International Shipping-High Value Item
Summary: platformerpat is planning to sell a high-value item internationally and seeks advice on adding insurance after the fact, particularly through eBay's International Shipping (EIS). zakstreasuretrove and others caution against international sales due to risks and limitations, such as a $1,000 insurance cap with EIS, suggesting alternatives like in-person sales. Concerns about domestic returns being straightforward yet potentially problematic are discussed, with advice given to use public places for pickups. Participants highlight shipping limitations and stress the importance of reviewing buyer feedback to mitigate risks.
Hi Everyone,
I have an item that will sell around $7,000 through international shipping. I have international shipping selected and wanted to add insurance to the item after the fact.
I'm not sure how that works? I have USPS ground advantage selected and I am under the impression I only have to cover the insurance to the domestic hub and will be compensated if the item is lost or damaged while in international transit. Has anyone shipped this value of an item internationally before or could tell me what to avoid?
My only concern is protecting myself in case the buyer wants to say they didn't receive the item or ends up lost/damaged.
pickapaper
·2 weeks agoI don't know what kind of item you are going to be selling for $7,000 but you need to understand that there is high risk involved whether domestically or internationally. Personally, I would never sell anything of that value on eBay, let alone sell it to another country. It is even quite often said on here, "never list anything you can't afford to lose" because there are so many things that can go wrong.
One thing is you have fairly low feedback which scammers like to prey on.
I noticed that you typically sell things that are less than $100.00. When a seller lists an item that is "out of the norm", i.e. way higher priced than what they usually sell, if the item sells, there is the possibility that eBay may hold the funds for about 30 days to make sure everything is on the up and up and that nothing is going to go wrong with the transaction. Just be aware that if you go ahead with selling your item on eBay, the funds may not be available immediately.
stainlessenginecovers
·2 weeks agoAny Buyer on ANY site that pays you 'electronically' or even in person with a Credit Card- can be reversed and you left with nothing.
caldreamer
·2 weeks agoFor eBay International Shipping from the US, the higher dollar value limits for orders are:
The total cost of the order, including shipping, must not exceed $2500 USD.
Packages must not exceed 48 inches in length and 84 inches in length plus girth.
The maximum billable weight is 44 lbs. for most countries, except Canada where it is 66 lbs.
vintage-camerastuff
·2 weeks agoAlso be sure to check out your buyer as best you can. How long he has been buying and what kind of feedback does he leave. Shipping EIS is safer than USA shipping. Once it arrives at the Hub your worries are over.
dhbookds
·2 weeks agoThere is a $1000 limit......for EIS
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-international-shipping-program?id=5348&from=EBAY_AI&origin=EBAY_AI
zakstreasuretrove
·2 weeks agoOof, that will hurt for sure. If that's the case I recommend that the OP does not, under any circumstances ship international. Furthermore, look to sell that $7000 item somewhere else. They would be just asking for trouble with that expensive of an item. Even if it sold for $5000 off of ebay, between fees and all that, they may end up making roughly the same amount, maybe less, but way less stress and risk of complete loss + return shipping.
platformerpat
OP2 weeks agoOkay, so you wouldn't sell this item internationally at this Value? Would you recommend doing in person sale instead of shipping domestically? I have had more issues with returns and refunds domestically than international
dhbookds
·2 weeks agoAt that price...........I wouldn't do international.... I doubt you can get shipping insurance on it (don't know for sure).......but a large $$$ risk, between customs and scammers...... Also, need to research import fees.........depending on the country could be substantial.
platformerpat
OP2 weeks agoOkay, Thank you. You think I'm ok with pickup? I have a listing elsewhere but have never used eBay pickup
dhbookds
·2 weeks agoCan't help there.....very limited experience......
krazzykats
·2 weeks agoYou can use pickup, but I would only do so in a very public place, maybe even at the bank.
Do not do pickups alone.
zakstreasuretrove
·2 weeks agoNo way. The risk is too high to sell something like that internationally on eBay. The shipping is a hassle and if it gets returned prepare for more shipping a duty hassles. Domestic returns, while annoying, are pretty straightforward. You'll have an idea of the shipping cost and should not have any surprise bills when it comes time to collect your return. Again, EIS is a totally different story, but this item doesn't qualify as someone else pointed out.
zakstreasuretrove
·2 weeks agoI use EIS and it's really the only form of sale that you have actual protection on in my opinion. If you're planning on adding insurance after the sale, be prepared to pay for it out of your pocket. Otherwise work it into the price or the shipping.
All that needs to happen is that your item makes it to the hub. Once eBay has the item and sends it off to the buyer, your worries are over. Even if the buyer wants to return it you will be fine. EIS returns are handled by eBay and refunds are also given by them. As I understand it, once the item is accepted and moved on to the buyer, your responsibility is over. You will not get the item returned, but you will not be paying the refund, ebay will.
For an item that costs that much, I'd be much more worried if a domestic buyer bought the item. The usual forced refund no matter what can be applied if the buyer selects INAD or the like. Then cross your fingers that the correct item is returned in the condition you sent it in.