Live Broadcast & Chat, May 16th from 12:30 PDT - How to Start Selling and Shipping Internationally

[alan@ebay]

Join us here from 12:30 PDT tomorrow for a live video broadcast and a chat hour all about selling & shipping internationally. 

First up from 12:30, Bassil Eid (@bassileid5) will be in our studio to chat with Audrey Tracy about "How to Start Selling and Shipping Internationally."

Bassil will then join the Community team from 1-2 pm PDT to answer your questions. He can cover topics like:

• The difference between using GSP and shipping direct
• Do I use USPS or a commercial carrier like FedEx or DHL?
• How do my listings appear worldwide when I sell through eBay?
• How important are tracking and insurance?
• How can a seller mitigate for returns?
• How much do I need to know about customs? 
• How are international cases handled and what about keeping up with standards?

Chat with you then! 

*Keep in mind the Community’s Rules of Engagement when you post. Non-constructive, off-topic & disrespectful posts will be removed by our moderation team so that the thread can focus on a productive discussion. 

[carlmarxx]

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@bassileid5 wrote:

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@mam98031 wrote:

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@bassileid5 wrote:

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@vrykalak wrote:

If a package just disappears on its way to another country, 
1. does the seller get a defect for late delivery?

2. does the seller get another defect when the buyer files a SNAD or INR?

3. does the seller lose out by having to refund both the item price and the original shipping cost?

---

Hi Vryklak, 

Thanks for your question. 

The seller would only get 1 defect counted against them. They can however coordinate with our CS org to get it removed and advise that they did everything they could to ship the item but through reasons out of their control there was an issue. If the item did not get to the seller and it gets lost, then the seller would need to refund the buyer. If the item arrived to the buyer and it was a buyer's remorse case, meaning buyer made a mistake at purchase, the buyer would pay return shipping if the seller had clearly listed this in their international returns policy. 

Let me know if that clarifies and if you have a follow up question. Many thanks 

Bassil

---

Just for clarification.  That would be a defect against the Global stats for a seller, NOT the US stats, yes / no??

---

Hi Mam, 

Yes correct, this would count towards your global standards and would not impact domestic. 

Hope that clarifies. Thanks again, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  the international  sellers depending on their countries postal services  have  more parcel  shipping options with tracking  and verse rates  low and high . That put's the U.S. Shipper at a disadvantage  on the online market  and getting buyers .  Chinese sellers  have it good  .

[carlmarxx]

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@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

There are only a few countries where 1st Class parcels can be tracked.
Is there any chance eBay will implement a switch, where sellers can say: I only want to sell to countries that allow tracking of 1st Class packages?

I haven't sold internationally for years, because of this problem, but the last time I looked, in order to check only those (17 or so) countries, a seller had to:
- search the USPS site to find out when countries currently allow 1st Class tracking
- go to shipping options, and click on all 200+ countries to say NO SELLING
- go back and manually uncheck the trackable countries

---

Hi Vrykalak, 

Thanks for your comment. 

This is a great idea about USPS first class. I totally get it that tracking can be bad to countries when shipping first class. I would advise to pay the extra costs and ship USPS priority as this will ensure you won't get into trouble when any cases get opened against you. You can transfer that extra cost to the buyer and they would usual be happy to pay to be able to track the package ensuring it gets to them. 

Great idea tough and will certainly give it some thought. Thanks Vrykalak, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  I have been shipping international for years here and it was rare for me to have these buyers to want Priority mail  and express   which I always listed as a option .  when USPS had international air parcel post  that used all time by the international buyers that bought a lot of items .  

---

Hi Carlmarxx, 

Great point. USPS air parcel post was great. 

Buyers will typically want the cheapest option which is first class but it's not the best for them or the seller. They typically tend to be inexperienced with the amount of tracking coverage and they usually learn quite fast that this was not the best shipping option. I would stick to your guns and go with priority and inform the buyers why it is a better option. 

I feel your pain though Carlmarxx with the varying postal solution.  Thanks again and feel free to keep your questions and comments coming.  

Bassil

---

I have tried .  

[bassileid5]

---

@echo_and_zip wrote:

Greetings,

After a few 'lost' (no delivery scan) parcels, I quit selling Int'l.

