Guidelines for opening your Ebay listings to overseas buyers?

cheepo on 24/08/2017 - 17:32
Last edited 24/08/2017 - 20:07 by 1 other user

I thought I would ask the knowledgeable crew here on Ozbargain for some advice on selling goods to overseas buyers. I've been selling on Ebay for a few years and despite restricting my listings to Australian buyers only, I still on the rare occasion get people asking if I would consider shipping an item overseas.

I was always a little apprehensive but last year, I decided to open a listing to the U.S as I had one buyer asking to buy one of my unsold item for several months. I finally caved when he offered more then my asking price, in addition to covering the cost of insurance - as I had previously mentioned that I would not ship it otherwise. In the end, all went well and received more money then I had hoped for an item I had no luck selling locally.

Other then ensuring the item is posted with insurance and is adequately packed for the trip, is there anything outside of the norm I should do as a seller to ensure I cover my end as best as possible? What are you DO's and DONT's for selling to overseas buyers? What are some of the common scams/traps sellers fall into when they open their listings to the overseas market? I am mainly looking at selling some electronics and small collectors items.

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Comments

  • Ocker on 24/08/2017 - 17:54
    +3

    1. Registered Post is not available for overseas airmail shipping.

    2. To cover yourself against a buyer claiming non receipt and then you being forced to refund the purchase price then you need to use a service that has tracking. DO NOT use "Economy Air", you need to use "Standard Air"

    3. Delivery time can vary a lot - even to the same country. At the time a buyer make the purchase EBay will tell them the expected delivery date. This is comprised of (a) the handling time you put on the listing and (b)the AusPost advised transit time to the destination. To allow for delays it is advisable to set your handling time to (say) 5-7 days.

    4. Some countries have notoriously slow internal deliveries. For example, Canada can take up to 8 weeks for a package to clear Customs.

    • cheepo on 24/08/2017 - 21:11

      Thanks Ocker. I have a bit to learn about international shipping methods and what the most cost effective way is without risking a non receipt item. I use prepaid registered post labels on items I can send in envelopes to avoid that problem here so want to ensure I follow suit for international items.

      I'm initially only looking at opening my listings to US but will take into consideration handling time as you've suggested.

    • Scab on 25/08/2017 - 08:55

      To cover yourself against a buyer claiming non receipt and then you being forced to refund the purchase price then you need to use a service that has tracking.

      Tracking doesn't always cover you as sometimes it only shows the nearest distribution point and not the buyer's suburb.

      And for most countries if it's over $750, you need signature on delivery.

      • Ocker on 25/08/2017 - 09:00

        Tracking is sufficient to protect yourself (the seller) under the PayPal/Ebay sellers protection policy. Proof of delivery is not a requirement - ony shipping. Look up the info on the PayPal website

        • Scab on 25/08/2017 - 09:02

          Tracking is sufficient to protect yourself (the seller) under the PayPal/Ebay sellers protection policy.

          Only if the tracking shows the buyer's suburb/postcode, as I stipulated.

          Sometimes tracking only shows the nearest distribution point, which may not be in the same suburb as the buyer is in.

          Proof of delivery is not a requirement - ony shipping.

          Where did I say anything about proof of delivery being a requirement?

        • Ocker on 25/08/2017 - 09:03

          Proof of Shipment is an online or physical documentation from a shipping company which should have the following information:

          Status of ‘shipped’ (or equivalent) and the date of postage
The recipient’s name and address must match those shown on the ‘Transaction Details’ page
The sender’s name and address must match your name and address
Online tracking information showing status of shipment
        • Scab on 25/08/2017 - 09:13

          @Ocker:

          The recipient’s name and address must match those shown on the ‘Transaction Details’ page

          Bingo, a courier's distribution point won't have the buyer's address, so tracking in that instance won't cover you.

  • CyberMurning on 24/08/2017 - 18:38

    Just don't.

    • Ocker on 24/08/2017 - 19:14

      Care to justify that statement??
      Our Ebay store makes an average of 60 sales per month to overseas buyers and we only experience a couple of problems per year.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2017 - 18:43

    postage is expensive

    • Ocker on 24/08/2017 - 19:15

      What does that matter if your listing states the postage cost and the buyer is prepared to pay?

      • cheepo on 24/08/2017 - 21:13

        It is but as per my example in the main post, some people who want an item bad enough are willing to pay for it.

  • whooah1979 on 24/08/2017 - 20:02

    Other then ensuring the item is posted via registered post

    rpi is available for items like documents and is limited to 500g.

  • Hunnypooh on 24/08/2017 - 22:05
    +2

    Loads of things to consider when sending things overseas. Will just list some of the more important ones.

    1. Make sure that the item can be tracked. (Standard Air for parcels or Registered international envelopes for cards or something that your local PO would allow you to send out in a Registered International Envelope)

    2. If the item is valuable, do get insurance ($9.60 for the first $100 of your item's specified value, plus $2.50 for each additional $100 (or part thereof).

    3. If you feel insurance is not necessary, do get the signature on delivery feature ($4.99)

    4. If you feel rich or feel the need to insure, get insurance + extra cover.

    5. Request for tracking advice to be sent to your email (FREE)

    6. Make sure that the item you are sending isn't prohibited or banned in the destination country (ask your local PO for details)

    7. Some customs offices in the destination countries might hold the items longer

    8. Cross your fingers that all goes well…..

  • silverrat23 on 24/08/2017 - 23:29

    Some countries tend to be blackholes for deliveries - parcels lost in the abyss, never to be seen again.
    Like Russia for example. Happened while shipping a 500g parcel. Twice.

    Also, PayPal fees are higher than a same-country transaction.

    • cheepo on 24/08/2017 - 23:56

      Definitely don't intend to post to any European countries. Will stick to USA initially and see how that pans out.

      To clarify, there are only a few items that I am planning on opening to an overseas market in the hope I can get a little more. The increase in risk and fees just doesn't seem worth if I can get about the same by selling locally.

      Also, PayPal fees are higher than a same-country transaction.

      Wasn't aware of this but am not surprised. Thanks for your input.

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