While I understand that eBay requires its MBG, there ought to be some reasonable sanity to it! I shipped a package to Switzerland via EBay International Standard Shipping. The package arrived in the buyers location, Zurich, but he refused to lift a finger to pick it up. He wanted it resent, based on Amazon resending a book that was stuck at the airport. My 250.00 package is a bit more expensive to just resend because delivery is late. In all probability, he would end up with two items, the first one and the one I resent.
Apparently, eBay calculates delivery dates--for its own international shipping service-- in a manner that makes almost every delivery late! Frequently they use shippers that don't bother recording deliveries! Buyers simply look at the tracking, see that the delivery was not recorded, and open a MBG request. That way they can make purchases on eBay and pay nothing! It's really catching on!
These buyers fight tooth and nail to avoid lifting one finger to locate their lost packages, because they've already received them. They want their money! They believe they're entitled to it, because they're Europeans and we're Americans! They have an entitlement civilization, and take great offense at anyone qustioning their motives!
In the MBG case this buyer opened, I added tracking information twice! Not only does tech support refuse to communicate in English--though they know it very well--they are arrogant and smug liars! I received a message from Dianne Sauer of eBay Germany, which I had to translate on google--even though the eBay email system does that automatically unless you specifically tell it not to--saying that I provided not even a tracking number!
So, because of the smug arrogance of the German and Swiss, and their propensity to lie (which is not a new thing), I have stopped shipping there. I've already blocked Sweden for the same reason. EBay just plays into it! I think if the international package makes it to the destination city, the buy is responsible to locate it, because it's their customs agency that holds it up! Americans can't interact with the foreign customs agency, because Americans speak English! Foreign customs refuse to use English, even though they can speak it! They just don't want the extra work! EBay plays into that corruption too!
I shipped my first package with eBay International some years ago. It was lost! I said 'no more'. Recently, I said, 'maybe it's better now!' Three packages later, another package is lost. From talking to other sellers, half the time delivery is not recorded. Not so with USPS! It has never lost one of my packages without a trace! It has always found it! What's more, when I've had to file a claim for missing or damaged contents with things I was supposed to receive, there were no questions asked, just a check in the mail within two weeks!
Even though USPS doesn't offer package search for First Class International, if you ask, they will do it! It burns me up that EU citizens are scamming the system to make purchases on eBay which are refunded, because European Postal Services won't record deliveries for eBay International Snipping! But if you use USPS, you will always get delivery confirmation!
If a nation scams eBay, it has little effect. But if it messes around USPS, the consequences could be being put back in the stone age. EBay has zero clout with foreign governments! They shake it around like a ragdoll in a ratweiller's mouth!
Not to disparage eBay. It does the best job it can. Some things are beyond its reach. There are more buyers on eBay because of the MBG. That's good for everyone. I mean everything i mentioned regarding eBay, in the nicest possible way. I've been selling here since 2000 A.D. I hear all kinds of people who want vengeance on eBay! EBay is a thing! No one can exact vengeance on a thing, because things don't feel pain, loss, anger, frustration; only people do! So, have at it, because no one buyer or seller makes much of a difference to eBay! You can't harm it in a meaningful way!
EBay just wants people to come here and vent their frustration, and get over it. However, I also have 2.7 million online readers, of which I calculated 1000-2000 sell on eBay and ship using eBay International Standard Shipping and/or Global Shipping Program!
It is my informed and honest opinion, devoid of angst, ill will and/or malice, that those services should be avoided from an objective cost benefit standpoint! Over time, it is simply impossible to recoup shipping-related losses though cost saving on shipping fees.
