Comments on: The Perils of International Shipping With eBay and Paypal – A Guide to Successful Shipping Practices http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/ Ubiased (At The Moment) Answers to Your Online Auction Questions Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:38:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: vel http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-2427 vel Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:53:39 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-2427 Hi there, thanks for all the details, i just need some info about shipping a flat rate envelope to Australia from USA i just need to send some baby bibs weighing around 15 ounces, do i need to attach a custom form for this package. Hi there,
thanks for all the details, i just need some info about shipping a flat rate envelope to Australia from USA i just need to send some baby bibs weighing around 15 ounces, do i need to attach a custom form for this package.

]]> By: Eric http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-2138 Eric Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:17:52 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-2138 How does the following read to you in response to international buyers (from an experienced seller's perspective)? "International shipping (USPS) will be considered to certain countries for items that are purchased at the "Buy It Now" price--plus the additional shipping and handling costs. Please send a message with the appropriate postal code BEFORE attempting to purchase and I will research the additional shipping time/cost with USPS." I have updated my preferences to restrict particular countries. Also, how do you typically receive payment of the additional shipping costs (updated shipping method, separate Paypal transaction, etc.)? How does the following read to you in response to international buyers (from an experienced seller’s perspective)? “International shipping (USPS) will be considered to certain countries for items that are purchased at the “Buy It Now” price–plus the additional shipping and handling costs. Please send a message with the appropriate postal code BEFORE attempting to purchase and I will research the additional shipping time/cost with USPS.” I have updated my preferences to restrict particular countries. Also, how do you typically receive payment of the additional shipping costs (updated shipping method, separate Paypal transaction, etc.)?

]]> By: Dirk http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-1852 Dirk Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:00:38 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-1852 Thanks for replying. Yes, this set is definitely of interest to Europeans. It's a set of Jack Vance books - "Vance Integral Edition" that was conceived of and printed in Europe. The set has been sold out for years and is extremely rare to find one offered for sale anywhere. I've delayed putting it up auction trying to find a method of international shipping that would cover me in the event something does go wrong. I can't seem to find that method though, without it costing an arm and a leg. Thanks for replying. Yes, this set is definitely of interest to Europeans. It’s a set of Jack Vance books – “Vance Integral Edition” that was conceived of and printed in Europe. The set has been sold out for years and is extremely rare to find one offered for sale anywhere. I’ve delayed putting it up auction trying to find a method of international shipping that would cover me in the event something does go wrong. I can’t seem to find that method though, without it costing an arm and a leg.

]]> By: auctioncope http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-1847 auctioncope Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:52:40 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-1847 Sounds gutsy. Are the books of particular interest to Europeans? Are Europeans likely to significantly increase the final bid? In other words, is it worth the risk and increased cost of shipping vs. domestic media mail? Sounds gutsy. Are the books of particular interest to Europeans? Are Europeans likely to significantly increase the final bid? In other words, is it worth the risk and increased cost of shipping vs. domestic media mail?

]]> By: Dirk http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-1843 Dirk Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:29:03 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-1843 Hello and thanks for this blog. I desperately need advice. I plan on auctioning a set of expensive collectible books and want to offer them internationally (Europe) but haven't been able to find definitive info for USPS services. The set will be shipped in 2 large boxes (my packaging), 30 lbs each, insured for $2500 - $3500 and of course requiring delivery/ signature confirmation. I cannot find any USPS international shipping method that fills all those requirements. Is there a solution other than going Fedex or UPS and paying a fortune for shipping? Thanks for any info. Dirk Hello and thanks for this blog. I desperately need advice. I plan on auctioning a set of expensive collectible books and want to offer them internationally (Europe) but haven’t been able to find definitive info for USPS services. The set will be shipped in 2 large boxes (my packaging), 30 lbs each, insured for $2500 – $3500 and of course requiring delivery/ signature confirmation. I cannot find any USPS international shipping method that fills all those requirements. Is there a solution other than going Fedex or UPS and paying a fortune for shipping?
Thanks for any info.

Dirk

]]> By: auctioncope http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-1658 auctioncope Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:13:51 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-1658 The envelope can have a "bulge." I've shipped some ridiculously stuffed Flat Rate Envelopes in the past. The problem is that you may run into a Postal employee who tries to deny the package for one reason or another. If that happens it's best to try somewhere else - either schedule a pickup, drop it in the pickup box, or try at another time. The good news is that the required customs envelope is plenty large and sticky enough to seal the flap of the envelope, so no additional tape should be necessary. The full list of exclusions and restrictions on international mail is available at http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/welcome.htm. The envelope can have a “bulge.” I’ve shipped some ridiculously stuffed Flat Rate Envelopes in the past. The problem is that you may run into a Postal employee who tries to deny the package for one reason or another. If that happens it’s best to try somewhere else – either schedule a pickup, drop it in the pickup box, or try at another time. The good news is that the required customs envelope is plenty large and sticky enough to seal the flap of the envelope, so no additional tape should be necessary. The full list of exclusions and restrictions on international mail is available at http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/welcome.htm.

