monkeybiscuits
Jul 26 2007, 05:34 AM
I get a lot of US based ebay sellers who refuse to ship to England, I have a large 100% feedback, and have offered to pay for 'tracked & insured' shipping, and still get the 'NO Overseas' shipping reply....
Why is this ??
NBKA-SENSEI
Jul 26 2007, 06:24 AM
Major Problem is With the shipping companys, I have sent a set of pro class wheels to a guy in England
He opted to pay the lowest class of shipping,
I belive he won the wheels for 125.00 and shipping was about 37.00 with insurance ect., after about 3 weeks, ( it was to take 2, and usps states there on there way,) and after 4 weeks he request a refund from paypal.( I probley would have done the same.) after 2 more weeks he gets it. I know he had to have received the rims, it just took forever.( I heard in some cases up to 10 weeks...)
and I know he never reported to pay pal he got them. so he got free rims, and I got notta....
I will not ship out of country again........
this is the most reported reason I bet.....
please take no offence, this was not you I know.
Its the shipping companys.
just no cheap way to ship good......
John De Bruin
Jul 26 2007, 07:14 AM
I sent 401's to the UK via USPS Priority International which has an estimated delivery time of 7-10 days. It took 7 WEEKS to arrive. The paypal claim was within days of deciding in the buyer's favor when he finally received them and, thankfully, was honest about recieving them and closed the case. On top of all that, I risk my 100% feedback for something that is out of my control? Nope, it's not worth it.
This is 1 example of a half dozen close calls I have had selling to international buyers.
I now make (rare) case-by-case exceptions for people I have sold to previously, who I recognize from the boards, AND have 100% positive feedback.
Criscobath
Jul 26 2007, 08:13 AM
I sell and ship to the UK. However, it's not w/o problems. All the examples above are my experience as well. Shipping via USPS to the UK, or any place outside the US, is not a science. Buyers get upset when their item doesn't arrive within the terms of USPS's quote, regardless if a customs number is given. That's just human nature. However, that doesn't make it a real pleasant experience for the seller. We're out the item, until it's returned, and the $$$.
I'll continue to ship to the UK as long as I don't have bad experiences w/ the process. Most people that I've dealt w/ in the UK and Australia have been top notch buyers.
BRIAN HAYS
Jul 26 2007, 01:11 PM
Well, the problem is cost. You can go to USPS.com all you want but the lady at the counter can pretty much do what she pleases. Waza bought a Cycle Pro Foiler frame (lightest frame known to man) and I packed it in absolutely the smallest box I could. It was literally the same size as the frame. Freight should have been $60-$70. The lady at the post office told me "$320 please". I asked for her boss and that lady was more discruntled than the first. I took my box and left. I went to TWO MORE post offices and got prices all over the board but all three were well over $225. UPS and Fedex are out of control for overseas freight. I vowed to ship overseas no more.
Fast forward a couple of months and another member asked if I would sell him a FMF frame I had on Ebay, so I did because I know him and he's a good dude. Well guess what, same frame (FMF and Foiler), but this one is a complete bike except rims and I boxed it as tightly as possible and went to DHL. They say over $300 to ship. He paid for the bike in Nov and it is still sitting in my closet boxed up because he has issues with the shipping cost.
Obviously neither one of these guys have done ANYTHING wrong, but in order to get them their bikes/parts, we (American's) have to deal with the shippers who could give two sh**s whether you guys get your parts overseas or not. It is TRULY not worth the aggrevation.
[ July 26, 2007, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: BRIAN HAYS ]
Heir Vendt
Jul 26 2007, 03:10 PM
After reading this, and being asked again to ship over-seas, I looked around. DHL, FedX, UPS, USPS.
Everything you folks have said is true.
Since I live in the fine state of Minnesota and near the World Tourist attraction known as the "Mall of America". I offered to have it boxed up ready for them to take back on the plane with a visit to the fine mall.
An option.
John De Bruin
Jul 26 2007, 03:25 PM
MOA memory: coming out of Fat Tuesday's daiquiri bar COMPLETLY hammered at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Sorry, now back to you're regular programming...
