tin foil !! The cash payment does make me nervous, since it would be my word against theirs that I did in fact get it but so far so good, have always gotten it and have never had a problem with an international bidder after approx 25 transactions
posted on March 6, 2002 10:15:30 AM new
Most international buyers are fully aware of the shipping rates from the US to their country. Smart thing would be to email them back and let them know ahead of time, and also offer them the slower Surface Rate as well.
If you're not comfortable, you may want to insist on having them pay through a BidPay money order, which has the added benefit of not costing you anything. I've never had a problem with an international payment, having accepted int'l payments through Paypal, Billpoint, checks & money orders (drawn from US funds), and the ever-popular greenbacks. Also, Australia is not one of the countries that sets off "red flags" like Romania or Malaysia.
posted on March 6, 2002 11:04:03 AM new
Thank you all so much!
Actually, I checked the Surface Rate and it was a little more than the Air Rate when you added insurance, which they said they wanted. I probably will sign up for Bidpay and start shipping internationally with all my auctions.
Have a great day!
