eBay

j2774 · ‎04-13-2019

I previously posted somewhere asking about Global Shipping Programme but cannot find the thread. Since that time, this is what happened.

The item I purchased from the UK was delivered to Royal Mail the day after I purchased it. Royal Mail delivered it to the Global Shipping Programme partner in less than 24 hours. Then, it rotted with Global Shipping for the next several days.

This morning I contacted eBay to ask why I was unable to find the shipment using the Global Shipping Tracking number (I now have three of them by the way....). They could not tell me. So, I cannot watch google to see what day the package is to be delivered. Ebay estimates April 27th which is the exact same day it would have been estimated if it had been sent directly to me via Royal Mail. In my experience, Royal Mail gets my packages to me within 7 calendar days.

Further, once this purchase does arrive in the U.S., who gets it? Ebay said it goes to USPS. I said, well USPS is the same entity that would have gotten it had it shipped directly through Royal Mail, AND I would have been able to use the Royal Mail tracking number to track it all along the way. I cannot do this with the Global Shipping Programme, yet, I paid TWICE as much for it to be shipped through Global Shipping. I asked eBay, why have they sat on my package for at least three days so far. Ebay could not or would not say.

I asked eBay how does the Global Shipping Programme help me? I paid twice as much for it, but I cannot track the package, and I will not get it any sooner than estimated via Royal Mail, and there is no special delivery service once it arrives in the U.S.. It still has to come via USPS. What have I gained?

I was told if the package is damaged, I will not have to wait for the item to be sent back before I get my refund. That is the BIG advantage to me. Sorry, but I do not buy it. If I received a damaged item sent through Royal Mail, then I notify a seller, send pictures, etc. If seller wants it back, I can send it back. If it takes a week or so for seller to receive it back before I get my refund, well, that is just the time it takes. I have very rarely, if ever, had that happen to me, though.

The Global Shipping Programme is a crock. Someone may benefit from it, but it is more likely to be eBay than anyone else.

I buy on eBay because a lot of things I buy cannot be found locally, but I will not bite my tongue about the way I feel about eBay. I loathe eBay. There are some good sellers and buyers on eBay, but eBay has grown into a miserable marketplace as far as I am concerned. It started to go downhill right after it went public. Before then, it was a different place altogether. This Global Shipping Programme is just one more way for eBay to feather eBay's nest. I feel that is the long and the short of it.

disneyshopper · ‎04-13-2019

ebay/Pitney Bowes designed the Global Shipping Program for those sellers who do not wish to ship internationally for whatever reason. The seller only gets item price + domestic shipping. The rest of your payment goes to ebay/Pitney Bowes for international shipping + customs/duties/fees.

Look for sellers who ship directly to you if you wish to avoid the GSP.

disneyshopper
Volunteer Community Member

j2774 · ‎04-13-2019

Yep, that is about the size of it. We pay extra to ebay (or as you say eBay/Pitney Bowes) for what? I do not feel I have gotten any benefit from the extra fees I paid. Even if the item arrives damaged, so I get my refund a few days earlier. So what? I really do not care. If I cannot wait a few days to get my refund if I shop overseas, then I would not shop overseas.

Global Shipping Programme is a rip off. I do not feel I am getting anything for the extra money I paid. Never again, eBay!!!

kensgiftshop · ‎04-13-2019

@j2774 wrote:

Once it leaves the GSP facility you should get a new tracking number.

Have A Great Day.

lacemaker3 · ‎04-13-2019

I have purchased many things through the GSP from the UK to USA over the years.

In my experience, GSP costs about the same, and takes the same length of time to deliver, as if the item were shipped through Royal Mail to the USPS. However, with GSP you get tracking, which is rarely available through Royal Mail. So, you get much better service with GSP for the same cost, and the same time to deliver.

Royal Mail is very expensive, and most items that are sent that way don't have tracking. I have never had a GSP item get lost, but I have had Royal Mail items that got lost and were never delivered. Personally, I would rather receive the item than have to file a case because it got lost.

Your mileage may vary. If you don't like GSP, then don't use it. It is entirely your choice.

But, don't condemn it just becasue you don't like it. Many other people don't agree with you, and have had very positive experiences with it.

j2774 · ‎04-13-2019

For anyone who likes it, I am glad for them, but I see no use in it. I have received packages from the UK, the continent, and even Japan and India with tracking and without incident. I have had more problems with Canada Post but only with regard to returns. You love it; you use it. Up to you.

klhmdg · ‎04-13-2019

I will only ship outside the US with GSP.
I dont care about extra costs. I don’t have to do all the customs forms and as a seller I am only responsible for getting the item to GSP and not to Japan or India.
I have been told it is more expensive so I guess that buyer will buy from someone else. My other option if there was no GSP would be that I would not ship out of the US.
I have always had really good service from GSP

klhmdg • Volunteer Community Mentor