84profile
Jul 26 2007, 04:35 PM
I can certainly appreciate some people who don't want the hassle of shipping out of the USA. I also really appreciate people who are prepared to ship oversea's.
Other than just one experience, I have had no problems. I've had multiple frame and fork sets sent out to Australia. I had a Hutch f & f sent out via usps airmail (sent by an awesome member on here), it took like 8 days to get here and was smack on $80us, had another Hutch (frame only) sent out sea freight 9 weeks and $35usd later...However, if you go the slightest bit, outside of the maximum dimensions and your wallet will get a punishing!
I have just learnt that patience is virtue when it comes to international shipping.
Ken Pliska
Jul 26 2007, 05:03 PM
I continue to ship outside of the US with very few problems.
In nine years of international shipping, only a handful of items have ever been misplaced (even temporarily) and every single item that was misplaced by shippers, has come back and been able to be shipped out again. I did have a T/A frame that I shipped out to the UK (if I remember correctly) and the tracking showed that it had in fact reached the destination country but nothing after that. A full seven weeks later it arrived back at my door with three attempts registered (though the Buyer and I know there were never any attempts made). I ate the shipping since the USPS claim time was outrageous and reshipped it myself via the exact same service. This time it arrived no problems in less than a week.
USPS no longer offers surface international shipping (read that as BOAT) and I had NEVER used surface in those nine years before they discontinued it in May of 2007.
Our hobby is Global so when I sell anything related to this hobby, I offer it globally. As far as the prices that some members have been quoted by the PO all can say is, "Wow." You do need to remember to cut down your boxes to the absolute minimum when shipping domestically and overseas. I have seen 1/4" make a $40 difference.
AndyDiamond
Jul 26 2007, 05:20 PM
Never use 'surface' mail - it's hardly any cheaper and is very sketchy.
I have shipped a bucnh of stuff around the world and had 90% of my stuff shipped to me out of the US without any problem.
I usually get stuff for the US within a week, soemtimes quicker, using standard USPS uninsured airmail.
Here are some prices FYI (all standard USPS Airmail):
Stickers in an envelope - $1.50 US
A BMX magazine - approx $10.00 US
A set of Hutch cruiser bars: $24.60 US
A set of 401 cranks with full BB and spindle: $26.90 US
I just sent a 20" frame and fork to the US for approx $70 US.
As with anything, if you investigate and don't go on rumors or one guy's bad experience you'll find it's easy to ship overeas.
The small number of times I've been told 'no international shipping' teh item for sale has gone for much less than I would have paid for it.
The seller loses out in the end, especially from the UK guys who have £ to spend.
Heir Vendt
Jul 26 2007, 07:31 PM
I'm going to give it one more whirl. Feedback and history will be very important. But Posts like this create good fodder to mull over.
Joker808
Jul 26 2007, 08:02 PM
Jay, we're on the same page. The forks I won from you are going to an Australian buyer. I have been a US buyer for him for a bit now. He buys and has stuff shipped to me if the seller does not ship outside the US, or I buy the item and send it to him. Between us, we have a good track record with many smooth transactions and a good amount of trust. That's the good part.
The only problem could come in if the delivery system ever failed us. It's the same thing with any seller. I sell my GT pads very much world wide and I keep customs forms and have a very precise record keeping system to handle sales, ship dates and royalties to GT.
If one of those packages does go missing, even though it states in my auctions that I keep this info for buyers incase something does not show, but that once it goes behind the counter at the post office it's out of my hands, I still feel like crap if any buyer does not get their product.
This has only happened a couple of times out of a couple hundred transactions and I have still worked it out with the buyer. As long as the expectations are straight and the communication is constant, overseas shipping from and to anywhere can be a valid offering in your sales.
z-man99
Jul 26 2007, 08:46 PM
I'm with Ken and Andy on this one. I probably haven't shipped more than 50 items overseas, but I've yet to have a major problem.
Another important consideration for sellers right now is the weak dollar. It makes it easy for non-US collectors to make a seller very happy.
