posted on March 12, 2002 01:54:20 PM new
I always say US shipments only in my auctions and then I find myself making exceptions. Someone from France wants to bid on one of my auctions. They say they will pay with cash or an international money order. Wouldn't BidPay be better for me? And (yes, I am lumping them all together) do the French expect you to lie on custom forms like the Canadians do? Thank you for your opinion.
posted on March 12, 2002 02:16:08 PM new
I'm not much help but......
I've sold to France twice. Once got cash and once was Bidpay.
Both times, the mailing and shipping was very fast, like 7 to 9 days each way.
So for my speck of experience, selling to France has been much faster than other countries I've dealt with.
Bidpay vs. cash, I'm sure Bidpay is safer. I just don't like sending cash in the mail but at least half the international customers I get just send cash. I'm always amazed sometimes its really "used" bills. I guess for some reason I seem to expect more "bank fresh" bills, but nope.
posted on March 12, 2002 03:29:45 PM new
I ship all over the world. Less than a pound usually needs no custom form. Items over one lb a green small form. On smaller value lots I put down 5.00 value.
On more valuable lots I insist in registration. Usually $7.50 plus postage. Again I put down low value. Some want no paperwork in their package, as they might have to pay about 17% tax upon arrival. Some counties open packages. I bend a lot to please my customers but will not lie (Claim it is something like a document when it is a gold coin). That sort of stuff can cause you problems. Value? A 50.00 item next time might go for 4.99 so I am flexible there. If you are going into international beyond one lot it is a great market but you need a lot more flexibility and likely greater detail to packing. You will sell more and international customers are almost always easier to deal with than USA customers. Good Luck.
posted on March 12, 2002 03:58:46 PM new
European Countries can often have high duties as in Canada. It's obviously hard to know if
this particular person would expect you to mark it as a "Gift" Some Canadians and Europeans
might. Others will not complain if you mark it as merchandise. You can decide what to do and
hopefully the buyer will respect your decision.
As a side note, please don't include shipping costs as part of the value of the item.
In terms of payment, if you prefer bidpay, you could always suggest it. However, an International Money order in U.S. funds (specify U.S. funds) should be fine.
Most Europeans seem to be skilled at concealing cash in an envelope so if she wants to send it
I would let her. Once it arrives, cash can be nice because it can be used right away.
Sending cash does show that she must trust you and than can be a rare thing today.
posted on March 12, 2002 06:28:24 PM new
Suggest she wrap the cash in aluminum foil and enclose in paper, that works well.
Also have the envelope taped, or sent registered.
On the customs form: it's better not to have insurance or a declared value if possible, the bidder has to pay duty on the insured value even if the value of the item is lower (i.e. a $10 item insured for $50, the buyer has to pay duty on the $50 - ridiculous but typically European sadly).
International buyers are the best - even though we sell European items, we sell a surprising number of them to Europeans - so basically we are sending them back!!!! And they love it
