posted on November 18, 2002 06:46:03 PM new
I have a prospective bidder in Japan, asking me to accept her bid on an item I currently have listed. I have never sold internationally before, and don't know what type of payment to take or not take, the best shipping method, whether or not insurance is available etc. I've read the horror stories here about all the problems, but this bidder seems to have good feedback, and spends big bucks on the types of item I'm selling. Any advice? Thanks!
posted on November 18, 2002 06:52:59 PM new
I've done plenty of international sales, and have hardly had any problems at all. PayPal is great for international business...so is BidPay. As for shipping, go through USPS, and insurance is available. I don't know what you sell, but the smaller the better obviously. Just find out how fast they want to get it (air vs. surface).
"Who's tending the bar? Sniping works up a thirst"
posted on November 18, 2002 07:05:06 PM new
koto1 is right on. I could not stay on ebay without international bidders. I sell all over the world. As a group they pay, and don't complain. If your items weigh less than one pound International selling is a snap.
posted on November 18, 2002 10:10:47 PM new
I use to sell internationally a lot when I became a seller on ebay five years ago. I got burned by a few Canadian buyers and stopped for a few years. Since bids are geting scarce these days I started accepting international sellers again a month ago and at least 10% of my winners are now international bidders. I use the USPS international rate calculator
http://ircalc.usps.gov/ and always give the buyer the choice of either surface or air and quote both amounts in the EOA letter. So far they have all opted for air letter post. It takes more time and effort such as custom slips but it is worth the effort. All have paid with PayPal ( about 25 in last month or so )
posted on November 18, 2002 10:19:05 PM new
Ditto with 'koto1'. I love international buyers. BUT, make sure you stick to the straight and narrow, on the customs form. Don't get talked into getting creative on the value or marking it a gift when it is a merchandise sale.
posted on November 18, 2002 10:23:03 PM new
Most international sales go well. I've had two problems lately, both involved extra postage costs. Although I was clear in my terms about international bidders needing to contact me for a quote, these two did not. As long as they understand up front what the fees will be, it is not that difficult to ship overseas, just an extra customs form. Overall, it is worth it and even though I have had a bad experience or two (who hasn't, even with domestic buyers) I would not consider giving up on international shipping.
posted on November 19, 2002 05:51:26 AM new
Each country is different(as a general rule, there are exceptions of course) The Japanese are the best. Courteous and quick payers. They never ask you to lie on the customs forms(can you here me up there...eeehhhh?), or quibble about postage. Postal Money orders work fine from Japan, but if the fellow has good long feedback I wouldn't hesitate taking any kind of payment. Shipping is another matter. Depends on what it is and how much it's worth.
posted on November 19, 2002 06:33:46 AM new
I sell international, but do charge extra for my time of filling out forms for shipping. I don't quote an international rate until EOA, haven't had a complaint yet and has made me some money.
Sniping works up a thirst"