Global Shipping Program buyer opt-in

[rakslice]

Is there a way for the buyer to be able to opt-in to the global shipping program for an auction where the seller already uses it for some countries?

This would definitely add some opportunities for transactions that don't really make sense right now.

For a recent example, I was looking at some vintage computer software that is under US$30 but where the shipping from Southern California to anywhere in Canada is US$75.  I'm aware that this shipping cost is in the right range for a seller using USPS, having given a shipping weight estimate in the several pounds range, and being limited to the international parcel shipping types that are allowed for merchandise, according to UPU agreements, which I presume USPS is being more rigorous about as public attention about other countries' practices has grown in recent years. But for a cheap nice-to-have, over US$100 is just too much to spend, so they lost the sale.

However taking a quick look at the seller's shipping to other countries, I see they can ship to New Zealand, 5000 miles farther away, for US$22 (US$53 cheaper). How? Well, the seller has opted into the global shipping program for New Zealand.

I can understand why a vintage computing reseller in the US would not want to blanket opt in to the GSP for Canada -- it adds extra transit time, on the order of weeks between the western US and western Canada, but at least a couple of days, and theoretically creates more opportunity for mishaps, and many buyers, such as businesses urgently needing replacement parts, and collectors spending a premium for hard to find good condition items, may prefer paying extra for faster shipping.   But I don't.

[pjcdn2005 · Accepted solution]

Buyers can't opt in, the seller has to set up their listing to be a gsp listing or set it up to ship direct...the buyer can't choose.  If  the package is under 4 pounds it can be sent using USPS first class international.  If it more than that you have to use Priority and yes, that is really expensive to other countries.

I'm in Canada so I don't use the gsp but I am fairly certain that you can opt in to the gsp but just use it for some of your listings. I know of some sellers that only use it for items that are more than a specific weight as even first class can be expensive for heavier items.