Heir Vendt
Jul 26 2007, 09:50 PM
World gets smaller everyday, and there's someone there with all the gold trying to stop it.
bennyg
Jul 27 2007, 12:27 AM
I have found that all my transactions with my American bothers to be fair & reasonable. To date I have never had a problem with items being shipped from the good old USofA to the land of Oz.
I do appreciate it when you yanks post internationally.
Thanks
mcam
Jul 27 2007, 01:08 AM
Hey, Jay, those forks are going to a good home (me ) They're going a 24 I won, which needs some forks. The CW forks from that went to someone who needed them more than I did. Justin did the buy it now for me. Justin has helped me out so much in this hobby, and I dont know how I could repay him for helping in such a way.
He is one straight up dude!
I really appreciate sellers who ship internationally. Without them, this hobby would basically not exist for me.
COASTY
Jul 27 2007, 01:14 AM
I too appreciate it when someone ships OS. The tires I just bought from ebay cost me $29 in shipping, $10 more than the tires did but thats what we have to do if we want it. What I dont appreciate is some people charging extra to ship OS + actual shipping because it's a hassle. I mean come on, it all goes in the same box or whatever and the only difference is the address on the label.
It sux but what can you do?
I fully understand how the US sellers feel. My Skyway jersey went missing in FEB and it's missing in action. Not Ed's fault in any way but I'm still out a jersey.
muol
Jul 27 2007, 05:00 AM
One reason for shipping delays are the customs. In Germany it can take 2-3 weeks until a shipment passes through. On the other hand they don't grab every parcel for control. I received a deep H (400 USD) from the states within one week. This was mainly because the seller wrote "kids bicycle stem, 14,99 USD" on the custom form. So far I didn't have any trouble with my US BMX brothers (including Heath)
Frostie
Jul 27 2007, 07:19 AM
I must admit most of the time the USPS service is pretty good (for me at least) the prices are fluctuating a bit at the moment it seems.
Most of the stuff I buy is from the US or Asia (now those guys post is fast), I have bought from a lot of members of the various os forums with only a couple of incidents that have actually all worked out in the end!
For those that do ship to the UK - Thanks it is appreciated, and for those that don't please have a re-think even if it is for the forum members!
Paul
Heir Vendt
Jul 27 2007, 07:51 AM
Mcam - you "might" find a little Met-all polish on them. It wipes off.
Heir Vendt
Jul 27 2007, 08:04 AM
Speaking of overseas shipping. I did open up my Kuwi auction to that. After this, its either going up in my garage or on a wall at a TGIF! I'm sure they will "screw" it to the wall!
Can't do it...joking about the TGIF...hehheheheh
waza007
Jul 27 2007, 06:13 PM
FACT= a standard BMX frame and fork box will ship via USPS to UK and Australia. It is 36" x 15" x 6" and is 1" UNDER the max 79" size that USPS has set. with a standard quality frame and forks(JMC, Hutch) Shipping to Australia IS $70USD +or- a few $. I think the problems Brain Hays had in shipping to Australia arises from the postal workers not being able to put down the donuts and actually do some work. I dont understand USPS publishes rates and sizes on their web site so how can the prices vary so much is just ridiculous!!!
[ July 27, 2007, 08:26 PM: Message edited by: waza007 ]
guest_070901
Jul 27 2007, 07:41 PM
there is no "arbitrary pricing conspiracy" with USPS if you process your shipment online. Enter your weight, your destination and you immediately get a preset list of pricing options. No human bias involved unless you are working from a laptop on the grassy knoll.
Plus the online payment method provides a discount over in the office shipment.