When GSP came along, I was hesitant to 'opt in'.

An awesome GSP specialist walked me thru it at the time.

What I have found, as a Seller:

1. As all Customs fees are collected up front, and,

2. If seller completes item specifics (materials, weight, size),

3. the item sails thru Customs, w/ delivery often faster than FCMI, and,

4. tracking showing delivery, plus,

5. large/heavy items are less postage, (due to eBay / PB contract), than

6. shipping myself, direct, via insured mail, and

7. it is less, for a 'priority' type speed, even with the PB 'fee'...

BUT...

BUYERS don't DO those calculations...

there is urban myth that GSP costs MORE.

Of course, any buyer avoiding Customs fees MAy pay less,

but, if caught, then, the late surprise notice collects it.

IS there ANY WAY eBay can somehow COMPARE a 1, 2, 3 lbs parcel,

FOR a user, showing due postage & fees, WITH & WITHOUT GSP,

so a Seller & Buyer could work on best way to get a shipment ?

Right now, the "fake news" anti-GSP is convincing others to:

" Not buy from any seller using GSP ".

Can you help ?

Thx.

---

Hi Echo and Zip, 

Love the fake news line. Fully agree, I think a view to show GSP vs direct ship of your item would be great and help guide the buyer and seller in the right direction. We are always investigating what insights we can give sellers to help them convert greater sales and this is a good suggestion. 

For now, one of the key ways to prevent buyers from avoiding duties and taxes would be to ship via a commercial option like fedex or DHLwhere they will collect D&T upon arrival. Be specific in your listings that buyers will need to pay this. If they refuse, then highlight it to our CS team. 

Great insights from your side. Thanks again and feel free to ask a follow up question, 

Bassil

[vrykalak]

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

...Chinese sellers  have it good  .

---

How do Chinese sellers offer electronic gear for<$1 price and free shipping? 
If someone in China is selling an item, no one is going to buy it from a US seller, because shipping even 1 oz costs over $3.

Any ideas for convincing buyers our domestic product it better?

[bassileid5]

---

@vrykalak wrote:

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

There are only a few countries where 1st Class parcels can be tracked.
Is there any chance eBay will implement a switch, where sellers can say: I only want to sell to countries that allow tracking of 1st Class packages?

I haven't sold internationally for years, because of this problem, but the last time I looked, in order to check only those (17 or so) countries, a seller had to:
- search the USPS site to find out when countries currently allow 1st Class tracking
- go to shipping options, and click on all 200+ countries to say NO SELLING
- go back and manually uncheck the trackable countries

---

Hi Vrykalak, 

Thanks for your comment. 

This is a great idea about USPS first class. I totally get it that tracking can be bad to countries when shipping first class. I would advise to pay the extra costs and ship USPS priority as this will ensure you won't get into trouble when any cases get opened against you. You can transfer that extra cost to the buyer and they would usual be happy to pay to be able to track the package ensuring it gets to them. 

Great idea tough and will certainly give it some thought. Thanks Vrykalak, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  I have been shipping international for years here and it was rare for me to have these buyers to want Priority mail  and express   which I always listed as a option .  when USPS had international air parcel post  that used all time by the international buyers that bought a lot of items .  

---

Yes, I used that, too. It was a little more expensive than domestic Parce Post, but it WORKED! When that went away, and I got socked with a couple of (expensive) items getting lost, I stopped offering to sell internationally.

---

Hey Carlmarxx, 

Yeah that service was great. Have you tried shipping with a commercial carrier like DHL or Fedex? They usually are more reliable then postal carrier. A bit more expensive but will help cover you. 

There is great potential in international and hate to see you give it up. Just have to find that sweet spot shipping solution like you had in the past. Thanks Carl, 

Bassil

Bassil

[mam98031]

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@mam98031 wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

If a package just disappears on its way to another country, 
1. does the seller get a defect for late delivery?

2. does the seller get another defect when the buyer files a SNAD or INR?

3. does the seller lose out by having to refund both the item price and the original shipping cost?

---

Hi Vryklak, 

Thanks for your question. 

