Thread: eBay - International Priority Shipping. Blahhh!

Hi all,

I live outside the United States. It seems that more and more eBay sellers have signed up for something called "International Priority Shipping". What a rip off.

In addition to shipping charges there's also something called Import Charges. Import charges range anywhere from about 18% and 28% of the price of the item. There is no rhyme or reason to the extra charges.

Examples:

There's a nice Wade and Butcher up for auction now. Current bid $41.00. Shipping $12.30. No problem. But there's also an "Import Charge" of $11.14. That's 26% extra to me.

There's a nice 7 day set up for sale at $750.00. Shipping $24.44. No problem. "Import Charge" of $139.10. That's 18% extra to me.

When I have to pay an extra tax here in Canada for items purchased on eBay the only extra charge has been 7% GST. Somebody is making out like a bandit and it's not me or my government.

- Totton

Did you mean the Global Shipping Program? That involves using a courier and results in much higher charges. Search Global Shipping Program on here for more opinions. Yes, the Global Shipping Program from my POV is a rip off.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Yes, you're right. It's generically known as the Global Shipping Program. I didn't know that. Thanks. On my eBay listings it show up as "International Priority Shipping to Canada" and then lists the import charges based on the current bid.

I intend to boycott sellers who have signed up for this kind of shipping. And I intend to let them know why. Thankfully there are still quite a few sellers who ship using United States Postal service where there are no import charges.

Thanks for your response,

Totton

Originally Posted by BobH

...That involves using a courier and results in much higher charges

And I don't mind higher shipping charges. Shipping is what it is. It's the import fees on top of it all that burns my butt.

I did see a post about a company in America that you can have your items shipped to, 2 who then send them on to Australia, seemingly reasonably priced too.
Unfortunately I don't know much about it. But if you message bongo or look In the down under forum you might find something.
The same company might do other countries too.
or just get friendly with a member across the border and get your stuff delivered to them.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

I did see a post about a company in America that you can have your items shipped to, 2 who then send them on to Australia, seemingly reasonably priced too.
Unfortunately I don't know much about it. But if you message bongo or look In the down under forum you might find something.
The same company might do other countries too.
or just get friendly with a member across the border and get your stuff delivered to them.

Great suggestions here. Thanks. - Totton

Originally Posted by totton111

And I don't mind higher shipping charges. Shipping is what it is. It's the import fees on top of it all that burns my butt.

There are brokers fees involved with using a courier, they automatically estimate and collect taxes and duties payable whether or not any may be due. They also may sometimes incorrectly apply the wrong duties payable, by accident of course, and usually at a higher rate. Then there is the idea of charging you tax on the service of collecting taxes which I believe is not allowed by law. For all that service they charge a percentage of the value of the goods on top of that also. You add all that up and you can very quickly increase the sale price of the item by as much as 50% and more.

Yes, I do not buy from anyone using that service as there still are plenty of other sellers willing to ship by the much maligned USPS. Somehow USPS has always managed to deliver the goods to me. There is no guarantee that shipping by a Postal Service or by a Courier that an item can't get lost. Good luck in collecting on a claim in either case. I prefer not to pay for services I do not need.

Bob

The Global Shipping program is their answer to folks overseas who complain sellers don't want to ship international. It's great for sellers since it removes all the issues for them unfortunately it is way too expensive for the buyer. if you are selling an expensive item (meaning a grand or more) it's worthwhile for all concerned since everyone is protected. For typical items though it's just a deal killer.

I have already had my rants about the Global Ship program. Razors from the UK, Australia and Japan all ship quite quickly to Canada. Don't even bother looking at listings that use Global Ship. Just buy somewhere else.

Originally Posted by BobH

[...]plenty of other sellers willing to ship by the much maligned USPS. Somehow USPS has always managed to deliver the goods to me. [...]

Never had a problem with USPS either. Much preferred to Global Shipping with all of it's extra/higher fees.

I just can't believe eBay thinks Global Shipping is the answer. It isn't.