]]> By: Dan http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-1656 Dan Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:06:24 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-1656 Thanks so much for an informative article. You may have just saved us 100's of dollars in the event that we need a tracking number for an international shipment! Are there any restrictions on a USPS Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope? Can the envelope have a buldge or does it need to be ridig and flat? Thanks! Dan Lewkowicz CEO www.inventorysellers.com http://stores.ebay.com/InventorySellersLLC Thanks so much for an informative article. You may have just saved us 100′s of dollars in the event that we need a tracking number for an international shipment! Are there any restrictions on a USPS Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope? Can the envelope have a buldge or does it need to be ridig and flat?

Thanks!

Dan Lewkowicz
CEO
http://www.inventorysellers.com
http://stores.ebay.com/InventorySellersLLC

]]> By: Jeff http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-1080 Jeff Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:12:35 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-1080 Thanks Josh for a very well written and informative comprehensive article on the best practices and potential perils of international shipping. It confirmed a lot of what I already knew based on my own research but it's great to see someone like yourself who obviously has had a lot of experience shipping internationally taking the time to lay it all out. That was interesting that Express mail is sometimes cheaper than priority and includes insurance, that's something to keep in mind. Thanks again. Jeff Thanks Josh for a very well written and informative comprehensive article on the best practices and potential perils of international shipping. It confirmed a lot of what I already knew based on my own research but it’s great to see someone like yourself who obviously has had a lot of experience shipping internationally taking the time to lay it all out. That was interesting that Express mail is sometimes cheaper than priority and includes insurance, that’s something to keep in mind. Thanks again.

Jeff

]]> By: auctioncope http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-337 auctioncope Mon, 18 May 2009 02:14:13 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-337 Hi Steve, Yes, the Post Office can scan the customs form and it will show that the item was accepted domestically online. There is no further tracking information available and the number will never confirm delivery. On occasion the number will update when the package enters customs, but that's usually only in Canada and several other countries with more advanced technology. If tracking was that easy internationally then there would be tracking available on Priority International Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes. These packages use the same customs forms. <a href="http://www.usps.com/international/prioritymailinternational.htm" rel="nofollow">Priority Mail International</a> "Note: Tracking is not available for Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Boxes." The customs form is used by customs to process the package. It will not be scanned upon delivery. Hi Steve,

Yes, the Post Office can scan the customs form and it will show that the item was accepted domestically online. There is no further tracking information available and the number will never confirm delivery. On occasion the number will update when the package enters customs, but that’s usually only in Canada and several other countries with more advanced technology.

If tracking was that easy internationally then there would be tracking available on Priority International Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes. These packages use the same customs forms.

Priority Mail International

“Note: Tracking is not available for Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Boxes.”

The customs form is used by customs to process the package. It will not be scanned upon delivery.

]]> By: Steve http://www.auctioncope.com/guide/the-perils-of-international-shipping-with-ebay-and-paypal-a-guide-to-successful-shipping-practices/comment-page-1/#comment-331 Steve Sun, 17 May 2009 14:39:14 +0000 http://www.auctioncope.com/?p=91#comment-331 Hi Josh, It is not "impossible to track First Class Mail International packages". Just complete and attach form 2976 (the small green customs form) to your package. The form will be scanned and the customs number will appear on your receipt (or you can copy the number from the form). The customs number can be used at usps.com to track your package. These form can be used for packages that are 4 pounds or less. After that, you must use Priority Mail International (and a bigger customs form). I had a case with a buyer in France who only paid after several unpaid item reports. The post office made three attempts to deliver the package (according to the usps.com tracking info). The items were returned to me and the buyer was given a full refund including shipping. I was out the shipping charge (about $100). I would have been better off just canceling the transactions. The tracking info included the fact that the package was being shipped back to me. As with any package handled by USPS, tracking info may not always be complete, but it is not impossible to track international packages with First Class International Mail. Steve Hi Josh,

It is not “impossible to track First Class Mail International packages”. Just complete and attach form 2976 (the small green customs form) to your package. The form will be scanned and the customs number will appear on your receipt (or you can copy the number from the form). The customs number can be used at usps.com to track your package. These form can be used for packages that are 4 pounds or less. After that, you must use Priority Mail International (and a bigger customs form).

I had a case with a buyer in France who only paid after several unpaid item reports. The post office made three attempts to deliver the package (according to the usps.com tracking info). The items were returned to me and the buyer was given a full refund including shipping. I was out the shipping charge (about $100). I would have been better off just canceling the transactions. The tracking info included the fact that the package was being shipped back to me.

As with any package handled by USPS, tracking info may not always be complete, but it is not impossible to track international packages with First Class International Mail.

Steve

]]>