International shipping risks - eBay

[QC]

I have a prop listed on eBay (Item number: 230150779292). Auction is going well, but I have a request to ship to Norway. I have answered that I would "consider" it with a $50 handling fee. No response yet as I just sent the note, but what are my real risks? If I add the fee, and get all $ up front and cleared including the higher shipping fees, what's the downside? What are the real risks?

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

......I don't think there are too many real risks. The handling fee up front is fair and would help take care of you packaging this prop up and getting it in motion.
I would ensure that all shipping, brokerage fees, duties however go to the receiver/buyer.
I think this will in all likelihood be automatic once it hits Norway customs.
We get the same thing in Canada from the U.S...although it pretty painless for us by comparison. It usually doesn't impact the seller in any Good luck....keep me posted if you do it.

 

[tommays]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

As long as you don't send it to Nigeria

My wifes company had to stop sending shipments there (even forged letters of credit )


Tommays

 

[Boomyal]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

Don't think you will have any issues as long as he pays with PayPal or Bidpay. I sent a computer part to Poland. He told me what to write on the package and how much it would cost to ship. He paid on BidPay. No hassle at all and Norway is a western nation so there should be no games there.

 

[DaleT]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

You shouldn't have any issues. Like previously stated be sure to make sure that the receiver is responsible for all duties and taxes. Also make sure that you are as honest as you can be on all forms, Commercial Invoice and such. For international shipments I highly recommend FedEx, as they are much easier to ship with. I don't have my books handy with me but if you search for harmonized codes you can find the proper numbers to put on the forms. This insures accurate reporting of the shipping contents and helps to remove customs delays.

The only potential problem, which I can't see happening on a prop, is if the product is restricted for import. This is highly unusual for any product that is not considered dangerous goods, flammables or otherwise hazardous, or restricted imports, alcohol or tobacco products.

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

you just have to ship it with a TRACKABLE source. You have to be able to prove it got there.

 

[firehog6305]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

I just shipped a dual set of volvo trim selector switchs and indacators with all wiring, brand new still in the box, sold them for $600 the guy in norway paid thru paypal, It costed me $59 to ship them, use the post office and not ups, its cheaper, be perpared to fill out the correct paperwork for customs, its no big deal

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

I did quite a bit of "e-commerce" on ebay and I have shipped to multiple countries. The biggest downside is the loss of tracking ability. The USPS can not guaranty it, UPS and FED EX will near break you with shipping charges.

I have only had one small package lost shipping to the UK and I replaced the item for the buyer. Overall it it is not too bad just make sure you get the proper shipping cost up front and ONLY use Bid Pay or Paypal.... absolutely no money orders.

The customs paperwork is simple and MANY buyers will ask you to write "gift" or a lower dollar amount on the outside .... so they can beat the tax. I would not do it ...... I just feared getting caught.

ALL packages are subject to inspection and being opened anywhere enroute.

 

[QC]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

Thanks guys. Pretty much what I expected to hear. I really don't care what the cost is as I will get that from him . . . I have UPS all linked up to my auctions etc., so I would probably go that way. My concern was that the company I work for ships UPS internationally some and when the other side doesn't pick stuff up, they back charge us to ship items back and/or for duty charges. I guess that's my biggest concern as I will have already got all the $ in my account or I won't ship the prop . . .

 

[roscoe]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

We used to ship care packages to my nephew when he was in school in Spain and Italy. Shipped 17 packages. He received 12 of them.

All made it to a customs station in Europe, then disappeared.

I will only ship to US and Canada.

 

[rwise]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

insurance!

I have not shipped outside the country through ebay (yet) but I have bought from outside the USA with no problems. Good luck.

 

[QC]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

Well the bad news is he asked me to claim it as a gift . . . The good news is that the UPS freight quote of $227 + my $50 handling fee scared him away and he was outbid. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

Ive shipped many item internatioanlly, what he is asking is the norm. For future reference send it usps, do claim it as a gift or repair, get the money in your account first, live and let live, there import taxe's would astound you.......

 

[QC]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

Yeah, that would be my normal response TG, but I was concerned about back billing from UPS. We have had trouble in that area at work, so I wanted no complications . . .

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: International shipping risks - eBay

Yeah, that would be my normal response TG, but I was concerned about back billing from UPS. We have had trouble in that area at work, so I wanted no complications . . .

UPS is terrible for cost in shipping, using USPS i could ship to the uk for about 35.00 5lbs box big enough for a prop and it would get there in 5 working day's. But i always required them do a money transfer into my bank account prior to shipping.

I was sending CPU's and would either label them as a gift aka birthday graduation or send it as if though it was a warranty repair, as to value of the package it never exceeded 5.00,there is no insurance anyway's if it gets lost and your not going to damage a prop.........id hope not anyway..