posted on June 23, 2004 11:14:58 AM new
I sell to bidders in the UK and Canada quite a bit. Obviously, there is a change in shipping price. Sometimes they will write and ask what the shipping is, but other times they will just pay the US shipping price, which shorts me out of money. Even though some of them will know the correct amount to pay, they will still pay the US amount. Sometimes, it's only $.50 short, but others it's as much as $1.50. I don't want to seem petty, but international bidders make up about 20% of my business. How should I handle the shorts? Should I reject their payments and the reason why? Should I just keep accepting the losses (which is what I have been doing to keep good-will).
I also had to go to vendio redirect checkout because I cannot combine invoices through ebay. I have been on live help with them 3x and have given up. Eventually, it will get straightened out, but until then, I can't combine. I decided to stop the redirect and accept both ebay and vendio forms of checkout. Is anyone else having a problem combining invoices with ebay's checkout?
posted on June 23, 2004 12:13:54 PM new
ON items that I sell in the US for shipment anywhere that are lightweight items, I set a shipping price that covers every country. I make an extra buck or two in the US, international bidders think they are getting a bargain and you are a wonderful person, and far fewer headaches are incurred.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on June 23, 2004 12:34:24 PM new
i have noticed in some auctions that they quote both domestic and international shipping prices. i thought that was a good idea.
i also like the increase in shipping to cover all areas.
i have US only in my sales so they usually email to ask if they can bid. at that time i say yes if they are willing to pay the additional shipping and if they understand that i complete all customs forms truthfully.
posted on June 23, 2004 12:39:25 PM new
In my auction description I list domestic shipping charges with a note that states that international shipping charges with be determined at auction close or they can email me for an estimate before hand. So far, it has worked out fine.
posted on June 23, 2004 01:07:59 PM new
In my TOS I have a clickable link to my about page which gives them my guarantee and the way their item is shipped. Since I have started that I have had no problems. Most International bidders do know that shipping charges are different than US charges so if they don't pay the right amount and it is to far below what you will make for your profit then I would refund their payment and send them a email with the right charges.
posted on June 23, 2004 05:13:12 PM new
I usually list (:shipping/h $4.00 for US, international rates vary,) This allows them to bid on the item, then I refer them to USPS.com for their countries rates, if and when they ask. It eliminates the how much will it be etc. I do quite a bit of international business and try to always ship global priority if at all possible, especially nice if you can get it in the small envelopes and boxes.
