Clothing Sellers: Have You Tried the Global Shipping Program?

[midnight_mystic]

I primarily sell women's clothing in sizes large to 3X, mostly Coldwater Creek and Chico's, most pre-owned in excellent condition, some new, $15 to $45.

Now I ship to the US only. Thinking of using GSP to increase sales. I was wondering if similar sellers had tried the GSP and if it increased sales. Thanks.

[klassic*kids]

I sell pre-owned clothing also, mostly children's, but some womens and mens.  I offer international shipping but not through eBay's globale program -- just ship first class international.  I have never had a problem with an overseas sale but that's just me.

[retrose1]

Nope, and I never will.

OP, if you are thinking about shipping International, find out which countries have the most problems with delivery and customs,  then the price to ship, and then how well your items will be received in the countries that are left.

I sell clothing, most used on ebay and vintage on another site and all the above are factors in where i will ship.  For example, I have never shipped plus sized garment to Japan, it is rare to see an overweight one.  I offer it, but they don't buy, they tend toward alternative and trendy clothing, or buying back their heritage.  But when I ship there, I have never ever had a problem, case or dispute.  I love Japan.

Because the price to ship International is high, you have to think about the total cost to International buyers, a garment that is $9.99 becomes $32 to someone in England and that is often a turn off.  But a higher dollar item means bigger risk for you in case of a scam so you have to weigh the pros and cons.

There are prohibited and restricted items to certain countries so get to know them.   Italy's restricted list is comical, AND they will let almost NO clothing past customs, and shoes are on the list of no-no's.  But i have gotten stuff past Italy customs, but because I know what I can get in there.

I will not ship to countries that are at war with us or someone else, or making noises about it.  The postal and delivery systems will be undependable.  Do some research and find out which customs are troublesome and slow.  I will not ship to Central and South America, or to Germany, because they are slow or scammy,  and of course Africa for obvious reasons.

Why let someone else make money off your work when you can make it all yourself.  I ship about a tenth of my items Internationally.

[mudshark61369]

@midnight_mystic,

" Thinking of using GSP to increase sales. I was wondering if similar sellers had tried the GSP and if it increased sales".

Any buyer who has bought from a seller who uses the global shipping program (GSP) before is unlikely to buy from a sellers who ship that way again. You have probably read what ebay claims the GSP does for you as a seller, but have you read what happens on the buyers side yet?  If not open the link below.

https://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/shipping-globally.html

The basics are, the buyers pay twice for shipping, and usually do not find out the final costs until after buying the item. They may also be charged unnecessary customs fees or duties.  Estimated delivery times go out the window, since the GSP center may hold items until they have enough going to a location, that they can ship for a bulk rate.  The GSP also reserves the right to repackage items, if they decide an item can be shipped more economically in a smaller box or with less packing material. 

As a seller just try to settle a damaged item or lost item INR dispute when the GSP is involved.

A UK seller I have dealt with regularly for years switched to the GSP, and after that experience, I messaged them and said they would lose a long time customer if they did not offer another option for shipping.  After they received several feedback comments about it, they did drop it.  

[duggmills]

My opinion is to not bother with Global Shipping in your market.

How does the size 3X translate to European women's sizes. Is that shown on the labels? 

My  next somewhat tongue in cheek question is;  How many countries you might sell to have 3X women?  It's not Vietnam or Bangladesh.....

[muttlymob]

The GSP is not well suited to lightweight, low value items.

[honestabe411]

Yes I offer GSP on everything. Not sure what would hold someone back from selling to other countries at the ease of eBay practically doing it for you. I would only ship GSP internationally. I've been asked to do overseas without it and I refuse. Yes it cost the customer more, but I am protected much more and don't have to worry about forms or any of that. Out of maybe 40+ GSP sales I've only had 1 return which was my mistake.

Buyers who use GSP often pay around $26 shipping for a pair of jeans that might sell for $15. Which is funny, but if they want it bad enough then be my guest. Why not offer it? Why limit sales?

About 1 out of 40 or 50 or so are GSP buyers.

[retrose1]

---

@honestabe411 wrote:
Yes I offer GSP on everything. Not sure what would hold someone back from selling to other countries at the ease of eBay practically doing it for you. I would only ship GSP internationally. I've been asked to do overseas without it and I refuse. Yes it cost the customer more, but I am protected much more and don't have to worry about forms or any of that. Out of maybe 40+ GSP sales I've only had 1 return which was my mistake.

Buyers who use GSP often pay around $26 shipping for a pair of jeans that might sell for $15. Which is funny, but if they want it bad enough then be my guest. Why not offer it? Why limit sales?

About 1 out of 40 or 50 or so are GSP buyers.

---

Since jeans weigh more than a pound, they generally cost $22.50 at the counter to ship Internationally.   I just shipped a pair.  So GSP is gouging the buyer, but shipping is high to begin with.