The seller would only get 1 defect counted against them. They can however coordinate with our CS org to get it removed and advise that they did everything they could to ship the item but through reasons out of their control there was an issue. If the item did not get to the seller and it gets lost, then the seller would need to refund the buyer. If the item arrived to the buyer and it was a buyer's remorse case, meaning buyer made a mistake at purchase, the buyer would pay return shipping if the seller had clearly listed this in their international returns policy. 

Let me know if that clarifies and if you have a follow up question. Many thanks 

Bassil

---

Just for clarification.  That would be a defect against the Global stats for a seller, NOT the US stats, yes / no??

---

Hi Mam, 

Yes correct, this would count towards your global standards and would not impact domestic. 

Hope that clarifies. Thanks again, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  the international  sellers depending on their countries postal services  have  more parcel  shipping options with tracking  and verse rates  low and high . That put's the U.S. Shipper at a disadvantage  on the online market  and getting buyers .  Chinese sellers  have it good  .

---

"Chinese sellers  have it good."

"Good" is the biggest understatement I've seen in a very long time !!!!

[carlmarxx]

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@echo_and_zip wrote:

Greetings,

After a few 'lost' (no delivery scan) parcels, I quit selling Int'l.

When GSP came along, I was hesitant to 'opt in'.

An awesome GSP specialist walked me thru it at the time.

What I have found, as a Seller:

1. As all Customs fees are collected up front, and,

2. If seller completes item specifics (materials, weight, size),

3. the item sails thru Customs, w/ delivery often faster than FCMI, and,

4. tracking showing delivery, plus,

5. large/heavy items are less postage, (due to eBay / PB contract), than

6. shipping myself, direct, via insured mail, and

7. it is less, for a 'priority' type speed, even with the PB 'fee'...

BUT...

BUYERS don't DO those calculations...

there is urban myth that GSP costs MORE.

Of course, any buyer avoiding Customs fees MAy pay less,

but, if caught, then, the late surprise notice collects it.

IS there ANY WAY eBay can somehow COMPARE a 1, 2, 3 lbs parcel,

FOR a user, showing due postage & fees, WITH & WITHOUT GSP,

so a Seller & Buyer could work on best way to get a shipment ?

Right now, the "fake news" anti-GSP is convincing others to:

" Not buy from any seller using GSP ".

Can you help ?

Thx.

---

Hi Echo and Zip, 

Love the fake news line. Fully agree, I think a view to show GSP vs direct ship of your item would be great and help guide the buyer and seller in the right direction. We are always investigating what insights we can give sellers to help them convert greater sales and this is a good suggestion. 

For now, one of the key ways to prevent buyers from avoiding duties and taxes would be to ship via a commercial option like fedex or DHLwhere they will collect D&T upon arrival. Be specific in your listings that buyers will need to pay this. If they refuse, then highlight it to our CS team. 

Great insights from your side. Thanks again and feel free to ask a follow up question, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  since when is it in the sellers job to help international buyers to avoid paying their countries Vat tax, Since their goverment setup  the amount  import Vat tax . Since it is buyer  issue  not mine as a seller . 

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

Thanks Bassil, but doesn't the new TRS Plus requirement for 30 day returns go into effect June 1st? Are you saying the date will not coincide with that date, but will be a month or two later?

[carlmarxx]

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

There are only a few countries where 1st Class parcels can be tracked.
Is there any chance eBay will implement a switch, where sellers can say: I only want to sell to countries that allow tracking of 1st Class packages?

I haven't sold internationally for years, because of this problem, but the last time I looked, in order to check only those (17 or so) countries, a seller had to:
- search the USPS site to find out when countries currently allow 1st Class tracking
- go to shipping options, and click on all 200+ countries to say NO SELLING
- go back and manually uncheck the trackable countries

---

Hi Vrykalak, 

Thanks for your comment. 

This is a great idea about USPS first class. I totally get it that tracking can be bad to countries when shipping first class. I would advise to pay the extra costs and ship USPS priority as this will ensure you won't get into trouble when any cases get opened against you. You can transfer that extra cost to the buyer and they would usual be happy to pay to be able to track the package ensuring it gets to them. 

