Sales to states I do not ship to

[darthseuss]

I recently had a bid on an auction and the bidder won. He was based in Hawaii, and I have my settings set so I don't ship there (I offer "free" shipping and it costs a bit more). As I understand it, a buyer from there shouldn't be able to bid on my items. I verified that the listing excluded Alaska and Hawaii. I know I could have cancelled the sale, but is there some way I am missing to prevent such orders from being placed to start with? Or is this an eBay bug that they'll have to notice and sort out?

[rfmtm]

Flat Rate box or envelope is the same everywhere and weight based items ship the same as any Zone 8 state.

What is the item number that has the problem?

[dhbookds]

They can't stop bidding because, until buyer uses checkout, they don't know where the item will be sent....buyer can change to a "mail to" address within the continental US.........

[redmodelt]

Check a USPS zone chart from your location. Shipping cost to Alaska and Hawaii should be the same as Washington, Oregon and California. 

[darthseuss]

The problem is it was a $19.95 listing with shipping included. So after shipping Flat-Rate Medium box and eBay fees (plus packing materials), I'd be basically giving the item away. I don't make much anyway, but I try to at least break even on my sales... 

[soh.maryl]

I see that you ship to the United States.  Isn't Hawaii #50? 

[redmodelt]

Along with Alaska being the 49th. Many of the territories in the Pacific are also in the same zone as those 5 "STATES".

[soh.maryl]

Why specify "continental US"? 

[txtres_4]

A medium flat rate box is now $14.25 with the Ebay seller discount.  Maybe you could try charging shipping so you know that it's covered and then a low starting price for the auction.  Also, you could charge the USPS retail price for shipping of $16.10 and that would help cover packing materials.  Alternatively, add the lowest price you are willing to take for the item to the shipping & Ebay costs, and make that your opening bid.  These are the only ideas I have to help with future sales.