US only sales WHY???

Funny enough, but nearly only those who do not sell outside the US comment here. In my eight years here on audiogon, I have bought and sold from and to the US as a German living in Moscow, now having moved back to Germany), without any problem whatsoever, so my advice is to buyers from abroad: ask courteously, be able to pay by cheque, bank transfer, or Paypal, and more often than not it works just fine.
Regards, Florian Hassel

During the last 1,5 years, I have bought about 8-10 expensive items (from $200 to $1000) from Audiogon, Head-Fi, eBay. I live in Russia and I've never had a problem receiving stuff from U.S, Australia, South Korea, Canada. I contact the buyer, ask him for a shipping quote, then ask him to kindly specify the invoice value as $200-$300 (including the shipping charges). If he agrees, I pay through PayPal and in 4-6 weeks I always receive what I want. The biggest problem is persuading the buyer to sell internationally. They always fear something unreasonably like small children, I cannot understand it. It seems to me that it's the buyer who bear all the risks, not the seller. So, if I am willing to take these risks, why does it matter to the seller?

Asking a seller to undervalue their product on the invoice exposes them to a potential loss in the event of shipping damage as shipping companies generally will not payoff more than the items declared value. If an individual wants to scam their government that's their business. given some of the tax laws I can even understand why they would. But asking me to be complicit is a step too far.

BTW, I am not opposed to international sales or purchases, though my preference is for US transactions, especially for larger purchases. These are always paid for with USPS Money Orders and the funds delivered via the USPS. If there is a scam or deceit it's a Federal offense and the likelihood of the authorities taking action is greater. I may not get my money back, but there is a greater chance the culprit would not do it again! (yes, mildly delusional, but it brings me comfort...)

As I understand it, it is not an offence to undervalue any item being sent, but only to give a different insurance value to the declared customs value. If the buyer wishes to take the risk of a loss on the insurance if the item goes astray and it is underinsured, that is his risk, not the sellers.

Declaring a lesser value is fraud and the border agents are more resourceful than most people assume. They have the computers to check Ebay and Audiogon records and often do, as well as contacting the seller. Not only can they fine, they can confiscate and lay criminal charges.