Great idea tough and will certainly give it some thought. Thanks Vrykalak, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  I have been shipping international for years here and it was rare for me to have these buyers to want Priority mail  and express   which I always listed as a option .  when USPS had international air parcel post  that used all time by the international buyers that bought a lot of items .  

---

Yes, I used that, too. It was a little more expensive than domestic Parce Post, but it WORKED! When that went away, and I got socked with a couple of (expensive) items getting lost, I stopped offering to sell internationally.

---

Hey Carlmarxx, 

Yeah that service was great. Have you tried shipping with a commercial carrier like DHL or Fedex? They usually are more reliable then postal carrier. A bit more expensive but will help cover you. 

There is great potential in international and hate to see you give it up. Just have to find that sweet spot shipping solution like you had in the past. Thanks Carl, 

Bassil

Bassil

---

They are a lot more exspensive  $95  +   ,None of my buyers will pay it   .

[echo_and_zip]

Hi, Bassill,

The only Fed Ex that is (sometimes) more economical is 'Smart Post', (to USA or TO Erlanger GSP) ,which, luckily, an eBay Seller buying thru eBay labels can GET. Otherwise, the FedEx Contract doesn't offer it for 'low volume'. An It'l  USPS PM flat rate envelope or box will almost always be cheaper for heavy vs. Fed Ex. BUT... still... the Chinese 'eat our lunch' due to their subsidies, and make us look like 'gougers'... plus... Buyers don't KNOW the Chinese Sellers get a huge BREAK on postage... Can eBay consider a 'negotiation' w/ Fed Ex, (like Smart Post), for Int'l (like the old Surface Mail), for Sellers willing to risk losses & selfd insure ?

[go-bad-chicken]

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

There are only a few countries where 1st Class parcels can be tracked.
Is there any chance eBay will implement a switch, where sellers can say: I only want to sell to countries that allow tracking of 1st Class packages?

I haven't sold internationally for years, because of this problem, but the last time I looked, in order to check only those (17 or so) countries, a seller had to:
- search the USPS site to find out when countries currently allow 1st Class tracking
- go to shipping options, and click on all 200+ countries to say NO SELLING
- go back and manually uncheck the trackable countries

---

Hi Vrykalak, 

Thanks for your comment. 

This is a great idea about USPS first class. I totally get it that tracking can be bad to countries when shipping first class. I would advise to pay the extra costs and ship USPS priority as this will ensure you won't get into trouble when any cases get opened against you. You can transfer that extra cost to the buyer and they would usual be happy to pay to be able to track the package ensuring it gets to them. 

Great idea tough and will certainly give it some thought. Thanks Vrykalak, 

Bassil

---

Bassil

I ship internationally quite a bit, and am well versed with all of the international shipping options and carrier services that are available to me as a USA based seller.

While I understand that there is no easy answer to the OP's original question, and that sellers who wish to sell their wares to buyers outside of the USA will constantly have to make adjustments to their business models if they wish to remain competitive within the various international markets, the advice such that you provided the OP can be very detrimental to a seller's potential success  selling to various internationally destinations, here on eBay or any other online marketplace for that matter.

"I would advise to pay the extra costs and ship USPS priority as this will ensure you won't get into trouble when any cases get opened against you. You can transfer that extra cost to the buyer and they would usual be happy to pay to be able to track the package ensuring it gets to them."

I just shipped a 2 lbs. item 20 minutes ago to the U.K. via USPS 1st Class International Package Service. While I realize that 1st Class International has tracking available to the U.K., the difference in cost between the two services (USPS 1st Class  International - $20.10 vs. USPS Priority Mail International - $44.37) would have been  $24.27 more at the 2 lbs rate.

This example that I have provided in the difference in costs ($24.37) between the two services  is relatively on par for most other international destinations. So charging potential buyers $24.00 plus extra just so they can receive a service that includes tracking will price many USA based eBay sellers out of the market.

[bassileid5]

---

@nycfitnessfamilyfinds wrote:

Hi
Following up on Bassil's comment re visibility.
OK- so I list on eBay and I ship everywhere.
1- does my item get more visibility on non US sites with GSP over me shipping international myself?
2- Bassil said I get visibility listing items internationally. How much MORE visibility do I get paying the extra 50 cents? thanks
3- Can eBay do a SIMPLE with PICTURES or video step by step - how to offer shipping options to international shoppers - how can I offer GSP and my international shipping on the same listing? 
Thank you very much. 20-25% of my sales are non-US.
Kathy -

---

Hi Kathy, 

Great questions and thanks for bringing this over from Facebook. 

