Global shipping on eBay

[ge_rik]

Hi Folks
A few weeks ago, I had a message from eBay asking if I wanted to participate in their "Global Shipping Programme". I think it must have been an invitation to opt out rather than opt in because I don't remember doing anything about it. I then promptly forgot all about it.

Yesterday, I sold some old Esso maps on eBay which I'd listed ages ago (and almost forgot about). I'd gone for eBay's "Simple Delivery" (I do like to keep things simple) and so clicked on the postage label link and printed it out. I did think the address of an industrial unit in Lichfield looked a bit strange but I've sent books to booksellers before who have presumably then made a fortune on reselling them. The postage cost was £2.94 (GBP).

I always print out two copies of the packing slip (one for the customer and one for my records) and was surprised to see the postage cost listed as £18.33 (GBP). It was then I noticed the registered address of the customer was in Canada. I had a slight panic that I might suddenly be charged for the additional postage (more than three times what I was making on the sale) so contacted eBay's customer services. After ten minutes trying to explain my problem to a very unintelligent AI bot, I was finally put through to a far more intelligent and knowledgeable human who patiently explained how global shipping works.

Global Shipping Programme

The Global Shipping Programme can help you reach millions of buyers in over 100 markets around the world. You're protected from negative and neutral feedback, and have control over which of your items you want to send through the programme.

www.ebay.co.uk

So, if something similar happens to you and, like me, you only read instruction manuals when something goes wrong, you'll hopefully now know what's going on. And don't be surprised if what you've listed on eBay with only local postage costs ends up somewhere exotic.

Rik

 

[voodoopenguin]

There have been several times over the years that I, as an occasional seller, have been annoyed with eBay changing things that to me were perfectly OK. These days though things appear to actually be not too bad. If you know the price you want and describe the item properly then the money you get from a sale is exactly that amount. When it comes to the shipping cost when you list you will see an amount that eBay thinks is correct. You are covered for that even though you might know that say the O gauge coach you have correctly described will not fit in a Small Parcel but should be a Medium Parcel. If you go with eBay's suggestion then you have no worries and I have the transcript from an online conversation with eBay that confirms that.

Paul

 

[dunnyrail]

Hi Folks
A few weeks ago, I had a message from eBay asking if I wanted to participate in their "Global Shipping Programme". I think it must have been an invitation to opt out rather than opt in because I don't remember doing anything about it. I then promptly forgot all about it.

Yesterday, I sold some old Esso maps on eBay which I'd listed ages ago (and almost forgot about). I'd gone for eBay's "Simple Delivery" (I do like to keep things simple) and so clicked on the postage label link and printed it out. I did think the address of an industrial unit in Lichfield looked a bit strange but I've sent books to booksellers before who have presumably then made a fortune on reselling them. The postage cost was £2.94 (GBP).

I always print out two copies of the packing slip (one for the customer and one for my records) and was surprised to see the postage cost listed as £18.33 (GBP). It was then I noticed the registered address of the customer was in Canada. I had a slight panic that I might suddenly be charged for the additional postage (more than three times what I was making on the sale) so contacted eBay's customer services. After ten minutes trying to explain my problem to a very unintelligent AI bot, I was finally put through to a far more intelligent and knowledgeable human who patiently explained how global shipping works.

Global Shipping Programme

The Global Shipping Programme can help you reach millions of buyers in over 100 markets around the world. You're protected from negative and neutral feedback, and have control over which of your items you want to send through the programme.

www.ebay.co.uk

So, if something similar happens to you and, like me, you only read instruction manuals when something goes wrong, you'll hopefully now know what's going on. And don't be surprised if what you've listed on eBay with only local postage costs ends up somewhere exotic.

Rik

Yes it is a big improvement to the service, another thing once posted the responsibility in terms of damage is Ebay’s worry though I do wonder how that would pan out if packaging was allegedly inadequate.

 

[ge_rik]

Yes it is a big improvement to the service, another thing once posted the responsibility in terms of damage is Ebay’s worry though I do wonder how that would pan out if packaging was allegedly inadequate.

I assume they would check that at the distribution centre before forwarding the package. But, who knows?

Rik

 

[Rhos Helyg Loco Works]

There is, of course, a "sell to UK only" option when creating a listing. And postage to/from Canada has ALWAYS been expensive.

 

[DickyC]

Agree, this works quite well and takes the stress and onus off the UK seller, I have done it a few times on Small Bemo stuff that has been sold abroad. The £2 fee is the UK cost to Tamwoth/Litchfield, its then grouped and shipped by lorry in bulk to europe or world wide. It make perfect logistical sense and works ! (I know that Bsc in Logistics and shipping I earned 26 years ago might come in useful for commenting at one time!, my lecture then waned us, NEVER WORK FOR A COURIER COMPANY, hahah), The company you often get inbound from China is Orange Conex I think.