posted on October 14, 2004 12:53:34 PM new
A question for more experienced international sellers.
We got a query today about an item in our online store. It asks for shipping charges to Hong Kong and asks if we will take cash in USD. It is a heavy item and the total with shipping would be more than $100. Does this sound like an invitation for disaster? We get the usual "ship me everything in your store and send me the change from a cashier's check" scams and ignore them but I don't see the up side for a scammer on this unless they are trying to make contact for some other scam down the road.
The international sales I have had have been mostly smooth but the combination of Hong Kong and that much cash seems risky. Any advise? -----o----o----o----o----o----o----o----o
“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on October 14, 2004 01:09:02 PM new
Cash is not a problem, they usually send it registered mail. If you can package it well enough to get it there safely, then send it. Asians are usually good customers and I've had no problems shipping to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. But if you're not confident it will survive delivery, then don't send it and don't depend on insurance which would be a major hassle if you had to use it. Always use the USPS for shipping overseas and be sure to overestimate the weight by a couple pounds so you don't lose money.
posted on October 14, 2004 01:18:44 PM new
I've received cash in the hundreds before but it was always sent registered. If I were you, I would do it but INSIST on registered mail requiring a signature. I agree with ebayauctionguy on having very good experiences with all of my Asian customers and I'd say that I do at least a dozen shipments over there every month. Very easy to work with and honest. There's always the exceptions, though, I suppose.
Also in agreement with ebayauctionguy in shipping USPS. I've sent guitars to Asia with no problem and I think that was around $125.00 or so. Pack extra well and insure but only do that as an extra precaution because claiming insurance for something damaged WILL be a major hassle.
posted on October 14, 2004 07:11:11 PM new
Thanks for responding. I have never sent more than a few dollars because I have had mail go missing right here in the good old USofA. I it can be sent registered from Hong Kong that would be the way to go. I think by the time we double box this widget the cost of postage will scare off the buyer.
-----o----o----o----o----o----o----o----o
“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on October 14, 2004 08:39:34 PM new
Buyers in Hong Kong often will send US Cash for items. I think they have a printing press there so getting US currency isn't a problem for them.
