eBay

collectibles201818 · ‎03-28-2019

We don't have a lot of international sales and we were wondering how to increase sales in those areas. Also, how do you handle international shipping and what items sale best international?

Any advice would help. Thanks.

duncanvr · ‎03-28-2019

First point would be to avoid some high risk countries so you need to block those in your shipping rule. Secondly I wouldn't offer bulky heavy items as the postage international will be to high. Third be aware even USPS shipping can be high for clothing etc when sending to overseas. GSP overseas postage rates are very high since they require tracking on every item. So if somehow you can offer a fixed shipping cost like $7.99 an item and cover the cost in your sales that would attract overseas buyers. But if you ask full shipping price on common items that may discourage overseas buyers. Personally I sell vintage mail from before 1900 these are light weight so I can offer free postage. This free airmail postage attracts a lot more buyers. If there is a way to offer free postage without affecting overall profit that would be best. But stick to easy to mail stuff or have a flat rate for international buyers on non bulky stuff. Personally I mail all my stuff with stamps and hand write the addresses. No problem if you extend the delivery time to 7-22days. Smaller collectibles maybe good sellers or one off items.

Don't be afraid to directly list onto eBay UK to pick up more overseas buyers, this works for me.

turquoisetulips · ‎03-29-2019

Don't be afraid to directly list onto eBay UK to pick up more overseas buyers, this works for me. dunacanver

If you're a seller in the U.S isn't there an extra charge for listing in the U.K ? I seen the option but I thought I read there would be a charge . Tulips

turquoisetulips · ‎03-29-2019

@collectibles201818 wrote:
We don't have a lot of international sales and we were wondering how to increase sales in those areas. Also, how do you handle international shipping and what items sale best international?

Any advice would help. Thanks.

I had so few international sales in the past that I finally gave up on it last year and felt it just wasn't worth the extra effort . However recently I began offering international sales again on some of my items . With the international sales I had made previously I found that anything to do with Hollywood or famous American characters did the best . I sell mainly lightweight jewelry so the shipping costs for overseas buyers were never real expensive . I use calculated shipping costs for first class international only . Tulips

mangorunner · ‎03-29-2019

@duncanvr wrote:
Don't be afraid to directly list onto eBay UK to pick up more overseas buyers, this works for me.

I have the same question as above. Is there an extra charge for this?

dirk12955 · ‎03-29-2019

@mangorunner wrote:
@duncanvr wrote:
Don't be afraid to directly list onto eBay UK to pick up more overseas buyers, this works for me.
I have the same question as above. Is there an extra charge for this?

Yes. .50 cents. But you open your listing to Millions of new buyers.

ifyouloveit · ‎03-29-2019

It was .50c for me when I tried the International listing to the UK for my pins and patches and other small collectibles.

Never sold a single thing International using this extra .50c eBay feature, so I am removing it for any future listings.

I would very much like to hear from more people who have used it with success 🙂

pjcdn2005 · ‎03-29-2019

You are using Priority mail even for countries that have delivery confirmation for first class international. Very few Canadians or British are going to pay $34 or $52 for shipping of a $5 xbox games. I would use first class international (available up to 4 lbs) for delcon countries and Priority for other countries. Actually I might use first class for most countries if the item was lower cost but I think that I'm in the minority. Or you could just ship to countries that have delcon.

Here's a list of countries that have delivery confirmation for first class.

https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_022.htm

penguins_dont_fly · ‎03-29-2019

@pjcdn2005 wrote:
You are using Priority mail even for countries that have delivery confirmation for first class international. Very few Canadians or British are going to pay $34 or $52 for shipping of a $5 xbox games. I would use first class international (available up to 4 lbs) for delcon countries and Priority for other countries. Actually I might use first class for most countries if the item was lower cost but I think that I'm in the minority. Or you could just ship to countries that have delcon.

Here's a list of countries that have delivery confirmation for first class.
https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_022.htm

That's exactly what I do.

FCPI to the eDelcon countries for under 4 lbs, PMI to the rest and over 4 lbs. Most of my international buyers are UK and Australia (about even), with Japan coming in 3rd.

https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_022.htm

penguins_dont_fly is a Volunteer Community Mentor
Buying and Selling since 2013

rixstuff · ‎03-29-2019

Use Paypal/shipnow and USPS shipping. The number off the customs form is used for tracking. Make sure you go to ebay.ca or ebay.uk to see if your items are showing up in searches on their site. If they aren't, make sure your settings are set that you WILL ship there. Include metric measurements.

rixstuff · ‎03-29-2019

OH! And First Class International is FOUR pounds unlike Domestic First Class of ONE pound. So you don't need to upgrade to Priority Mail to ship overseas - in fact best NOT to as it is expensive and wont get there ONE SECOND SOONER so save you and the buyer some money.

mangorunner · ‎03-29-2019

@pjcdn2005 wrote:
delcon countries

For anyone else like me, delcon countries = destination countries for which USPS will provide tracking and delivery information on First-Class Package International Service at no charge ("delivery confirmation").

penguins_dont_fly · ‎03-29-2019

@rixstuff wrote:
Use Paypal/shipnow and USPS shipping. The number off the customs form is used for tracking. Make sure you go to ebay.ca or ebay.uk to see if your items are showing up in searches on their site. If they aren't, make sure your settings are set that you WILL ship there. Include metric measurements.

TRS get 3% Discount on PMI/PMEI when shipped through eBay labels.

eBay labels handle international labels/customs forms just fine.

penguins_dont_fly is a Volunteer Community Mentor
Buying and Selling since 2013

rixstuff · ‎03-29-2019

@penguins_dont_fly wrote:
@rixstuff wrote:
Use Paypal/shipnow and USPS shipping. The number off the customs form is used for tracking. Make sure you go to ebay.ca or ebay.uk to see if your items are showing up in searches on their site. If they aren't, make sure your settings are set that you WILL ship there. Include metric measurements.
TRS get 3% Discount on PMI/PMEI when shipped through eBay labels.

eBay labels handle international labels/customs forms just fine.

I know but Paypal has many variations that don't come up on Ebay. But yeah Ebay labels usually work fine unless they default to the GSP which I never used.

rixstuff · ‎03-29-2019

I sell to Canada, UK, and Germany all the time and have never noticed extra listing fees. I'm not sure if my stuff shows up on their sites or they come to OUR site to search.

Oh and also note that VAT (taxes) or customs charges are the BUYER'S responsibility, NOT YOURS.