slocivbic
Jul 27 2007, 07:42 PM
This is the same issue I had. Non bike related though. I sold a LSD unit (Posi differential) to a guy in Ireland. 1 1/2-2 months month later it came back unable to be delivered. The person was extremely patient. I told him the situation. He said if I could ship it back out (I ate the shipping of course). I took 2 1/2-3 months to get to him. The item sat at the U.S. docks for about 2 months. The buyer never ever asked if I tried to scam him or anything. He just said maybe next time he will shell out more money for the faster shipping. He bought the item in late november. Item mailed in early (4th or the 5th) december. Item comes back in late january/early feburary. Reshipped the item and he finally gets it I think in late april. Now the buyer was real nice. No complaints. I even told him I wasnt trying to scam. He just said no problem and he understood the situation. If It was me I would of be worrying 5 months to get a item. Another bidder won a hutch expert bar from my friends account and it went smoothly to the UK. Both were shipped USPS. It makes me wary because I dont want negative feedback or someone trying to call me a scammer. My ebay account got all screwed up after my puter crashed. I wasnt able to respond to emails until I go t a new hard drive for about 7-9 days and I got negative feedback up the wazoo.I either refunded or sent the item out asap but it was too late. Some people are really impatient and want the item NOW!!!. Thats why I am skeptical about shipping overseas. I've lost money from B.S. claims about item not working or damage. Which were impossible because they were trying to scam and paypal awarded them the money and I got the wrong item back or a empty box. Paypal can be your friend. But then it can be your worst nightmare. You lose money and your item.
Joker808
Jul 27 2007, 07:55 PM
USPS is very strict on the sizes for sure. They only alow the 79" max as waza says and that can be tricky unless you have a tailors tape to do the measurements. Even standard size boxes need to be cut down often and that can take some time. Most sellers know that and if it makes a difference, then they'll put it in the "handling" costs. Most of us just see it as a part of the transaction though.
There are a lot of sellers now that have never shipped a frame/forks over seas and after they find that their box is too big for USPS, they go with the other carriers and the buyer gets hosed with large shipping amounts. It's not optimal, but my best advice is to contact the seller and be very clear with how it will be shipped, or just have it shipped to a buddy and have them do the work to get it down to size and out the door.
Kurt.
Jul 27 2007, 08:47 PM
The inconsistency in USPS sometimes works IN your favour. A mate in the USA onforwarded a Moosegoose F&F for me recently. Only cost about $83 US including insurance. Arrived in a week from Texas to Oz.
Get this though - the box was 45" X 21" x 8"!!!
Obviously the USPS person had no idea about the new size restrictions!!!
waza007
Jul 27 2007, 09:12 PM
Special thanks to the members here that have made the extra effort to get packages small enough to ship to us overseas. Its very much appreciated. Dont let the rare occasions that things go wrong to stop the great work you guys do. If you ever need any help from downunder. Just email me and i'd be glad to retun the favour.
waza007
Heir Vendt
Jul 27 2007, 10:21 PM
I shouldn't, but...
My wife works for a Media company we'll call it. The prices on shipping and items sizes recently changed. They send CD sized envelopes out. She had two of her workers go down with the EXACT same product and packaging. Not at the same time, BUT the same day. Totally different prices going to the same place.
That being said. If you can do the work from your home/office without engaging the staff, do it! Take them out of the picture. USPS is probably as good as the others.
Certain locations are a tich above the DMV.
Randy
Jul 28 2007, 12:36 AM
quote:
. What I dont appreciate is some people charging extra to ship OS + actual shipping because it's a hassle. I mean come on, it all goes in the same box or whatever and the only difference is the address on the label
You should appreciate it, more than you know....
-We're spending time finding the correct customs forms for you. You don't wanna know how often they change customs labels for each country.
-We're spending time cutting down your box so you can receive @ a fair price.
-We're spending time researching proper international rates for you.
-We're standing in line at USPS when otherwise dropping off pre-paid & pre-labeled boxes to fed-ex and others...for you.
Whenever I ship overseas I jack 10 to 20% on for my time, USPS rate errors and just because...I can.
waza007
Jul 28 2007, 02:06 AM
We give you money.
Job done!
Observation...
MOST international buyers i've dealt with pay WAY quicker than the locals do.
QuicksilverBMX
Jul 28 2007, 02:22 AM
quote:
Whenever I ship overseas I jack 10 to 20% on for my time, USPS rate errors and just because...I can.
Nice attitude. Can you pin point the exact time when you stopped giving a crap?
COASTY
Jul 28 2007, 04:31 AM
So Randy we have to pay because your postal system is crap?? We rock up to the PO with a box. Fill out 1 form, pay the money and leave. Not brain surgery. I can't justify the amount charged for the amount of work involved. It still works out for you in the end with our dollar. Oh hang on thats right. We are catching up and soon you will see what it's like to live outside your little bubble.