1. Direct ship will typically get more visibility since the price of the shipping is lower in many cases. Therfore our search will prioritize the lower cost. There is also an aspect of speed. Faster the service the higher up you will appear in search. 

2. The best way to get visibility is to list directly on ebay.ca, ebay.fr, ebay.co.uk and other ebay sites. This will treat your listing on par with other items listed on those sites. I know there is a toggle on the listing flow but this is not the best option especially for ebay.de as there is a language difference. Encourage you to try listing on other sites and using google translate to change at least list the title in the local language. 

3. I posted a guide on how to list internationally on every single combination. This will give you some insights. 

Let me know how I can help further. Thanks Kathy. Great questions. 

Bassil

[carlmarxx]

---

@mam98031 wrote:

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@mam98031 wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

If a package just disappears on its way to another country, 
1. does the seller get a defect for late delivery?

2. does the seller get another defect when the buyer files a SNAD or INR?

3. does the seller lose out by having to refund both the item price and the original shipping cost?

---

Hi Vryklak, 

Thanks for your question. 

The seller would only get 1 defect counted against them. They can however coordinate with our CS org to get it removed and advise that they did everything they could to ship the item but through reasons out of their control there was an issue. If the item did not get to the seller and it gets lost, then the seller would need to refund the buyer. If the item arrived to the buyer and it was a buyer's remorse case, meaning buyer made a mistake at purchase, the buyer would pay return shipping if the seller had clearly listed this in their international returns policy. 

Let me know if that clarifies and if you have a follow up question. Many thanks 

Bassil

---

Just for clarification.  That would be a defect against the Global stats for a seller, NOT the US stats, yes / no??

---

Hi Mam, 

Yes correct, this would count towards your global standards and would not impact domestic. 

Hope that clarifies. Thanks again, 

Bassil

---

Bassil  the international  sellers depending on their countries postal services  have  more parcel  shipping options with tracking  and verse rates  low and high . That put's the U.S. Shipper at a disadvantage  on the online market  and getting buyers .  Chinese sellers  have it good  .

---

"Chinese sellers  have it good."

"Good" is the biggest understatement I've seen in a very long time !!!!

---

I know ! 

[bassileid5]

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

---

@bassileid5 wrote:

---

@carlmarxx wrote:

Alan  I have been selling and shipping to international buyers  since 2003  . Currently International sale have dropped to   1  every other   4 to 5 months  in the toys & Hobby's category  I deal in .  I used to have  60 to 70% international  buyers before Ebay came up with GSP .  The high shipping cost for international FCMI are high for items under  8 Oz.'s   . The large flat international envelope  shipping is out do to the international buyers countries customs  not able  to deal the parcels  and  Vat tax if any is required . The U.S.  Shippers  have limited  shipping options  with no E-Packet shipping with tracking   options  the other countries postal services have  at lower prices  .

---

Hi Carlmarx, 

Thanks for your comment and love the name. 

Sorry to hear about the down turn in international sale. Would love to take a deeper look into your account as there could be a number of reasons for a decline in international sales. From our experience, we see better conversion for items in your categories shipped directly then through GSP so it is quite surprising. What shipping service do you use and which countries are you shipping? 

Looking forward to diving deeper and thanks Carl, 

Bassil

---

Hi: Bassil  I ship  first class international for items under 4 pounds .  about 90%  aren't Vat taxed .  I do  have few items that are over 4 pounds  and have to ship prioirty mail.   I do charge a small Handling fee .  used to ship too the UK , AU  . And Canada  where most of my buyers . Will tell they where not happy about GSP.

---

Hi Carl, 

I think your approach is great. Your right that Canada does favor direct ship over GSP. 

Looking forward to seeing you progressing. Thanks again Carl, 

Bassil

[alan@ebay]

Thank you all for joining us today. We're closing the thread as the hour is up. Bassil will stay on to answer questions he hasn't got to yet. 

Have a great rest of the week.