I was Automatically Enrolled in International Shipping Program and Not Happy

[rckr43]

After receiving this message from eBay I ended all my listings.

"You’ve been enrolled in eBay International Shipping—our new program that makes it easy to sell internationally. And, it comes with incredible benefits:"

I'm not a large volume seller so it's not a huge deal. My issue is that I created shipping rules to specifically not offer international shipping and eBay showed no respect for those rules.

/rant

[rckr43]

LOL @gurlcat 

It wouldn't surprise me.

[rckr43]

You you ever spent a few hundred dollars on an item and not checked the sellers other listings @jonathanbrightlight ? And looked for an honest review/detailed description of other items listed for sale? And not get burned?

[rckr43]

Anyway.... eBay should have offered the option of opting in to the international shipping program with links to look into it, rather than automatically include me in the program. 

[inhawaii]

Be unhappy.

Opt out of the program.

Be happy.

Problem solved.

[gurlcat]

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@rckr43 wrote:

Anyway.... eBay should have offered the option of opting in to the international shipping program with links to look into it, rather than automatically include me in the program. 

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I think that's a fair point.  But the thing you have to keep in mind is that eBay has an interest in sellers making more sales, just as sellers do.  This is not the only sales boosting tool that they opt us into (requiring opt out if we don't like it).  -At least this one came with a message to inform you that they did it.  Others aren't known until somebody here notices, posts about it,  and we all check and find out it's true, LOL. 

[toysaver]

There is a currency exchange fee associated with all international transactions, even for freight forwarding services.  This is a stumbling block for sellers with tight profit margins and lots of competition.  My drive through bank had an announcement on the window this week that their transaction fee was going up to 7%  June 2.  I guarantee eBay won't be far behind.  

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@rckr43 wrote:

Thanks @chevymontecarlo88 

I'm still going to opt out. Then I'll schedule (to appear at the same time) about a dozen listings with value of about $2K or more.

I need to look like a seller if I want to sell. And... I have enough positive recent feedback as a seller, even though some buyers have not left any feedback. 

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BTW. Nice vintage stereo equipment you sold in the past. I can understand your apprehension on shipping those internationally. (without using EIS) With items like amplifiers (vintage audio equipment), I would prefer them having an opt out for domestic sales. (only allow EIS sales) Sometimes the domestic customers can be some of the worst to deal with. (on vintage gear)

edit. clarification

[jonathanbrightlight]

No.

No, I haven’t.

And I have no idea why that’s relevant.

[rckr43]

Interesting 'take' on domestic buyers for vintage audio equipment.

I've done well enough, so far.... I provide an honest review hoping my buyers know what to expect. I seriously want them to be happy with their purchase. I know the potential of what I sell in that category and check other listings and prices.

I do have more to sell. In some ways I've already sold my best, in other ways I'm saving the best for last.

I haven't opted out of the international shipping program, yet. I'll look into it and give it some thought. It's time for me to 'regroup' anyway, so ending all listings because eBay prompted an attitude might not be a bad thing.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

There is no currency exchange fee associated with EIS.

It is a well thought out service, and for that reason has more favorable comments on this thread many other Ebay initiative in recent years has had.

Satisfying Canadian buyers is the only major deficit one can point to and frankly some Canadians might complain about the price, even if the shipping cost was negative.

When I stopped shipping internationally, Canada was the second country I stopped shipping to, right after Italy. Canada Post was too erratic in delivery times for it to be worth the incremental business. I have some Canadian buyers who see real value in EIS and the courier services who do last mile delivery for them.

[gurlcat]

Nothing wrong with taking a break and regrouping, especially with large, heavy, higher-value items.   I agree with everyone who gushed about how great EIS is (even chevymontecarlo saying he would sell to only EIS customers -I wouldn't go quite that far but I sure wish eBay protected us as well with domestic buyers as they do for EIS).  

BUT none of us know your inventory like you do, nor does anyone have exactly the same preferences or goals; only you can make those decisions. 

During your regroup, if I could offer just one piece of advice it would be this:  Make reading Community posts (old and recent) your new hobby for a while.  Any topic titles you think look interesting.  You'll be astounded at the amount of stuff you didn't even know you didn't know, ha.  The regulars here know a thousand times more than any overseas eBay employee, and whenever we run into something we don't know, we compare notes and even run experiments until we figure it out. 

eBay isn't half as evil as some of the angrier posters think it is, but it's not always as transparent as it should be either.  That's what this Community is great for, writing the unwritten. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

The only reason in the world to 'end listings' and refuse to use EIS is:

There isn't one. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@rckr43 wrote:

Interesting 'take' on domestic buyers for vintage audio equipment.

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Specifically tube amplifiers sold on eBay. Without any seller protections domestically, it is like playing with fire. I am not questioning your skillset as much as the kind of buyers that are out there on eBay. It is nice to see come cool gear on the site and hope you continue to do well. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@gurlcat wrote:

Nothing wrong with taking a break and regrouping, especially with large, heavy, higher-value items.   I agree with everyone who gushed about how great EIS is (even chevymontecarlo saying he would sell to only EIS customers -I wouldn't go quite that far but I sure wish eBay protected us as well with domestic buyers as they do for EIS).  

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Unless you understand the issues and problems with shipping a vintage Fender Tweed Bassman or High-Power Twin, it will sound a little crazy to limit your buying audience. Many of these amps cannot be easily replaced and cost a few pennies. Risk vs Reward. With many of these amplifiers, a cap, resistor, transformer or tubes can fail because of their age. 

I am glad you're staying positive today @gurlcat ! You do have some great presentation skills and should highlight them more often.  

[gurlcat]

I'm always positive Baby!   High on life!