Ebay international shipping program

[charliesgear]

Just a note of warning to folks that "feel protected" from any mishaps with delivery in foreign lands when using eBay international shipping program.

I was under the impression that when a case of late or lost delivery should come about after eBay had taken control of the package at their shipping center, that eBay's promise to the seller was that they would decide in favor of the shipper (me) if a customer opened a case for either late, lost or not delivered product. 

I was definitely wrong as eBay just charged my account for the cost of the item plus the total cost of shipping for a package that was late and listed as "not able to deliver". The item is currently lost in the system, so not only did I have to pay eBay $108.00 to reimburse the customer, but I also have lost the $89.00 item.

I have gone back and forth with customer service to try to make sense of what happened and have tried to not only explain that I used the ebay program to help gain protection but also I've tried asking whether or not this would happen again if the same situation should occur and to date my questions have not been answered. Not one.  If anyone besides myself here has ever tried to get answers for a direct question, they'll know what I mean when I say that it's nothing but frustrating. Not to mention that had I simply used my previous shipping company, the package would have made it to the country that I was shipping to much sooner.

The moral of the story is that it is not worth using the eBay international shipping program for my shipping  because it's way more of a headache than shipping direct with the carrier of choice and just dealing with them if they loose the item or can't deliver for some reason.  At least you can talk to someone about it then, get direct answers and put the problem to bed.

Warning: read between the lines if you ever read about the benefits of using the program.

Charlie

[downunder-61]

I always thought the GSP protected you from this as well, but on some other threads I have read there seems to be conflicting evidence/opinions.

Have you appealed the decision ?

You can contact Pitney Bowes direct also > https://www.pitneybowes.com/au/contact-us.html

[powell-memorabilia]

I’ve had two INR’s with GSP, and one credit card chargeback.  All cases swiftly decided in my favor - just took one call each to CS to point out that the was were GSP shipments.  Granted, if I hadn’t called, who knows what would have happened.

[itscalledapostingid]

The automated ebay systems don't handle GSP issues correctly. Always contact ebay and ask specifically to speak with the Global Shipping Team. 

[vickyaa]

 There is a form to fill out , Did you fill out the form for eBay international package lost?  https://www.pip-claim.com/PIPClaim/eBayIntClaim/CreateeBayClaim

[ckimodog]

I used GSP for two items I sold, both were returned to me undeliverable.  I quickly kicked GSP to the curb.  Not worth the headaches.  

[ittybitnot]

@charliesgear 

There are two different eBay programs for international shipping.  People often get these confused.  One has some seller protection for lost/damaged items, the other just has $100 insurance (see claim form at bottom): 

eBay international standard delivery

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-international-standar...

or the

Global Shipping Program

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/global-shipping-program?id...

standard delivery claim:

https://www.pip-claim.com/PIPClaim/eBayIntClaim/CreateeBayClaim

[vintage-camerastuff]

Sorry that this happened to you but ebay international shipping won't cover the late or lost package.   This has happened to me a number of times and I have also had to pay.   For me the only good news has been that each time the package was eventually returned to me.  It did take a while for the package to come back.

[charliesgear]

When I read the details of the program, it says that when a customer has a delivery issue that eBay will decide in the favor of the seller and that is not what happened. I was charged for the item and shipping.

So again my question was not answered.

I do thank you for the link that you sent as that will at least help return some of the lost funds if they payout.

[charliesgear]

I should add that I opted into the Global shipping program, so I may have been calling it the wrong name as I didn't see that there were different programs

[charliesgear]

I filled out the form however they replied that I needed to wait longer to apply and the time frame they gave me was beyond the limit to apply  from the date of shipping the item originally. So I don't know whether they'll accept it or not at this point.

[charliesgear]

That's what I should have done instead of writing.

[charliesgear]

I appealed but they sent me a link to apply for an insurance claim for flat rate $100. I did and the insurance replied that I needed to wait longer to apply and the date they gave me was beyond the stated "limit" from date of original shipping. (the package sat at the eBay terminal for quite a while) so by the time the customer filed a case, it extended the timeframe quite a bit.

[glasser]

Stick with USPS for international. I have never had a none delivery issue and I send 20-30 international packages a year. GSP and EISD sub par.  Not sure GSP even saves any money. EISD not worth the savings. For all its faults, the USPS does have longstanding systems for international and agreements and treaties or whatever for hand offs to other postal systems. 

[powell-memorabilia]

From my experience, GSP does save money for the customer, but ONLY if customs fees would have been applied.  For those with a knack and the desire to avoid such charges, GSP is more expensive.  I've only seen maybe ten to fifteen itemized GSP bills (when a customer sends to me with questions), and GSP consistently does better on shipping rates than I'd get on my own.  Not sure if pricing of the item helps - my GSP shipments are usually for items ranging from $50 to $200.  

I loathe shipping internationally without GSP.  I no longer entertain any direct shipments - too many headaches.  Almost every time I ship direct, I regret it.  

Funny how experiences vary so much across buyers - some swear by EISD, others GSP, others direct shipments, and so many won't ship ANYTHING overseas.  Heck, there is a huge number of sellers that won't even send anything to a forwarding company.