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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!
largeyo
bdgregory
1,726 posts
 
I ship worldwide and to date have had no issues at all, but each time I do I get nervous about transit issues, etc. USPS won't insure deliver in some countries (well, one that I have experienced), other carriers are often cost prohibitive, and now and then I see folks report issues with international deals.

I think the basic issue is FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) that prevents folks from WW sales. Some stuff won't transport great distances very well so that may play into it also.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Shipping paperwork is a HUGE hassel. There is none of that if you just sell in the US market. I sold an item to someone in France one time, and the associated paperwork took me an extra 4 hours.

Unless there is a huge premium to account for extra effort, it's simpler to sell in the domestic market.

Plus, there are very few things that I can think of that can't be bought in the EU at near the same price, so why would you pay any extra for an item here in the States? The only time it makes sense is when it's an arbitrage on currencies.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,202 posts
 
Thorman said it very well. All of the same worries as a domestic sale, only much worse. Not to mention the buyer complaining about duties and tariffs etc. It is too risky and it just isn't worth it unless it is such a rare and expensive item that it must have worldwide exposure to find a customer.
hanaleimike
125 posts
 
" filling out a customs declaration form"

That's enough for me. The only time I have been screwed is from an out of country sale. Also, the level of comprehension of the queens english when dealing with buyers abroad can be stressful and problematic.
davt's avatar
davt
505 posts
 
I have sold to items to oversea's buyers and in both cases the buyer asked me to change the declared value to avoid fee's, this was done after I advised that I would not do it. This led to me not being able to conclude the the sale and having to repost. This also deprived other buyers the opportunity to purchase the item. I have on occasion sold items to overseas since but it was after a phone call and a clear understanding from the buyer on risk I am willing to take. Perhaps if something came up you could talk to a seller directly.

But I am glad you brought up the question because I now know to never buy anything from Kurt_tank. And don't ask me why, it's none of your business. No offense.
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