Enjoy.
supergoose
Jul 28 2007, 07:08 AM
i spent thousands on vintage arcade games and bmx stuff over the past few years and never had a problem with usps.
John De Bruin
Jul 28 2007, 09:08 AM
Turning this into a "us and them" or "we and you" is wrong. Lest you guys forget that it takes TWO postal services to deliver a package? (USPS and the other country's postal service).
I've had several Int. buyers fire e-mails back to me saying USPS is slow. How do you know it's not your country's postal service that's slow?
The only verifiable fact is that when I send something 7-10 days and it takes 7 weeks, I blame it on the logistics of international shipping in general. Now, I simply try my best to avoid it altogether.
Randy
Jul 28 2007, 09:46 AM
quote:
We give you money.
It will sell regardless. If an overseas buyer wants it, they will pay. Should I bear the burden? Think not.
quote:
So Randy we have to pay because your postal system is crap??
yep
quote:
Nice attitude. Can you pin point the exact time when you stopped giving a crap?
let me get back to you on that......
waza007
Jul 28 2007, 09:36 PM
No body here is in direct control of the postal service, so the next best thing is communication. I've bought from Randy, John and many others with NO problems at all. Seems 97%, when there is a problem, it has NOTHING to do with postal service and is more about seller/buyer not doing what they have promisied. Sellers not shipping when they say they did, buyers not paying when they siad they did. patenice is also a key. After all it is comimng from 1/2 wqay around the planet. Even email replies take half a day for reply as when your asleep im awake and when im awake your awake... (Oh yeah thats me not sleepin).
Yes Randy your time is money and im not fussed with a few extra dollars added for packing expenses, including postal time. After all you could live 100 miles from a post office. What i have a problem with is an item that costs $10 to ship, being charged by the seller at $35. If im told that it will cost $35 to ship then i will factor that into my max bid. I think if you bid on an item from overseas without asking what the freight costs will be then you must live with the costs. I have had only 3 people out of 100+ actually refund the shipping difference. Sometimes that has been only $3 or so and its the integrity of the seller that means more than the few $ back in my hand.
Commuicatrion is the key. This is NOT and US and THEM debate at all.
here is a typical example of a good communication
==================================
Thank you for your purchase. It was a US shipping only purchase, and I see your in Australia. I checked out your feedback and looks like we've dealt with similar people and you have good feedback. If you are willing to pay with paypal and for all shipping, UPS/FEDEX only with a tracking number, I am fine with the purchase. What do you think? Hi there, thanks for checking me out. i have no problem with paying by paypal and paying all shipping charges. USPS - Express Mail® International is good and has insurnace tracking and stuff. thanks for dealing with me. email me at ..........
USPS - Express Mail® International
is the best value it has insurnace and tracking
http://ircalc.usps.gov/default.aspx?Mode=I...ingle&CID=10013ive used it hundreds of times, considering size and weight should be about $25-30. its based on weight so what is the pacakaged weight?
great. Send me your address, and I'll check out shipping and send you a paypal invoice. thanks.paypal is done
please ship via
Express Mail® International - Guaranteed Date - 3 - 5 Days $28.00
thanks heaps once again for taking the time to check my feedback and contact me. Internatioanl shipping is not that difficult especially with all the online help thesedays.
any probs just email me
Cool. I'll head out to the post office tomorrow morning.Feedback
"Great overseas buyer/highly recommend."
Its not that difficult with some simple communication.
John De Bruin
Jul 28 2007, 11:40 PM
"patenice is also a key."
We could start a whole new thread on that subject.
Bob_Acid
Jul 29 2007, 08:30 PM
The problem is you only hear about the bad deals and as a result a lot of people heed this and refuse to ship overseas.
AndyDiamond
Jul 29 2007, 08:47 PM
And I'm sure some people still think other countries have postal services that are by horseback or carrier pigeon - lol
BRIAN HAYS
Jul 29 2007, 08:58 PM
Good points made. As far as my current dillema (sp)? with the FMF, I'm gonna check out the exact dimension rules and try the online postage deal and check that out. Having said that, I saw one of the postal ladies last week tell a customer (while I was waiting in line) that her package had incorrect postage on it (online postage) and it was gonna cost more. Don't know the circumstances but I can see this happening to me.
