Protection if item is shipped not within eBay's system

[meeshiandpoogans2006]

I sold an item to someone internationally. I do not have reason to believe it will be fraud, but because it is an expensive item and very expensive to ship I wanted to know if I ship the item directly via USPS (trackable) and the buyer claims it wasn't delivered, even though USPS says it was, will eBay still side with me if I have proof of delivery, even though it wasn't shipped directly via eBay?

BTW, the reason it wasn't shipped directly via eBay is because I had to void the label and unbeknowst to me (and apparently most of eBay customer service), you have to wait 14-21 days to print another label for international shipments. For US shipments, you can void up to 5 labels. 

[green-night · Accepted solution]

will eBay still side with me if I have proof of delivery, even though it wasn't shipped directly via eBay?

Yes, they will side with you.   There is no requirement to buy postage through eBay in order to qualify for seller protection.   Assuming the item isn't $750+ which would require online viewable sig. confirmation that isn't available with USPS, as long as you have tracking showing as delivered, you will be fine. 

[2015mhfashions]

Make sure your tracking is uploaded straight away to the purchase, Delays doing this will give you a problem with any INR.

[anthology-of-treasures]

Have you tried pirateship(.com) for cheaper rates verses USPS?

You can import your eBay sales to produce shipping labels. A tracking number is automatically sent to eBay for your customers. You pay Commercial Plus rates. They offer cubic pricing. No monthly fees. You don't need a eBay account to use it.