International Customer Fee (WHAT A RACKET)

[jplme38]

Finally after 34 days & 5 listings later I sold the camera that started this fiasco! Problem now is the gut punch when the bill was delivered & almost $100 in fees! Read everything carefully & although high I was prepared for the 12.9% of total, what slapped me silly was the 1.65% international buyers charge because the customers home address is international but I am shipping to US Address (most likely a FF) If eBay must charge this frivolous fee, then it should fall upon the buyer’s end, if not then the seller must be notified of said fee so they can accept it or refuse the sale! I would have refused the sale if I were informed of this fee. This screams sleazy, lo-rent, grifter type fee scheduling. 

[heckofagame]

Good grief. Nothing new here. Payment processors have been charging an international fee for a LONG time. They used to call it an exchange rate.

[stainlessenginecovers]

There has been an international fee for FF from Paypal since the early 2000's. Banks charge for processing international payments just like they do when you walk into a bank in Italy and want to exchange US dollars for Lira (or euros?) or visa versa. 

The fee is very slight. 

Would you accept a $493 offer on a $500 item?

Would you accept a $98.35 offer on a $100 item? 

[richard1rst]

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@jplme38 wrote:

Finally after 34 days & 5 listings later I sold the camera that started this fiasco! Problem now is the gut punch when the bill was delivered & almost $100 in fees! Read everything carefully & although high I was prepared for the 12.9% of total, what slapped me silly was the 1.65% international buyers charge because the customers home address is international but I am shipping to US Address (most likely a FF) If eBay must charge this frivolous fee, then it should fall upon the buyer’s end, if not then the seller must be notified of said fee so they can accept it or refuse the sale! I would have refused the sale if I were informed of this fee. This screams sleazy, lo-rent, grifter type fee scheduling. 

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Seriously? You would have refused a $100.00 sale because of $1.65 fee? Something about the nose spiting the face comes to mind.

[donsdetour]

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@jplme38 wrote:

Finally after 34 days & 5 listings later I sold the camera that started this fiasco! Problem now is the gut punch when the bill was delivered & almost $100 in fees! Read everything carefully & although high I was prepared for the 12.9% of total, what slapped me silly was the 1.65% international buyers charge because the customers home address is international but I am shipping to US Address (most likely a FF) If eBay must charge this frivolous fee, then it should fall upon the buyer’s end, if not then the seller must be notified of said fee so they can accept it or refuse the sale! I would have refused the sale if I were informed of this fee. This screams sleazy, lo-rent, grifter type fee scheduling. 

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New seller: shipped most likly through a freight forward addy: and a 500 dollar +  camera

Oh what can go wrong with all of this?????

As for the fee, well there is no way to opt out if they use a US addy.

Come back and let us know  how this goes. Good luck.

As for the fee it is a known fee,

"International fee

If your registered address is in the US, we charge an International fee if either:

The delivery address for the item (entered by the buyer during checkout) is outside the US, or
The buyer's registered address is outside the US (regardless of the delivery address for the item)

This fee is calculated as 1.65% of the total amount of the sale and is automatically deducted from your sales."

[monica-sells]

Here's an idea that would make you feel better

......

nevermind

(suffice it to say I love my international customers....)

[jplme38]

The point is not why the fee is being charged, the operative point is I blocked shipping internationally specifically to avoid international headaches, including fees, thus incumbent upon eBay to make sellers aware of the fee prior to finalizing the sale. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

Warnings are not going to happen. No blocking either. Just the nature of selling on this platform. 

[jplme38]

Not why I am upset, international exchange rates are inevitable & unavoidable (WHEN SELLING INTERNATIONALLY) 

[jplme38]

In a heartbeat! When I thought I had done all due diligence in ensuring it was clear I wasn’t shipping internationally, but egg on the face because intl buyers can still buy from you & ship it to a friend or freight forwarders as I have just learned 

[donsdetour]

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@jplme38 wrote:

The point is not why the fee is being charged, the operative point is I blocked shipping internationally specifically to avoid international headaches, including fees, thus incumbent upon eBay to make sellers aware of the fee prior to finalizing the sale. 

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Were I agree with you.

eBay want the sale no mater what you, or I say: and no way to opt out of it.

[buyologist-3]

"No blocking either."...

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Does this mean sellers are forced to sell internationally?  I didn't want to sell internationally for the hassles, either, also because ebay cannot help if there's a problem.  Did I misunderstand you?

[heckofagame]

I like freight forwarders. Once the tracking shows delivered, you are done. You don't have to worry about the international travel or customs. 

[donsdetour]

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@jplme38 wrote:

In a heartbeat! When I thought I had done all due diligence in ensuring it was clear I wasn’t shipping internationally, but egg on the face because intl buyers can still buy from you & ship it to a friend or freight forwarders as I have just learned 

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Yep it is true:

Now I have sold a lot through freight forward stem: and will state I have not had any problems. Knock on wood.

Cameras and lens were some of the items sold. This sale may turn out well for you.

Good luck and do remember that fee when you are offered some thing: go to the feedback and see where they are registered.

[caldreamer]

If a customer from another country makes a purchase using a "freight forwarder" located in USA (that is NOT  considered international shipment).    You cannot block these types of sales from happening and you will be charged "international fee".