International Priority Shipping via global shipping program?

[qkrza-30]

Is International Priority Shipping via global shipping program the safest option (As this seems safe because ebay takes care of shipping)? Or could I use others like UPS worldwide saver which seems the delivery is much faster and not that much more expensive? Would it be just as safe?

[lintbrush*]

The Global Shipping Program charges customs/duty fees up front.  With the GSP, you only have to get your item to Kentucky safely.  If it is damaged on the international leg, the GSP (Pitney Bowes) is responsible.

Direct shipping is fine for many items, but it does come with some risk.  If damaged, you are liable.  If lost, you are liable.  If the buyer refuses to pay the import fees, you will get the item back.

UPS Worldwide Saver will likely have brokerage fees which will be billed to the customer.

A lot depends on the value and weight of the item you intend to sell.

[beauregardpsch]

So does Global Shipping Program unpack the item when they receive it and repack?  Concerned about this as I am going to get a fairly $$ item/fragile from the UK and they are using that program now. The last package I got that way was crushed on several corners and beat up badly and the box was soft and should have been double corrugated as I asked the seller to use because of that fact.  Also who then do you contact if said item is damaged in transit?  I know tracking did not even tell you what carrier was going to deliver, expected date etc. even when it was stateside here.  I never had issues with buying from foreign sellers the normal way and have not read anything too positive from a buyers viewpoint.  Any help would be appreciated.

[pjcdn2005]

They do unpack and repack some packages. I'm not sure why or when they do.

If an item is damaged the buyer opens an item not as described claim saying that the item was damaged during shipping and that it was a gsp transaction.  The system doesn't always recognize that it was shipped via gsp so it is a good idea for the seller to phone ebay after the claim has been filed to ensure that the gsp is the one refunding.  

[beauregardpsch]

Sounds like this option is definitely geared to protect the seller and more of a hassle for the buyer should anything go wrong. I have never been charged import fees in all of my years of buying with normal shipping carriers. I have bought from all over the world many times too. To me esp. if an item is fragile them possibly unboxing the item is a huge risk in itself. Thank you much for this info. Appreciate it!!!!!!