I’ve opted out because I already had the same amount of exposure as the EIS gives, unless they ship to more countries than USPS does. I’ve streamlined my international shipping methods for so long now and my international returns are close to zero.
So it all comes down to the buyer out of pocket price. eBay mentions “The buyer will be charged US shipping costs that you've specified, as well as international shipping, handling, and other fees as determined by eBay. Import charges may be collected from the buyer at checkout or on delivery, either through customs or directly by the carrier. These charges include any customs duties, taxes, brokerage, and other fees.” This statement is the main reason why I’m not choosing EIS.
Many times I’m able to undercut eBay’s international postage cost through Pirateship. Let’s say I have an item price $20 with $10 shipping to Illinois. Someone in UK buys it and my price to ship to UK is $15, but eBay’s postage label cost is $20. So the EIS buyer final cost for this item will be AT LEAST $50 +customs fee +any eBay handling/other fees mentioned in the statement. Whereas the buyer non-EIS final cost will be $35 +customs fee. If I was that UK buyer and I saw those two prices side by side, you’d bet your **bleep** I’d choose the $35 one. I’m offering a discount of at least $15 by not using EIS.
I also don’t like if the buyer is forced to pay customs fees upfront at checkout. If the buyer sees the entire amount at checkout, it might discourage them from following through with the purchase. Having the buyer pay customs at delivery won’t make your price seem as high during checkout. I hardly get problems with buyers not paying their customs fee at pickup. And of the ones that don’t pay customs, 100% of the time I was eventually protected by eBay anyway.
So no EIS for me thanks. I’m much more competitive without it.
