2. misc-audio
  3. 1240500070

US only sales WHY???

As a UK based audiogon member, i'm constantly surprised at items only being offered to the US, and not worldwide as most ebay items are now, why is this?

After all if the payment is received in full in $USD via Paypal or bankers draft,including the designated shipping fees, what difference does it make to address the item to a non-US address, most items are either picked up by the carrier or taken to the post office and if the seller asks for it to be sent to a foreign address, it takes no more time other than filling out a customs declaration form--Thats It!!, it makes perfect sense to offer worldwide sales and sell items quicker to a [Much Larger] audience.

So the next time that you fill in the for sale details, please give us a chance guys, Thanks!
128x128largeyo
david12
1,454 posts
 
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.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
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.
ironmine
41 posts
 
"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." - Why will a seller need a payoff? Nobody is foolish enough to ship an item before he receives the full payment for it. If a shipment is lost, it's a buyer who suffers.

"Declaring a lesser value is fraud" - Lesser than what? What's the reference point? If two people agree on a price, it's their private business, nobody can override their decision. If you want to sell your $800 amp for $200, and a buyer agrees to buy it for $200, it's nobody else's business.
fpeel
455 posts
 
Here's a quiz for everyone. There are two worlds; each has its pluses and minuses:

In the first world, a seller has no responsibility to deliver their product to the buyer in the condition advertised. If there is shipping damage it is the buyer's responsibility to accept the loss. There is no need for freight insurance, therefore any value for the item being shipped can be declared.

In the second world it is the responsibility of a seller to deliver their product to the buyer in the condition advertised. If there is shipping damage it is the seller's responsibility to accept the loss. The seller is allowed to insure their product, but doing so requires an honest declaration of the product's value.

Which world do you want to live in?

Thanks for playing.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
Fpeel,
I would agree with others that it comes down to what is agreed between buyer and seller. If the buyer wants to take that risk away from the seller, so be it. I have other issues with the practice but that's besides the point to the people who choose to go down that path.
More to discover