Bob_Acid
Jul 29 2007, 09:04 PM
What's wrong with horse drawn post? lol
I make you right Andy
Heir Vendt
Jul 30 2007, 06:55 PM
Ok...HELP!
Sending the Kuwi to Australia.
I've got one box 36x16.5x6. If I get this, its 81" along with being too tight on the 6" side.
I also have a box I received a cruiser frame/fork in. BUT, its 40x25x6.5.
So here's my question: What happens to the cost when you exceed the 79" size that USPS has set?
I see another max that is 108" but what does this cost?
Gents. Need some quick answers. This HAS to go out quick. I'm on the road in a day.
Thanks
J
guest_070901
Jul 31 2007, 02:13 PM
Brian, if you choose correctly online then you'll not run into a problem with shipping paperwork.
for example, don't list as a 1 lb package if it is really 3lb.
don't choose the price for an envelope if you are sending a box.
i'm sure the customers try all kinds of clever shortcuts. welcome to the world of customer service.
Ken Pliska
Aug 2 2007, 04:03 PM
On Brian's deal, I think he needs to find another post office. Seems the clerks are measuring things incorrectly.
I just returned from the post office. All of my domestic packages (under $500) are drop offs as I print the postage online and simply leave them on the secured counter at the PO. All of my Overseas packages are checked in as the lousy USPS software does not work for international shipping on ANY of my computers (Vista, 2000, etc.).
Just sent a Mongoose Team FF to Australia in a box that measured 36"x12"x3.5" and weighed 9 pounds, 9.6 ounces. Priority Mail International and Total Cost came out to $56.00
Next box was a set of Goose SS Bars to another buyer in the UK. 26" x 12" x 3" and weight was 1 pound, 15.6 ounces. Priority Mail International and the total was $24.00
Last one today was a box that was 12" x 6" x 2" and contained Sunshine Sealed Hubs. The parcel weighed in at 1 pound, 6 ounces. Priority Mail International total cost to Australia came to $25.25
USPS works very well, so long as you have decent clerks there. If not, find one that has decent clerks.
By the way, my Mogoose FF box was made out of two and a thrid Priority Flat Rate boxes "merged" together. I then cover all of the "Flat Rate" designations with Priority Mail tape (as some clerks will read the rules incorrectly and complain that you are using a FR box for non FR shipments).
In the Feedback section of this forum, we should have a "Trading Tips" area where we share this type of information. Could save EVERYONE lots of Time, Money, and Frustration.
mcam
Aug 3 2007, 02:33 AM
Point: Ken Pliska rocks.
I have never bought anything from Ken, but reading that post makes me want to.
That kind of information, and an obvious desire to help international participants in this hobby, makes me think that Ken deserves some kind of award.
Good on you Ken!
By the way, I'm not being sarcastic. I really do mean what I posted.
monkeybiscuits
Aug 3 2007, 03:52 AM
I wanted to add that 99% of US ebayers I have dealt with have been spot on, great service……., thanks !!
subwax
Aug 3 2007, 03:58 AM
quote:
Whenever I ship overseas I jack 10 to 20% on for my time, USPS rate errors and just because...I can.
Wow - what a jerk! Another one for the Ebay banned list.
Do you realise how bad that makes you sound, or is it actually by design that you say that? Trying to get a reaction, or thats the type of person you are in any case?
Frostie
Aug 3 2007, 04:03 AM
I can vouch for Ken's shipping service I have had a few items from him, good prices and well packaged, and it is appreciated.
(ebay id pafrogil)
QuicksilverBMX
Aug 3 2007, 04:06 AM
Ken, you are truly one of the good guys of this hobby.
You have restored my faith in overseas purchasing
monkeybiscuits
Aug 3 2007, 04:12 AM
I have 2 on my 'banned' list......this month !
& one has has 11 ebay names this year (guess who !! LOL)